AFOOT THROUGH THE 



at the corners by curious wooden tassels. The lower 

 screening walls were covered with the pretty mauve 

 blooms of the allium (sphaerocephalum) , altogether a 

 tempting place for worship. As it was a Friday, and 

 the faithful were eagerly crowding to do their weekly 

 duty, I was informed I might not enter, having eaten 

 meat for my breakfast. This was a false assumption, 

 but I did not correct it, knowing that especial graces 

 may always be purchased, and the newer form of 

 " persecuting the infidel " not being viewed with favour 



Pony with saddle, the high peak of which served 

 as a pommel 



by me ; but, noticing my lack of enthusiasm, the great 

 doors were suddenly thrust open, and I was asked to 

 admire, not the ancient carving of the temple, not the 

 gorgeous colour of flower and woodwork, not the quaint 

 conceits of old decorations, but five tombs of long- 

 departed saints covered with dirty rags, once fine 

 embroideries. Every one gave a quick salaam, watching 

 me at the same time out of the corners of their eyes, 

 to see to how much filthy lucre my admiration would 

 run. It was expressed in a quite modest sum, to the 



