Chapter 9 Summary

Still in Tangier, the pilgrims find, upon attempting to enter a Moorish mosque, that it is forbidden for Christians to cross the threshold. The guards inform the travelers that if any Christian would pass through, he would have to do so on all fours like an animal. Twain takes this opportunity to poke fun at Blucher, by saying that if he wanted to enter the mosque, he would have to do it in his natural form.

Twain explains the more primitive laws of Tangier, mentioning the consequences of stealing as having one's hand chopped off. Men of both Moor and Jew persuasion are allowed multiple wives, and all marriages are arranged by the parents. He also discusses the Moorish quest of pilgrimage to Mecca and explains that the trip for the Moors is so expensive that many who take part are destined to...