coes supported by pillars in front.
The town contains a bazaar and barracks for two thousand Turkish
troops. It is a thoroughfare rather than the seat of a commerce.

They were here joined by a man of influence named Mahomet Boro, an
elderly, respectable-looking personage, wearing a green bournous over
white under-clothes. He was to act as mediator between them and the
inhabitants of the countries they were to visit. He was now on his
homeward journey from a pilgrimage to Mecca.

On the 13th of June they left Mourzouk by the eastern gate. Some chiefs
from Ghat had arrived, to whose charge Mr Gagliuffi had committed the
travellers. At this Mahomet Boro became very indignant, and threatened
that he would take care that they should be attacked on the road by his
countrymen, nor were these empty threats.

It is remarkable that while the Mahommedan religion in general is
sinking to corruption along the coast, there are ascetic sects rising up
in the interior which unite its last zealous followers by a religious
bond. From some of these sects travellers receive much ill-treatment
and annoyance. On the 15th of July the doctor determined to visit a
remarkable mountain which appeared in the distance. Being unable to
obtain any guide, he set off, taking with him as provisions only dried
biscuits and dates--the worst possible food in the desert when water is
scarce. Making his way over the pebbly ground, he saw a pair of
beautiful antelopes, which stopped, gazing at him and wagging their
tails.

The distance proved far greater than he had imagined; indeed, there was
a deep valley between him and the side of the mountain. Still, eager to
reach its summit, he pushed on. The sun began to put forth its power;
there was not the slightest shade around. At length he reached the
height at which he was aiming, but, on looking round, he in vain sought
for any traces of the caravan. Having but a small supply of water in
his water-skin, he could only venture to sip a few drops, while he could
with difficulty eat his dry biscuit and dates.

Fearing that the caravan might push on believing him to be in advance,
he immediately descended the mountain, in order to follow its course.
At noon he swallowed the remainder of his water, but, taken on an empty
stomach, it did not restore his strength. Believing that his party were
to encamp at no great distance from the mountain, he strained his sight
in hopes of seeing his friends; bu