revenge made off with other people's shoes, ultimately returning them
full of dried fruits and nuts. Then Mokhtar's head was shaved to the
accompaniment of music, and the barber was feasted, while the box in
which the bride was to be fetched was brought in, and decked with
muslin curtains, surmounted by a woman's head-gear, handkerchiefs, and
a sash. The box was about two and a half feet square, and somewhat
more in height, including its pointed top.

After three drummings to assemble the friends, a procession was formed
about a couple of hours after sunset, lit by torches, lanterns
and candles, led by the powder-players, followed by the mounted
bridegroom, and behind him the bridal box lashed on the back of a
horse; surrounded by more excited powder-players, and closed by the
musicians. As they proceeded by a circuitous route the women shrieked,
the powder spoke, till all were roused to a fitting pitch of fervour,
and so reached the house of the bride. "Behold, the bridegroom
cometh!"

Presently the "litter" was deposited at the door, Mokhtar remaining a
short distance off, while the huge old negress, who had officiated so
far as mistress of the ceremonies, lifted Zoharah bodily off the
bed, and placed her, crying, in the cage. In this a loaf of bread, a
candle, some sugar and salt had been laid by way of securing good luck
in her new establishment. Her valuables, packed in another box, were
entrusted to the negress, who was to walk by her side, while strong
arms mounted her, and lashed the "amariah" in its place. As soon as
the procession had reformed, the music ceased, and a Fatihah[5] was
solemnly recited. Then they started slowly, as they had come, Mokhtar
leaving his bride as she was ushered, closely veiled, from her box
into her new home, contenting himself with standing by the side and
letting her pass beneath his arm in token of submission. The door was
then closed, and the bridegroom took a turn with his friends while
the bride should compose herself, and all things be made ready by the
negress. Later on he returned, and being admitted, the newly married
couple met at last.

[5: The beautiful opening prayer of the Koran.]

Next day they were afforded a respite, but on Saturday the bride had
once more to hold a reception, and on the succeeding Thursday came the
ceremony of donning the belt, a long, stiff band of embroidered silk,
folded to some six inches in width, wound many times round. Standing
over