h, tree, or any obstacle was seen to offer the slightest
resistance to the downward course of a falling body.

The Krooman had travelled this track before, and therefore knew it. He
informed his companions that no one ever ventured on the path in wet
weather; that it was at all times considered dangerous; but that as it
saved a tiresome journey of seven miles around the mountain, it was
generally taken in dry seasons. He further told them that the name of
the "Jews' Leap", was given to the precipice from a number of Jews
having once been forced over it.

It was in the night-time. They had met a numerous body of Moors coming
in the opposite direction. Neither party could turn back; a conflict
arose, and several on both sides were hurled over the precipice into the
sea.

On this occasion as many Moors as Jews had been thrown from the path;
but it had pleased the former to give the spot the name of the "Jews'
Leap", which it still retains.

Before venturing upon this dangerous road, Rais Mourad was careful to
ascertain that no one was coming from the opposite direction.

After shouting at the top of his voice, and getting no reply, he led the
way along the ledge, bidding his followers to trust more to their
animals than to themselves.

As the white slaves entered on the pass, two Moors were left behind to
come after them, as a guard. When all had proceeded a short distance
along the ledge, the horse ridden by Harry Blount became frightened. It
was a young animal; and having been reared upon the plains of the
desert, was unused to mountain roads.

While the other horses were walking along very cautiously, Harry's steed
suddenly stopped, and refused to go any farther.

In such a place a rider has good cause to be alarmed at any eccentric
behaviour in the animal he bestrides; and Harry was just preparing to
dismount, when his horse commenced making a retrograde movement, as if
determined to turn round and go back.

The young Englishman was behind his companions, and closely followed by
one of the Moors. The latter becoming alarmed for his own safety,
struck the refractory horse a blow with his musket in order to force it
on.

In an instant the hind legs of the foolish animal dropped over the edge
of the precipice, while its body with the weight of its rider clinging
to its neck, was about evenly balanced on the brink.

The horse made a violent struggle to avoid going over. With its nose
and forefeet laid