CHAPTER XVII.

ÁGADES 175

The Retail Traders from Tawát—The Learned ʿAbdallah—Aspect of the Town—The Sultan’s Quarter—Interview with the Chief—Mohammed Bóro’s House and Family—Markets of Ágades—Manufactures—Native Cavalry—View of the Town—The Kádhi—Interior of Ágades—Various Visitors—The “Fúra,” a Favourite Drink—Manners and Customs—A Misadventure—Language of Ágades the same as that of Timbúktu—My Friend Hamma—The Fatal Dungeon—Ceremony of Investiture—The Procession—Visitors—Rumours of War—On Rock-Inscriptions—Visitors again—Episode—Parting with Bóro—Tailelt (Guinea-fowl) Tobes—Áshu’s Garden—Letters from the Sultan—Military Expedition—Results of the Expedition—Interior of a House—The Emgedesi Lady—Ruinous Quarter—Wanton Manners—The Mosque and Tower—Interior of the Mosque—Hostile Disposition of the Kádhi—Other Mosques in Ágades—Enlightened Views—Preparations for Departure.