of the other items down. Now, if any one can make anything
of this, which is an exact inventory of such of the materials as are
visible on the outside, he must be a born architect. Yet here this
extraordinary construction stands, as it has stood for several months,
and its occupant looks the jolliest fellow out. Let us pay him a
visit.

Stooping down to look under the flap which serves as a door, and
raising it with my stick, I greet him with the customary salutation
of "Peace be with you." "With you be peace," is the cheery reply, to
which is added, "Welcome to thee; make thyself at home." Although
invited to enter, I feel quite enough at home on the outside of his
dwelling, so reply that I have no time to stay, as I only "looked in"
to have the pleasure of making his acquaintance and examining his
"palace." At the last word one or two bystanders who have gathered
round indulge in a little chuckle to themselves, overhearing which I
turn round and make the most flattering remarks I can think of as to
its beauty, elegance, comfort, and admirable system of ventilation,
which sets the whole company, tenant included, into a roar of
laughter. Mine host is busy cleaning fish, and now presses us to stay
and share his evening meal with him, but our appetites are not quite
equal to _that_ yet, though it is beyond doubt that the morsel he
would offer us would be as savoury and well cooked as could be
supplied by any restaurant in Piccadilly.

Inquiries elicit the fact that our friend is hoping to leave for Mekka
by the first steamer, and that meanwhile he supports himself as a
water-carrier, proudly showing us his goat-skin "bottle" lying on
the floor, with the leather flap he wears between it and his side to
protect him from the damp. Here, too, are his chain and bell, with the
bright brass and tin cups. In fact, he is quite a "swell" in his way,
and, in spite of his uncouth-looking surroundings, manages to enjoy
life by looking on the bright side of things.

"What will you do with your palace when you leave it?" we ask, seeing
that it could not be moved unless the whole were jumbled up in a sack,
when it would be impossible to reconstruct it.

"Oh, I'd let it to some one else."

"For how much?"

"Well, that I'd leave to God."

A glance round the interior of this strange abode shows that there are
still many materials employed in its construction which might have
been enumerated. One or two bundles, a box and a basket