The
Caffilah arrived about half-past 1 P.M., by which time the cattle of the
Bedoos had all been driven off to grass, so that the well was at our
service.
We encamped close to it. Ibrahim recommended that Adam Burroo of
the Assoubal tribe, a young Bedoo, and a relation of his should accompany
our party. I promised him ten dollars at Tajoorah. [3] At 3 P.M., having
completed my arrangements, and leaving one servant behind to bring up the
luggage, I quitted the Caffilah amidst the universal blessings of the
people. I was accompanied by Ibrahim, the Ras el Caffilah, Deeni ibn
Hamid, my interpreter, three of my servants, and the young Bedoo, all
mounted on mules. One baggage mule, fastened behind one of my servants'
animals, carried a little flour, parched grain, and coffee, coffee-pot,
frying-pan, and one suit of clothes for each. Advancing at a rapid pace,
about 5 P.M. we came up with a party consisting of Eesa, with their
camels. One of them instantly collected the camels, whilst the others
hurried towards us in a suspicious way. The Bedoo hastened to meet them,
and we were permitted, owing, I was told, to my firearms, the appearance
of which pleased them not, to proceed quietly. At 7 P.M., having arrived
at a place where grass was abundant, we turned off the road and halted.
"At 1:30 A.M., on Thursday, 3rd February, as the moon rose we saddled our
mules and pushed forward at a rapid pace.
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