Morocco

Morocco becomes the setting for Washington Black’s renewed search for Titch: a distant destination first named in a letter, then reached with Tanna as they pursue the missing man. The journey is not a simple return to their former life; it sets discovery and reunion against the risks, uncertainty, and practical demands of travel.

A destination disclosed by letter

Peter Haas tells Washington that his last letter from Titch placed him in Morocco, on the outskirts of Marrakesh. The news gives Washington a concrete lead after a long search, though Peter cannot promise that Titch will answer or is in a state to respond. Washington is astonished by the destination and wonders what drew Titch there; Tanna identifies the image-making experiments Peter had described as a possible clue.

The decision to travel

Washington and Tanna return to England together with their specimen, but Washington soon resolves to leave again for Morocco. He worries that the country may be inhospitable or dangerous for Tanna and considers the preparations awaiting Ocean House, as well as her father’s age. Goff nevertheless gives his blessing and insists that they go. His change of course follows his discovery that Tanna had accompanied Washington to Amsterdam, after which he had been preparing to find them himself.

Arrival and delay in Marrakesh

The first arrangements fail: the guide Peter had arranged is nowhere to be found at the port, so Washington and Tanna take rooms in Marrakesh while Washington writes to Peter for help securing another guide. Their attempts to locate Goff’s marine zoologist lead them along several wrong routes and end in a dispute over payment, so they abandon that search. The delay turns their attention to exploring the city rather than immediately continuing toward Titch.

Narrative significance

Morocco is both a geographic lead and a threshold in Washington’s pursuit of Titch. Peter’s letter makes the search possible, but the missing guide and failed attempts to find the zoologist show how little control Washington has over what happens next. The arrival opens a new chapter in the search without resolving its central uncertainty: what drew Titch there, and whether Washington will reach him.