9 
and in this case my precipitation might have had fatal 
consequences. However as he daily took care of my 
little commissions, and provided the supplies of the 
house, not without some profit to himself, it was easy 
to me to find or imagine some pretext for displeasure. 
I soon found that he was not supported as I had at first 
suspected, and then I sent him entirely away; but I 
took care to make him a proper present, as well to pre- 
vent all animosity on his part, as also to reward his first 
services, which had been really useful to me. From this 
moment I found myself at full liberty, and I began to 
employ myself as I pleased. 
CHAPTER II. 
Circumcision. — Description of Tangiers. — Fortifications. — Military service.-**- 
Horse race. — Population. — Character of the inhabitants. — Customs. 
I have mentioned that the circumcision of the 
Moorish children takes place during the festival of Mou- 
loud. This operation, which is publicly performed at 
the chapel without the town, which I have just mention- 
ed, is a feast for the family of the Neophyte. When they 
proceed to the sacrifice, a certain number of boys are 
assembled who carry handkerchiefs, sashes, and even 
miserable rags, which they fasten like flags to long 
sticks, or reeds; this group is followed by music, con- 
sisting of two bag-pipes which are played in unison, 
but not therefore less discordant, and two or more 
drums of a very hoarse sound, a band sufficiently disa- 
greeable to an ear accustomed to European music as 
vol, i. c 
