which is merely for
vain glory. Every day they must wash and cleanse themselves and go to
the mosque. If they are at enmity with any man, they must first be
reconciled before their journey will be recognized. Some days before
starting some Say-yids, descendants of Mohammed who wear a blue turban
and are considered most honorable and holy men, who do not work, who
are not punished for any violation of law, will ride on blue horses
with long spears in their hands. They will walk in the streets crying
in a loud voice to all those who are to make a pilgrimage to prepare
themselves and be ready on a certain day. Together with this command is
uttered words of comfort and encouragement. They tell the people not to
fear. God will send for the sake of Mohammed His angels and prophets,
riding on blue horses, to deliver them from all robbers and thieves.
Yet many do die on this pilgrimage at the hands of desperate characters
of the desert or mountains.

ALMS-GIVING.

One month before starting each man must give according to his ability
for alms. They are besieged by the others to prepare food and drink for
feasts. If a man is rich the demand is repeated. Before starting the
pilgrim goes to the leader to inquire what is necessary for him to do
and how to do it that his pilgrimage be accepted. The priest will say
if the man is rich, "You found a mosque." If a man is poor a smaller
amount of money is required. The very poor are commanded to fast from
ten to forty days. Those who make their pilgrimage on horseback scatter
money on the way for the benefit of the beggars and the poor. As the
pilgrim sets out he is accompanied by friends for some distance as a
mark of honor to the faithful Islam. Before the band of pilgrims the
leader rides calling out in a loud voice, "Saelaewaet."

CARRYING THE DEAD.

Their law requires that not only the living but also the dead shall go
to these places. The dead are sometimes carried to the sacred cities
forty years after burial. Sometimes when a stingy man dies who has not
gone on a pilgrimage in his lifetime, he exacts a promise from his
relatives that a certain amount of his money will be used to carry his
body to a holy city. If this promise is not kept, the priest will
compel his relatives and heirs not only to restore the specified sum
for sacred purposes but more. When the poor man is about to die he
administers an oath to his relatives that after his death his body
shall at some futu