said he, “ when the sun is three fathoms high, you will be with me by sunset.” I questioned him as to the danger of incurring the sheikh’s displeasure; but he did not prevaricate, and his reply was “ there were three brothers of them, and the sheikh wanted to bring them all over to his service, and that it was not his interest to quarrel with them.” March 28.—Doctor Oudney was getting worse and worse: he had applied a blister to his chest in consequence of the violence of his cough; but he was so weak as not to be able to move from one hut to another. His principal food was a little flour and water paste, and sometimes a little soup at night. Boo-Khaloom saw us after prayers; he said that he had determined on dismissing about thirty of the most rebellious Arabs, and they were about to return to Mourzuk; March 29 to April 8.—Tuesday. Drees paid me a third visit previous to his leaving Kouka, and pressed me to come over the Shary, and at least stay some time at his tents. I t was night when he came; and he either affected, or really had great fear, of any one’s noticing him. i Do not mention .my coming to you,” said he; “ every body who visits your hut is a spy on your actions. Every thing you say is repeated to the sheikh.” “ —And yourself,” said I. “ Very good,” said h e ; “ you have no reason to trust me. Say nothing; I have made you the offer. Come, if you think proper; but do not commit yourself. I have spoken to you as I would to my own bowels.” The Shouaas Arabs are a very extraordinary race, and have scarcely any resemblance to the Arabs of the north : they have fine open countenances, with aquiline noses and large eyes; their complexion is a light copper colour; they possess great cunning with their courage, and resemble in appearance some of our best favoured gypsies in England, particularly the women, and their Arabic is nearly pure Egyptian.
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