inutes he stood
barefooted in those dimly-lighted, vaulted aisles, in which the
glimmering oil lamps and the early streaks of daylight struggled for
the mastery. His shoes were on the ground before him at the foot of
the pillar behind which he had placed himself, and his hands were
raised before his face in the attitude of prayer. Then, at the
long-drawn cry of the leader, in company with his fellow-worshippers,
he bowed himself, and again with them rose once more, in a moment to
kneel down and bow his forehead to the earth in humble adoration.

Having performed the usual series of prayers, he was ready for coffee
and bread. This he took at the door of the fandak, seated on the
ground by the coffee-stall, inquiring meanwhile the prospects of
protection in Mazagan.

There was Tajir[21] Pepe, always ready to appoint a new agent for a
consideration, but then he bore almost as bad a name for tyrannizing
over his _proteges_ as did the kaids themselves. There was Tajir Yusef
the Jew, but then he asked such tremendous prices, because he was a
vice-consul. There was Tajir Juan, but then he was not on good enough
terms with his consul to protect efficiently those whom he appointed,
so he could not be thought of either. But there was Tajir Vecchio, a
new man from Gibraltar, fast friends with his minister, and who must
therefore be strong, yet a man who did not name too high a figure. To
him, therefore, Abd Allah determined to apply, and when his store was
opened presented himself.

[21: "Merchant," used much as "Mr." is with us.]

Under his cloak he carried three pots of butter in one hand, and as
many of honey in the other, while a ragged urchin tramped behind with
half a dozen fowls tied in a bunch by the legs, and a basket of eggs.
The first thing was to get a word with the head-man at the store; so,
slipping a few of the eggs into his hands, Abd Allah requested an
interview with the Tajir, with whom he had come to make friends. This
being promised, he squatted on his heels by the door, where he was
left to wait an hour or two, remarking to himself at intervals that
God was great, till summoned by one of the servants to enter.

The merchant was seated behind his desk, and Abd Allah, having
deposited his burden on the floor, was making round the table to throw
himself at his feet, when he was stopped and allowed but to kiss his
hand.

"Well, what dost thou want?"

"I have come to make friends, O Merchant."

"Who ar