The Gate was studded with thousands of nails, which fastened to its massive timbers relics of the faithful, bits of silk and cloth, and hair and leather; and here from time immemorial a holy man had sat and prayed.

At the gateway Kaid salaamed humbly, and spoke to the holy man, who, as he passed, raised his voice shrilly in an appeal to Allah, commending Kaid to mercy and everlasting favour.
On every side eyes burned with religious zeal, and excited faces were turned towards the Effendina.

At a certain point there were little groups of men with faces more set than excited.

They had a look of suppressed expectancy.

Kald neared them, passed them, and, as he did so, they looked at each other in consternation.