Marrakesh called that of the
Thursday [market], Bab el Khamees.

[Illustration: _Molinari, Photo., Tangier._

A CITY GATEWAY IN MOROCCO.]

At last they commenced to thread the narrow winding streets, their
bordering roofs close packed with shrouded figures only showing an
eye, who greeted them after their fashion with a piercing, long-drawn,
"Yoo-yoo, yoo-yoo; yoo-yoo, yoo-yoo; yoo-yoo, yoo-yoo--oo," so novel
to the strangers, and so typical. Then they crossed the wide-open
space before the Kutubiyah on their way to the garden which had been
prepared for them, the Mamuniyah, with its handsome residence and
shady walks.

Three days had to elapse from the time of their arrival before they
could see the Sultan, for they were now under native etiquette, but
they had much to occupy them, much to see and think about, though
supposed to remain at home and rest till the audience. On the morning
of the fourth day all was bustle. Each had to array himself in such
official garb as he could muster, with every decoration he could
borrow, for the imposing ceremony of the presentation to the Emperor.
What a business it was! what a coming and going; what noise and what
excitement! It was like living in the thick of a whirling pantomime.

At length they were under way, and making towards the kasbah gate in a
style surpassing that of their entry, the populace still more excited
at the sight of the gold lace and cocked hats which showed what great
men had come to pay their homage to their lord the Sultan. On arrival
at the inmost courtyard with whitewashed, battlemented walls, and
green-tiled roofs beyond, they found it thickly lined with soldiers,
a clear space being left for them in the centre. Here they were all
ranged on foot, the presents from King Otho placed on one side, and
covered with rich silk cloths. Presently a blast of trumpets silenced
the hum of voices, and the soldiers made a show of "attention" in
their undrilled way, for the Sultan approached.

In a moment the great doors on the other side flew open, and a
number of gaily dressed natives in peaked red caps--the Royal
body-guard--emerged, followed by five prancing steeds, magnificent
barbs of different colours, richly caparisoned, led by gold-worked
bridles. Then came the Master of the Ceremonies in his flowing robes
and monster turban, a giant in becoming dress, and--as they soon
discovered--of stentorian voice. Behind him rode the Emperor himself
in stately maj