Page:The Burton Holmes lectures; (IA burtonholmeslect04holm).pdf/118

 THE KASBAH CLIFF

cliff of the kasbah formerly served as the Tarpeian Rock of Constantine. We are told that frequently in the old days two menwould appear there on the brink in the dim light of dawn. They always bore a heavy burden. Putting this down they would balance upon the parapet a long trough-like chute. Upon this they would place their burden—a heavy sack, a sack that writhed and writhing, gave forth screams. The trough was then tipped slightly. The squirming sack slipped swiftly—those who have witnessed burials at sea know how rapidly that nameless thing descended to the tenebrous depths. But this was no burial, it was an execution. There was no merciful ocean there below. There were only jagged rocks and cruel shallow waves, which presently grew red as if in shame for the foul deed committed by the men who meantime leaned far out from the overhanging parapet, that they might see the end—that they might tell the bey that the wife of whom he had grown weary would trouble him no more. Remembering these tales, it is with genuine aversion that we approach the border of this stream, intent on crossing to the other bank