It stood alone right out upon the promontory, topped by clouds of spray.
A little courtyard gave us partial shelter while Rashid ran up some rough stone steps and hammered at a door, exclaiming: 'Peace be on this house! My master craves for food and shelter, and we, his servants, ask the same boon of thy goodness.

O master of the house, God will reward thy hospitality!' The door was opened and a man appeared, bidding us all come in, in Allah's name.

He was of middle height and thick-set, with a heavy grey moustache.

An old-fashioned, low-crowned fez, with large blue tassel, was bound about his brow with an embroidered turban.

A blue zouave jacket, crimson vest and baggy trousers of a darker blue completed his apparel, for his feet were bare.