Abd-el-Kader was deposed last year, the malcontents chose a relative,
Hamed-el-Argau; but he also displeasing, a rival was set up in Makita,
also of the same family. This caused great confusion, and the Walad
Suleiman took the opportunity to make forays against Aheer. The prudent
then resolved to restore the old Sultan, and succeeded, as I have
already said, in their endeavours. When Dr. Barth arrived in Aghadez,
the investiture was about to take place. The Sultan is chosen by the
Kilgris and Iteesan tribes, who nourish a deadly hatred against their
kindred, the Kailouees. On the present occasion, however, a marabout
proclaimed peace and good-will between these ancient enemies. It was
necessary, indeed, that some understanding should be come to, as after
the election the ratification of En-Noor and Lousou is required.
En-Noor, especially, is greatly respected by the people of Aghadez, as
the grand supporter of authority in Asben. The new Sultan is usually
brought from Sakkatou in state by the tribes Iteesan and Kilgris. A vast
crowd of them, with their families and flocks, had marched up and
occupied a camp near the town; but they departed on the same day that
Dr. Barth arrived--even before he entered.

Early in the morning, Dr. Barth paid his respects to the Sultan. He was
a stout man, about fifty-five years of age--benevolent-looking, as far
as could be judged in spite of his face-wrappers. He sat in a large
room, supported by two massive columns, and received his visitors
kindly. The presents pleased him, and were acknowledged by the
counter-present of a fat ram, and by meals sent every day.

The ceremony of investiture took place on the 16th of October, and seems
to have been an imposing spectacle. Certain intricate forms are used to
express the combination of various Tuarick tribes in choosing this
foreign sultan. Succeeding it was the great festival, on which a