PREPARATIONS FOR DEPARTURE. 
1S5 
far from calming the tumult, and I know not how serious 
the consequences might have been, had not some old men 
fortunately determined to intercede in my favour. They 
represented that my situation as a stranger should be taken 
into consideration ; that I was undoubtedly ignorant of the 
existence of a tomb in this place ; but that, supposing me 
even acquainted with the fact, it was impossible I could 
have learned amongst christians to respect that which is 
the object of homage to all good Musulmans ; that some 
indulgence should, therefore, be shewn to my want of know- 
ledge. This plea made an impression and the matter drop- 
ped. 
On the 1st of August, I repaired in the morning to the 
gate of my host to seek my breakfast ; but I waited 
till two in the afternoon without obtaining any thing. At 
this time several Moors were collected and beginning to 
question me ; but I told them that I was suffering too much 
from hunger to be in a condition to answer them, having 
eaten nothing the whole day. A zealous Musulman offered 
to give me a loaf for the love of God, if I would accept it 3 
and I was too much famished to' refuse it, hard as it was. 
On the 2nd, the caravan prepared to depart for Fez ; 
the man whose ass I had hired had received my earnest, and 
I waited for him in the village where he had engaged to take 
me up. Before taking leave of this country I will give a 
succinct description of it. 
