Page:The Burton Holmes lectures; (IA burtonholmeslect04holm).pdf/87

 WOMEN OF THE BENI YENNI

of the opposing ridge. As we descend a rocky pathway, verdure lined, we see above us other villages that mysteriously appear, and a moment later vanish, as our downward zigzag progress reveals new vistas. We have turned aside from the highroad constructed by the French and find ourselves upon the narrow mule-trails worn by centuries of use. In addition to these trails there is a network of by-*paths, short cuts from trail to trail. Along these dizzy paths we see the Kabyle children dashing recklessly; yet, educated as they are upon the mountain-tops, they know no fear and would feel out of place on level ground. Not less sure-*footed are the women of the tribe, those picturesque Rebeccas whom we find at every well,—the task of carrying water being woman's privilege while the men reserve the right of doing all the sewing. Unlike her Moorish sisters of the cities, the Kabyle wife does not conceal her face, but, though