The great men of the city met in solemn conclave to consider how the difficulty was to be met.

They discussed the matter thoroughly but arrived at no solution.

Finally, a patriarch arose and said: "Oh, children of the Prophet, it is known unto you that a Portuguee dog of a Christian clock mender pollutes the city of Tangier with his presence.

Ye know, also, that when mosques are builded, asses bear the stones and the cement, and cross the sacred threshold.

Now, therefore, send the Christian dog on all fours, and barefoot, into the holy place to mend the clock, and let him go as an ass!" And in that way it was done.