At the bottom of the hill, they entered several, not much decayed by time.  At a hundred yards, however, from the base of the hill, and now used as a burying-ground, there is a subterranean house, of large dimensions, and probably the residence of the great personage.  Dr. Oudney and Clapperton entered this excavation, and found three extensive galleries, which communicated only by small openings, on passing through which, they had to stoop considerably.  The galleries were, however, high, and of considerable length, about one hundred and fifty feet, and each had several small recesses, like sleeping rooms.  The whole had neatness about it, and showed a taste in the excavation.  There are no traces of similar abodes in Fezzan.  The people are so afraid, and so superstitious, that scarcely one of the town had ever entered it.  They were astonished when the Europeans entered it without ceremony, and two, encouraged by their example, brought them a light, by which they were enabled to look into the different recesses.

On the 6th July, they started, with a beautiful moonlight, over a sandy plain, with a great many small hillocks.  They stopped at Dalhoon, a well nearly filled up with sand, and containing water so brackish that they were unable to drink it.  They started again, and got in amongst the sand-hills.  Their new guide proved neither such an active man, nor so experienced a pilot, as their old Tuarick, as they had several times to retrace their steps.

After visiting several places of no particular note, they arrived at Ghraat, and were soon visited by a number of Hateeta’s relations, one of whom was his sister; some were much affected, and wept at the sufferings that had detained him so long from them.  A number of his male relations soon came, and many of the inhabitants of the town.  The ladies were a free and lively set.  They were not a little pleased with the grave manner in which their visitors uttered the various complimentary expressions.  Hateeta was not well pleased with something he had heard, but he told them not to be afraid, as he had numerous relations.  They informed him that fear never entered their breasts, and begged him not to be uneasy on their account.

Early on the following morning, numerous visitors paid their respects to Hateeta, and were introduced in due form to the Europeans, who felt the length of time spent in salutations quite fatiguing, and so absurd in their eyes, that they could scarcely at times retain their gravity.  The visitors were mostly residents of the city, and all were decorated in their best.  There were also a sedateness and gravity in the appearance of all, which the dress tended greatly to augment.