During the day the black slaves, well knowing the duty they were expected to perform, had been gathering pieces of dried camels’ dung along the way: this was to supply fuel for the fire of the douar at night.
Soon after sunset Golah ordered a halt, when the camels were unloaded, and the tents set up.
About one quarter the quantity of sangleh that each required was then served out to the slaves for their dinner, and as they had eaten nothing since morning, this article of food appeared to have greatly improved, both in appearance and flavour. To the palates of our adventurers it seemed delicious.
Golah, after examining his human property, and evidently satisfied with the condition of all, retired to his tent; from which soon after issued sounds that resembled a distant thunder-storm.
The black sheik was snoring.
The two young men, his son and brother-in-law relieved each other during the night in keeping watch over the slaves.
Their vigil was altogether unnecessary. Weak, and exhausted with hunger and fatigue, the thoughts of the captives were not of the future, but of present repose; which was eagerly sought, and readily found, by all four of them.