198 THE EXPLORATION OF THE NIGER with the Tuareg chiefs, assert that they found them loyal and to some extent even conciliatory.

In speaking of the Tuaregs in general, I shall express myself very plainly on the subject of these treaties. 1 now beg leave to break off the narrative of our voyage for a moment to try and make better known this interestinE race, which has perhaps been unjustly calumniated.