of uneasiness to
the boat's crew, who were afraid of being driven on it. They passed
the headland between Tangier and Cape Malabata and were inside the bay
before one o'clock. When within one hundred yards of the outside of a
reef of rocks, forming a natural breakwater, and the landing
place at Tangier, the impracticability of the boat clearing the reef
(toward which the current was driving her) with the aid of the oars
alone became manifest. They therefore advised Boyton to take a line as
they were going to set sail and would tow him around the point, for
otherwise they would inevitably be dashed against the rocks. On further
representing to him that as the tide was high he ran the risk of
fracturing his leg or arm in passing over the slippery obstruction, he
acceded to the request, particularly as he considered that his feat was
accomplished. He accordingly took the end of a line and discontinued
paddling for a short while until they arrived opposite the town, within
three-quarters of a mile from the landing, when he let go and
shaped his course for the beach, the boat standing to the southward and
anchoring.

Boyton emerged from the surf and stood on the beach at 12.55 o'clock.
The moon was shining. Some of the native soldiers were aware that a man
was paddling across the straits; but many were not. One of the guards on
the wall surrounding the city, seeing him come out of the water, set up
a terrific cry in the Arabic tongue. Soon the bells were ringing from
the mosques and a great commotion was evident within the walls of the
city. Paul, not knowing what the natives might do with him, walked down
the beach a short distance and coming upon the upturned hull of a
wrecked vessel, crawled under it. He had scarcely done so, when the gate
to the city opened and a crowd of soldiers and citizens carrying
torches, rushed out. They soon got on his trail and followed it to the
old hulk which they surrounded with wild and discordant cries. In the
midst of all the hubbub, Paul heard a voice calling in English, and he
stepped out to be met by the son of the American Consul, Colonel
Mathews, who explained the cause of Boyton's appearance to the natives.
It was afterward learned that the peculiar cry of alarm given by the
guard on the wall, was:

"Awake, awake. 'Tis better to pray than to sleep, for the devil has
landed in Tangier."

All the explanation, however, did not prevent