"In 1815 a United States fleet defeated the Algerines, and compelled the dey to respect the American flag ever after. The pirates still exacted tribute or presents from several of the nations of Europe. Various outrages upon the commerce and officials of France brought on a war, which continued with more or less activity for thirty years, and was only ended by the capture of Abd-el-kader. The French have been engaged in extending their conquest up to the present time.
"The city before you, or the beginning of it, was built in the year 935 by an Arab chief, whose name I don't remember. The fortress you see on the hill, five hundred feet high, is the Casbah, and commands the whole city, as the deys who occupied it found it necessary to overawe their own subjects. You observe the lower town nearest to you, and with the exception of a few mosques, it consists of government and commercial buildings. The French occupy this part of the town, while the upper city is still Moorish, as its people and its inhabitants will assure you when you visit it; and this is the part of the city that will interest you most. But I think I have said enough, and perhaps too much."
"No!" shouted Dr. Hawkes, as the professor stepped back and took his seat. "I have been very much interested, for I knew next to nothing about Algeria."
"I heartily indorse the remark of my Brother Adipose Tissue," added Uncle Moses, and the whole party gave a round of applause as an expression of the general sentiment.
"I see that I did wisely and well to call on the professor for this occasion instead of attempting the task he has done so well," said the commander. "But we will use our time while we have it and the weather is pleasant. We are not compelled to take to the barge or cutters for the purpose of going on shore, for we are fortunately provided with a tender under the name of the Maud; and I have directed the engineers to have her in readiness for us. We shall now be under the command of Captain Scott."
"I can find my way to the shore, but I am not a pilot in this harbor," added the captain of the Maud. "I see the custom-house, and I will land you there. There is not less than eighteen feet of water anywhere within the moles, and we can't get aground."
Pitts had put the water into the half-casks, and lowered them into the run. They did not leak now. The velvet cushions were placed on the seats, and the awning stretched out for the protection of the passengers. The standing-room was just a pattern for them. Captain Scott took the wheel, and in five minutes the little steamer was alongside the wharf, for it was not more than three cables' length from the ship. The party divided into groups according to their own fancies. The two fat men were in sympathy, and went together. As usual, Captain Ringgold was the escort of Mrs. Belgrave; the professor took charge of Mrs. Blossom; Louis placed himself at the side of Miss Blanche, and the other three of the big four went by themselves.
"This is nothing but a French town, Miss Blanche," said Louis to his companion, after they had walked a short distance. "It looks like many others I have seen."
"I suppose you could talk with these French people, Mr. Belgrave," added the young lady.
"I could; couldn't you?"