Of women who carried her tent (a present from the husband),
some bearing up the poles, others holding by the strings; and in
this manner they marched, whistling as formerly, until they came to
the place appointed for her residence, where they pitched the tent.
The husband followed, with a number of men, leading four bullocks,
which they tied to the tent strings; and having killed another, and
distributed the beef among the people, the ceremony was concluded.
CHAPTER XI - SUFFERINGS IN CAPTIVITY
One whole month had now elapsed since I was led into captivity,
during which time each returning day brought me fresh distresses. I
watched the lingering course of the sun with anxiety, and blessed
his evening beams as they shined a yellow lustre along the sandy
floor of my hut; for it was then that my oppressors left me, and
allowed me to pass the sultry night in solitude and reflection.
About midnight a bowl of kouskous, with some salt and water, were
brought for me and my two attendants. This was our common fare, and
it was all that was allowed us to allay the cravings of hunger and
support nature for the whole of the following day; for it is to be
observed that this was the Mohammedan Lent, and as the Moors keep
the fast with a religious strictness, they thought it proper to
compel me, though a Christian, to similar observance. Time,
however, somewhat reconciled me to my situation. I found that I
could bear hunger and thirst better than I expected; and at length I
endeavoured to beguile the tedious hours by learning to write
Arabic.
April 14. - As Queen Fatima had not yet arrived, Ali proposed to go
to the north and bring her back with him; but as the place was two
days' journey from Benowm it was necessary to have some refreshment
on the road; and Ali, suspicious of those about him, was so afraid
of being poisoned, that he never ate anything but what was dressed
under his own immediate inspection. A fine bullock was therefore
killed, and the flesh being cut up into thin slices, was dried in
the sun; and this, with two bags of dry kouskous, formed his
travelling provisions.
Previous to his departure, the black people of the town of Benowm
came, according to their annual custom, to show their arms, and
bring their stipulated tribute of corn and cloth. They were but
badly armed - twenty-two with muskets, forty or fifty with bows and
arrows, and nearly the same number of men and boys with spears only.
They arranged themselves before the tent, where they waited until
their arms were examined, and some little disputes settled.
About midnight on the 16th, Ali departed quietly from Benowm,
accompanied by a few attendants.
