332 
TRAVELS IN NORTHERN AFRICA. 
CHAP. IX, 
send camels back from Zleetun, when, fortunately, our wanderers 
made their appearance. 
A fine cold north wind from the sea reminded us that we were 
once again in its vicinity. At three, clouds rose round us, and very 
heavy rain fell on the neighbouring hills, accompanied by thunder 
and lightning : it soon after reached us, and we encamped in a 
small wadey, having travelled north six miles. The provisions of 
the whole Kaffle had nearly failed, and many of the Arabs had, 
during this day, only a handful of dates. 
Thursday, 16th March. — Heavy black clouds all round us. At 
7. 15. we set off, but at eight were obhged to stop again (having 
gone north one mile and a half). The rain falling in torrents, we 
put up our tents and goods, as well as the time would admit, on 
a rising ground near a wadey, which was soon partially flooded. I 
sheltered twenty-six poor shivering girls and four boys in my tent, 
and we were of course pretty well crowded. I managed to put dry 
clothes on some of them, and to make them more comfortable. At 
noon the rain ceased for a time, and we had occasionally hght 
showers during the rest of the day. Belford and myself sallied out, 
and, kneeling down, drank sweet water for the first time since leaving 
Tripoli, with a zest greater than any toper ever felt on tasting the 
most exquisite wine. I observed that the fresh water caused me 
very severe pain in the bowels, and occasioned a sensation of fulness 
in the chest. A snake was killed by the Negroes, nearly seven feet 
in length, but so much mutilated that it was impossible for me to 
skin it. 
Friday, March 17th. — Last night the poor sick Negress died 
from fatigue and the united effects of cold and rain. Showers 
during the night. The morning was fine, and at seven we took our 
road over a flat of yellow sandy earth,, covered with grass and small 
