MYSTERIOUS MOVING STATUES ON THE HOUSE-TOPS
A dozen cavaliers advance in a broad platoon, first at canter, then full gallop, then at a furious run, ventre à terre, the horses at their highest speed, the men erect in the stirrups, spinning and tossing their glittering flintlocks, until, at a word from the chief, triggers are drawn, and the troop vanishes into a cloud of smoke. When the smoke rolls away, there are the panting horses thrown back on their haunches, motionless as statues; and then, before we can give vent to our admiration, another troop comes thundering along, another volley racks the ears and clouds the air, another tableau forms, and dissolves in drifting smoke, until it seems as if all the hosts of the Prophet were joining in a universal fantasia in honor of the young prince who some day will be Commander of the Faithful, successor to the Shareefian throne founded by the grandson of Mohammed.
ALL HORSEMEN SALLY SOUTHWARD
A BASHA AND HIS TROOP AT REST
POWDER PLAY—READY!
THE START
FIRE
HALT!
Then, when the troops are weary, two horsemen more energetic than the rest dash furiously at one another, and without colliding they exchange muskets; deftly, instantaneously, kiss each other on the cheek.