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Tuesday, Sept. 6.—Therm. 60°. Had a row with the Sheïkh. Some
of the people had stolen my horse’s corn. A cool wind from the N.E.
Abú upset the milk I had saved for breakfast. We started at half-past
nine, and rode fast for fourteen miles E.N.E., and then due N.
Crossed several sand-hills, and saw many gazelles, boars and
serpents. At five P.M. came to a small spring of fresh water. My horse
has been three days without any, and has had only salt water since
the day before he left Wad Nún. We came almost to blows to get a
mouthful for him; I was obliged to go without any myself; for as the
quantity is so small, it is the law to keep it for human beings alone.
We halted for an hour, and then turning a little west, crossed a high
range, and came again to El Bushra, where I got a belly-full of milk
and of bread which was now mouldy.
Wednesday, Sept. 7.—Therm. 60°. It was arranged for us to
return home this evening; but a dispute arose about a spring, and
some salt-beds, and the question of war with the Tagakánths and
Ergebats detained us the whole day. This conference was one of the
most interesting scenes I ever witnessed. Upon one of the poles of
the tent were suspended the guns, on the other the sword and
cuneas; the Sheïkh stood in the centre, myself at his right hand, and
the Kadí on his left; the charges and questions, the animated
pleadings, the powerful appeals, &c. together with the noise of those
siding with each party, all presented a striking picture. There was
some difficulty in settling matters; but all differences were eventually
brought to a close by a feast, when I got my milk and laid down.
Thursday, Sept. 8.—Therm. 62°. Off at half-past six. Rode very
fast till half-past one, when we halted at the Sheïkh’s garden. We
had crossed the Assaka, and came to the Syod, which is here only a
ditch. We then lighted a fire, and got some good tea made with fresh
water; there was plenty of figs to give a relish to the remainder of the
musty bread. I had now travelled hard for ten days, and had eaten
nothing but a small piece of fish, dry bread and camel’s milk. I
perfectly astonished these people, ............... but was much benefitted
and pleased by the trip. Got home at six P.M. when I had coffee and a
wash.
Here ends Mr. Davidson’s Journal, from which the notes have
been extracted; and the three following letters, addressed to Mr.
Willshire, will tell all that his friends have to communicate up to the
period of his lamented decease.