eforth to be
masters here. But it is a bitter pill to the Spaniards; and even now
they can scarcely realize that it does not belong to them. The Spanish
people are continually being buoyed up with the pleasant fiction, that
it is only _lent_ to its present proprietors; for in all documents
relating to Gibraltar, or in all questions raised in the Spanish
parliament touching that place, the British are referred to as being
only "_in temporary possession of Gibraltar_."

The view of the town from the bay is rather pleasing. Before us and far
away to the left, till hid by an eminence, the houses stand out boldly,
terrace above terrace, against the rocky background--their white mass
and gaily-colored verandahs glistening in the sunbeams.

To prevent loss of time, instead of anchoring we were at once secured
alongside the jetty, thus offering a fine opportunity for sight-seers,
who speedily throng the wharf. A most motley gathering that same crowd,
a few were undoubtedly British, therefore nothing need be said of
them--a few more, half-blooded Spaniards; and as we shall become better
acquainted on our visiting the town, we will pass them without comment
also; but one remarkable race, which has its representatives amongst the
sea of faces before us, needs a few words of remark. Their proud,
commanding bearing, clearly-cut features--as if just from the sculptor's
chisel, their sallow complexion--almost approaching a saffron hue, all
are new to us. Red fez caps on a close-shaven head, loose flowing
scarlet tunics, bare legs, and sandalled feet--these clearly betray
their oriental origin. Who are they? Reader, a few pages back I
endeavoured to claim your interest in a people who once owned half
Spain--the Moors: these before you are some of their descendants, and
are a portion of the army of the Sultan of Morocco, here for the purpose
of receiving instruction in gunnery. Though they have such proud looks
they are extremely bashful and restive under our gaze, constantly
shifting their position to escape our scrutiny; as for making a sketch
of one, that is nearly impossible, for immediately he sees you put your
pencil to paper he vanishes in the crowd, as though he had detected you
levelling a revolver at him.

The other dwellers on the soil are a strange mixture of the
Mediterranean race; and as it is impossible to describe them, or say
what they are, we will just be content with the title they are proudest
of--the reptilian on