CHAPTER IV. 



THE FAYOOM. 



I MUST now beg my readers to accompany me, under other 

 escort, but at a similar season of the year, to tlie Fayoom, 

 where I intend to make a tour under canvas, and after- 

 wards proceed to the Delta. 



My present dragoman is very different to our friend of 

 former chapters. He is a Syrian, young, good-looking, and 

 active, by name Henry Bousitil, British subject, and dressed 

 in English style, — a Norfolk shirt and knickerbockers, but 

 with a fez cap, bound round with the bright yellow silk scarf. 

 He was with the British army throughout the Abyssinian 

 campaign, and afterwards in the Shangallah country, with 

 Mr, Powell, when in search of his murdered brother's remains. 

 He is of a more warlike disposition than the dear quiet old 

 man of my former tour, and is rarely without two revolvers 

 stuck in his belt. Our friend Dango still accompanies us, but 

 instead of the ' Girls,' we have got a sharp-looking Maltese 

 servant, Luici, with a very decided squint, less bright than he 

 looks, but honest, vidlling, and a good hand at pitching a 

 tent. Having thus introduced my staff, let us proceed on 

 our journey. 



February \^th. — After an early breakfast I leave the New 

 Oriental Hotel at Cairo, and drive off with my dragoman. 

 We cross the river to the Gcczeh station, where we find the 



