a long time past. It was across a cave of
rocks, that I saw at a distance a city built upon an eminence, the
environs of which announced formidable fortifications. When we drew near
it, a little after, I could see no more than earthen bulwarks, almost
all broken down. We observed some of the inhabitants, who appeared at
small windows opposite to us. They seemed to be meditating some wicked
action. The chief of the village, having learned that Sidy Sellem was
the leader of this small caravan, came to meet him, attended by four
negro slaves. They carried on their heads a basket of dates, which their
master had presented as a mark of respect to him. "Is this Guadnum which
I see?" I asked at Sidy Sellem. "No," replied he, "it is Fort Labat. The
city is very near; you may observe it." Indeed, we arrived there two
hours after.

This city, so much longed for, is the refuge of all the most resolute
rebels of the different tribes. It is divided into two parts. The lower
part is commanded by Sidy Adalla, There was a governor for the higher
part, which is situated upon a little hill, and which very much
resembles Fort Labat. Almost all the houses are built in the same
manner. Four great walls occupy an immense space of ground. All those
of the same part, build a house which will only admit light by the door
and the top, which remains uncovered. The four walls which surround the
house are very high. There is only one gate in all their circumference.
This is guarded by large dogs. Every particular person has his own dog
to protect himself; and without this precaution, although enclosed
within walls, would have no security against the depredations of any
neighbour more daring, or more skillful than himself.

I could not reconcile this general mistrust with the considerable trade
which was carried on in this city. I saw two markets in it, which
certainly were not inferior in any respect to the largest fairs in the
provinces of France. Though specie of different kinds circulates here, I
am inclined to think that their trade is principally carried on by
barter. Fine wool may be found here in great abundance, and, above all,
woollen stuffs, half white and half crimson, which are used by the
inhabitants for their dresses. The merchants who purchase them, in order
to sell them in the interior parts of the country, give camels in
exchange.

Their ordinary profit is four hundred per cent.; and on these articles
they gain much less than on