Montpelier examiner., 1910-09-30

cession in Morocco from pretender to the throne
named Mulai Hafd. Would Belton like to go
along7
He met the friend in Tangier, and the two were
Joined by third Englishman Redman, who had
been brought up in Morocco knew the natives and
spoke Arabic iuently
At Larache, port eighty miles south of Tan
ger they succeeded, by the aid Of the British vice
CONSUL In hiring mules to take them to Alcazar.
a town twenty miles inland, which was held by
the troops of Sultan Aziz
The sultan had issued an edict forbdding
tives to assist Europeans Their muleteer refused
to go further than Alcazar, the tribes were car
rying on the jehad (holy war) against the Chris
tians So they employed notorious brigand and
horsethief one Abselem to take them through to
Fez.
Dressed as Moorish women, the Englishmen
reached the gates of Fee July 13, to be inform
ed that the pretender and his court had arrived
three days before
Next morning they sent a messenger to the
grand vizier that three Englishmen desired an
audience with the sultan. At noon the following
day two soldiers came to them from the vizier and
escorted them to a house which had been placed
at their disposal at Mulai Hafds order.
They remained indoors until the 18th, when
mounted escort conducted them to the palace.
Arrayed as Moors of the highest class, they
were received by Kaid Meshwar, the master of
ceremonies who carried tall wand with silver
knob and who preceded them up staircase and
into a long, narrow room, where at the further
end sat Mulai Hahd, cross-legged on dark green
velvet couch.
His two viziers, Ell Glawi and 81 Aissa. sit
ting on his left. Walking slowly the kaid ad
yanced to within three PAGES of the throne, bowed
introduced the Engshmen simply as three strang
ers anxious for an audience. bowed thrice and re-
tired little way.
The pretender smilingly motioned them to be
seated on three chairs placed on his right and
then said: "Marrhaba bi KUN eYou are wei
come").
BeIton,s first impression that he had never
seen handsomer man. This is his description OF
him; "A very high broad forehead. with large
black eyes full of light which sparkle with genu.
inc merriment when he is amused a big, straight
nose. fairly full cheeks a square resolute jaw.
and the hrmest of mouths, set off by a black beard
and a small mustache. His complexion is deep
olive: and when he stood up he was well
over six feet in height and finely proportioned to
a magnificent physique" He came to business at
once.
why are you in Fez?" he asked.
The concession was named, the price stated, and
the pretender ordered ST Aissa to go into the mat
| ter further.
| And your" questioned Mulai Hafd, pointing to
Beton.
1T am soldier" said the future kingmaker
"I have come to offer my services"
Allah Allah" the pretender repeated very
slowly; then asked many questions.
Then came Redman's turn. What did he want
He would be useful to Bolton khalifa fright
hand MANI.
/ ON the 25th Bolton and Redman were again sum
moned before the pretender, this time In an IN
closure close by the palace, where 1000 troops
infantry. cavalry and artillery-were drawn n
and waiting.
There are some of my soldiers" the pretende
said; see what you can do with them"
The boy-he little more-was game. Th