67 
them with their sticks. I staid at a distance from the 
door, to avoid the crowd, and in a short time received 
an order from the Scherif of the well to advance to the 
door, where he stood, making signs to me. But how 
could I get through the crowd that stood between us? 
All the water carriers in Mecca were advancing 
with their vessels full of water, which they passed 
from hand to hand, until they reached the guards at the 
door. They also passed a great number of very small 
brooms, made of the leaves of palm trees, , in the same 
manner. The negroes began to throw the water upon 
the marble pavement of the Kaaba: they also cast rose 
water upon it, which, flowing out at a hole under the 
door, was caught with great avidity by the faithful. 
But as it did not run out fast enough to satisfy the 
wants of those at a distance, who were desirous to ob- 
tain it, they cried out for some of it to drink, and to 
wash themselves with: the negroes, with cups, and 
with their hands, threw it in quantities over them. 
They were civil enough to pass a small pitcher and a 
cup full of it to me, of which I drank as much as pos- 
sible, and poured the rest over myself; for although 
this water is very dirty, it is a benediction of God, and 
is besides much perfumed with rose water. 
I at last made an effort to approach: several persons 
raised me up; and, after walking upon the heads of 
several others, I arrived at the door, where the negro 
guards helped me to get in. 
I was prepared for the operation; for I had on only 
my shirt, a caschaba, or a shirt of white wool without 
sleeves, my turban, and the hhaik that covered me. 
The Sultan Scherif swept the hall himself. Imme- 
diately after I entered, the guards took off my hhaik, 
and presented me a bundle of small brooms, some of 
