year 533, again invaded northern Africa, re-took
Carthage, and finally regained the country from the Vandals, but for
only a short time, for the Moors constantly harassed them, until the
land became desert in many places, owing to the decreasing population.

"Then came the followers of Mohammed, about the year 645, from across
the Eastern deserts, enforcing religion by their favourite means, the
sword; and in half a century they swept completely over the land to the
Atlantic, causing the Crescent to supplant the Cross.

"But the Arabs did not stop here. About 711 they crossed over the sea,
and carried the Crescent into Europe, under the bold and daring General
Tarick, (Gebel-el-Tarick), from whom the spot where they landed came to
be called Gibraltar. Hosts of Moors followed the Arab conquerors, and
the Spaniards, confounding them, styled them all Moors.

"Barbary was for a long time after this under the rule of Emirs,
appointed by the Caliphs; but they found little rest in Africa, for the
Berbers and others harassed them continually.--It would weary you to go
over the whole history of the wars and disputes which tore the wretched
country to pieces during hundreds of years after this; but it may
interest you to know that this city of Algiers was founded in the year
944 by Ziri, governor of Aschir, who established a hereditary throne for
his race. But his dynasty came to an end in course of time, and so did
that of others. Race rose against race, and tribe against tribe,
conquering and re-conquering; only a few of the coast towns being able
to maintain their position as independent powers, and supporting
themselves by piracy.

"By degrees the pirates of the Barbary coast began to be very formidable
and daring, insomuch that from time to time various nations sent
expeditions against them, with more or less success, but without
materially checking their depredations. They were greatly strengthened
in numbers at the time of the expulsion of the Moors from Spain. An
expedition was fitted out against them by Ferdinand in 1501, and in 1505
the Spaniards made themselves masters of some of the chief Barbary
towns, including Algiers.

"About this time two famous pirates ravaged the coasts of the
Mediterranean--the brothers Barbarossa, sons of a fisherman. They were
ambitious scoundrels, and aimed at a throne. An opportunity ere long
presented itself. The Algerines invited them, in 1510, to come and free
them from th