ABSTRACT
The chapter talks about the departure of the author and his companions from Ght. It is an exciting moment to them. So far author considers himself comparatively on familiar ground; for although he follows different route, the great points of Mourzuk and Ght were well known to him. Now, they are about to enter upon a region totally unknown, of which no authentic accounts from eye-witnessesunless they count the vague reports of nativeshad ever reachedthem: valleys unexplored; deserts unaffronted; countries which no European had ever surveyed. The wind does not always serve at the outset of a voyage. Their first stage was only of two hours southwards, as far as Berket, a considerable town, well walled, situate under a low hill, and surrounded with palm-trees and gardens. The people visited them on their arrival; all proved troublesome and some insolent. Their country is pleasanter than themselves, certainly the most picturesque piece of desert author have seen since leaving Tripoli.
