116 BEREBBER ROBBERS, deter the lions and other wild beasts from approaching. About two hours after midnight, my grey horse, who was an old campaigner, neighed and awoke us ; this gave the alarm, and my people were presently on the alert, and perceived two men approaching our tents, crawling naked along the ground, which was of the same colour with their bodies. We did not wish to take them, fearing that the people of the Douar would espouse the cause of their countrymen, but my people gave the alarm, and exclaimed *' Erd abellek asas,'' i. e. " Be watchful, guards!" We then saw these marauders jump up, and run away as fast as they could ; keeping watch the rest of the night : we were advised to take no notice of this circumstance. The people of Ait Zimurh are professed robbers : they would not allow us to pitch our tents within their circular encampment, a privilege universally granted to strangers and travellers. I thought this very unhospitable ; being totally different from any thing I had ever before witnessed in this country, where hospitality generally exceeds all bounds. I have no doubt that the people of the Douar were in league with the robbers ; I considered my escape, the next day, when I was apprised of the danger of the country I had confided in, quite providential, and I have no doubt but these people would delude any one that would trust to their honour : they reminded me of the ancient Africans, as described by Sallust, in the wars of Jugurtha.