Thursday, Mar. 10.—Therm. 65°. Very fine. Paid a visit to Sídí Ben Idris. I learnt from him some particulars respecting the Khunthas. He tells me it is Herami for their native doctors to examine these people; that when this is necessary, as in the case of (an expected) death, it must be done by means of a glass, that they who have the parts of the male prominent, are set down as men who are destined to have a double portion of prosperity; while those in which the female organ is more developed, are, like the other sex, less fortunate. They are called Khunthá and Khanáth; the most perfect are found at Fez. Received my answer from the Sheïkh of Wád Nún; it is perfectly satisfactory, he will protect me beyond Tumbuktú, if necessary; it only remains for me to know the terms. Made my round of patients.
Friday, Mar. 11.—Therm. 65°. Weather beautiful. Went to the káïd of Shedmah, whom I found better: have had many applications. Mr. Willshire went to Ben Idris, who will offer no opposition; all therefore goes on well. Got out the tent preparatory to departure. The brother of the Sheïkh of Wád Nún is to accompany me as far as that place. I find some difficulty about money matters, and must therefore send to London. Cohen is not doing so well; he finds I can dispense with his services, and I shall be glad to get rid of him entirely.
Saturday, March 12.—Therm. 66°. Walked with Mr. Willshire to see Reis Múden’s wife, and other patients. The ladies opposite are very merry: made arrangements for the letter to the Sultán.
Sunday, March 13.—Therm. 60°. Weather very boisterous. Read the prayers; my patients are improving: had a visit from Hájí Omar, who lately had some hot pepper rubbed in his mouth for telling a lie: the punishment ought to be repeated, as he has made up a fine story about me. I begin to feel an anxiety to get off: but any hurry on my part would mar all my prospects. Took the tent to pieces, and have several Jews at work; for as the holidays of these people and the Moors are at hand, I must get every thing done before their commencement.
Monday, March 14.—Therm. 66°. Weather hot and muggy. Went to dine in the Jews’ town: such a dinner! I heard a long account of the cabbalists, the talkers with God, and the angels. Returned home, and arranged to start this day week for Teródánt, to quiet the talk about us. I do not feel quite contented with Cohen: his son has the bocca larga. During the afternoon we were visited by the hot wind: it was very oppressive: began my letter-writing, and hope soon to get off.
Tuesday, March 15.—Therm. 66°. Some rain fell during the night. Received the names of Hámed Libbú, king of Tumbuktú; Fehedier, king of Hausah; Woled Mansa Ensilú, king of Bambarrah; all of them are well known to Abú. Preparing to start.
Wednesday, March 16.—Therm. 70°. Fine, but with signs of rain in the distance. Went to the governor to say that I intended leaving next week: sent off letters to the Sultán. Was hard at work with my patients, all of whom are doing well.
Thursday, March 17.—Therm. 66°. The weather is brightening up; busy in preparing; wrote letters to send by the Milford; heard the history of the man who found the camels in the sand, and made his fortune by it. This happened at two days’ journey from Wád Nún: employed in preparations for starting.
Friday, March 18.—Therm. 66. Wind S.; got very warm towards mid-day; had my marquee altered to a tent, at an expense of ten dollars; determined to leave my horse, and made preparations for mule-travelling. The most extraordinary reports are in circulation about me; first, that I am going all over the country to see where it can be best attacked, and conquered; next, that I have turned merchant, and am going to Súdán to buy up the gold; and queries are asked as to the quantity of salt I shall have to carry for that purpose. Of this last article, the price is extravagantly high. A human being is given for as much as two feet can cover, and the whole of a woman’s jewels have been asked for as much as she could cover with her body. Had three of the famed serpent-stones brought me to purchase: they fetch very high prices, as they are a remedy for the bite of the reptile, and are used as a most costly medicine. I made several offers; the men had refused twenty-two ducats for the three; a large sum for a Moor to give, and an Arab to refuse. They are generally brought from Sùdàn: these, however, were taken from the M’hor, which is a kind of antelope, and are called selsí in the Mandingo language: they are used as an antidote in cases of poison, and are applied also to pains and bruises: I bought the three for eight dollars. The moon was visible and clear; a sign of fine weather. This evening the Sultan is to receive my application: it is therefore a moment of great anxiety.
Saturday, March 19.—Therm. 67. Weather beautiful: the Milford about to sail. At half-past one the Therm. in the sun was 114°. Did not rise at all to-day: rather the worse for the copper[79] of yesterday.