FROM TOSAYE TO FAFA i6i THE DUNE.

Vague summits on the dim, far distance rise ; Then wSdys, mirage, and that northern pass Where flocks in summer seek the mountain grass ; Next, this long sand-hill that outstretched lies ; Nought else ! Six aeons long the solar dyes Have steep'd the dune with ochreous gold and brass ; Flashed in the silica like broken glass, And dried the courses dug by wrathful skies.

Yon camel's formless bulk against the blue Seems parcel of the wild chaotic scene ; With grounded lance and figure sharp in view, His master stands, a statue — well-knit, lean — Then striding slow athwart the tawny sand, Sits motionless beside the river strand.

Every now and then our Tuareg companions reappeared from behind the yellow crest of sand, but their enthusiasm of the morning had considerably cooled down. Horses and men alike were tired, and the latter were dragging the former along by their heads, all presenting a most pitiable appearance. Thus escorted we arrived about five o'clock in the evening at the village of Bia on the left bank.

Ibrahim, the son of Sala, did not care to go any further. We persuaded an old Songhay who lived in the village to take his place. Strange to say, though the Tademeket continued their vociferations on the right bank, there was no sign of hostility from the left, which made me hopeful for the future. We saw natives on foot and on horseback pass, and they stared curiously at the boats, but showed neither fear nor anger.

Night fell, and we had sat down to supper, when all of a sudden there was a great noise like that of paddles beating the water, or horses swimming. To arms! was the cry, and the next moment all were at their posts. The people of the village of Bia shouted to us that it was only