V. 



THE RED SEA. 



SUEZ is indeed the gateway to the East, In 

 the Mediterranean often the sea is rough, 

 the winds cold, passengers are not yet acquainted, 

 and hug the saloons or the leeward side of the 

 deck. Once through the canal and all is changed 

 by magic. The air is hot and languid ; the 

 ship's company down to the very scullions ap- 

 pear in immaculate white ; the saloon chairs 

 and transoms even are put in white coverings ; 

 electric fans hum everywhere ; the run on lemon 

 squashes begins ; and many quaint and curious 

 customs of the tropics obtain. 



For example : it is etiquette that before 

 eight o'clock one may wander the decks at will 

 in one's pyjamas, converse affably with fair 

 ladies in pigtail and kimono, and be not abashed. 

 But on the stroke of eight bells it is also eti- 

 quette to disappear very promptly and to array 



