It was a cool, pleasant morning, as we set off, punc-
tually at seven o'clock. Our way at first lay across
the Marshen. Here we were all able to keep abreast in
a long line, Selam frisking behind us on his irrepressible
pony, and the two dogs — Mrs. Carter's little rough
terrier, Leila, and the Marshen House Newfoundland
Lion, who, uninvited, had joined the expedition —
rushing on in front, as if Cape Spartel lay half a mile
off, and they were in a great hurry to get there, and not
keep breakfast waiting. As we crossed the Marshen
we saw the P. & 0. steamer from Southampton, due
that morning at Gibraltar, steaming in on her way.
Leaving the Marshen, we had a steep descent down
a narrow pathway, on a bare mountain side. The aspect



262 A WINTER IN MOROCCO.
alone of this place is a considerable trial to the nerves
of those unaccustomed to African riding, so very steep
and bare is it. It is a favourite place for young ladies
riding in Tangier for the first time, to get off and say
that they will go no farther. I candidly confess to
having done it one time myself. Our little novice, how-
ever, had far too much courage and resolution to so
acquit herself, and the descent was accomplished with
ease and safety by all. After this, we felt much more
comfortable about Miss Lyle, concerning whom we had
started with some little qualms.
