Page:Sixteen years of an artist's life in Morocco, Spain and the Canary Islands.djvu/76

Rh to turn our backs upon it. At a certain hour every night, the white flag is hoisted for evening prayer, and if anyone, either of the Faithful or of the Unbelievers, was not in the town at the time, he was remorselessly shut out for the night. We therefore made all haste back, in order that we might through the Cazyold gate in good time, and thus escape so awkward a dilemma. Unfortunately, at this hour the gate is usually crowded with horses, waiting just inside, until the popular farrier of the place, whose forge is always blazing, can despatch them in all points fitted for their journey. As we were entering, in addition to the accumulation of these animals of the equine tribe, a long line of camels were hurrying out, and it appeared likely to prove a problem of some difficulty how we should find our way in. As it was a matter of necessity, we must, however, make the attempt, and the consequence was that we all got jammed up together in one mass of confusion, and felt at a loss how we should now be able to extricate ourselves. Besides, barb horses are not the animals to stand the like of this with the most exemplary patience. One, on which a companion rode, got exceedingly restive, and during the disturbance which he caused, the lady had the misfortune to get bonnet knocked off.

VOL. I.