From the gorge we were examining
we could see an advancing proces
sion. It looked like a monster cai-H
--van with outriders anil scouting
parties, it should have been peace
ful, hut it looked distinctly the re
verse. Across the clear air we heard
the long chanting, the chanting of
dirges that never fall to awaken the
fever in the hlood and the chill in the
flesh of the people of Africa.
** * *
could imagine the desperate re
treat of the Moors from Gra
nada: we could imagine as well that
this was an Advancing horde bem
upon the extermination of the infidel.
In the main body of the procession,
massed together and swaying as one.
were people too numerous to count.
In the dust on either side were gy
rating figures, and occasionally we
could see an individual fall pros
trate on the ground, writhing in
agony while the others passed on.
All the time the chant continued,
the army drew nearer. Men with the
dread green banners passed back
ward and forward up and down the
line, doubtless inciting their people,
and at last the full volume of the
songs swelled to the promise of vic
tory. The crowd was intoxicated, ripe
for war, ripe for such scenes as can
only lie devised by the demented.
It might have hoded ill with any
who lay in their way of march, and
was not of them. Y\> remained hid
den until the long procession was
gone. Happily, they went on unaware
of our presence, that time, and we
were secure, though possibly a little,
shaken.
The next time I came into contact
with them was not quite so pleasant,
though it was closer and the events
were more detailed.
