The prophet was a young man of unusual stature, but no great strength of body, with a head that drooped like a flower and with the wild eyes of an enthusiast.

His people were a vast concourse that covered the plain a furlong square, and included multitudes of women and children.

Israel had come upon them at an evil moment.

The people were murmuring against their leader.

Six months ago they had abandoned their houses and followed him They had passed from Mequinez to Rabat, from Rabat to Mazagan, from Mazagan to Mogador, from Mogador to Marrakesh, and finally from Marrakesh through the treacherous Beni Magild to Fez.