There the crowd halted, making fast their horses to the many rings and tie-holes which were in the walls.

Rashid took charge of my horse and his own, while I went on up steps on to a higher platform intersected by a stream of ice-cold water plunging down into the valley in a fine cascade whose spray and murmur cooled the air.
That rush of water was the greatest luxury in such a land, and the lord of the castle took much pride in its contrivance.
I went up to a door where soldiers and domestics lounged, but was informed: 'Our lord is out of doors.' A soldier pointed to a bunch of trees above the waterfall and overlooking the meydan, where many notables in black frock coat and fez sat out on chairs.

He ran on to announce my coming.

I was soon a member of the formal group, replying to the usual compliments and kind inquiries.
Coffee was handed round.

Then came a tray of different kinds of sherbet, then a tray of eatables.