THE GOVERNOR OF SUAKIM. 191 



for a shark. Several ran for their revolvers, which 

 lay always ready, as it was a common sport to shoot 

 at empty soda water bottles thrown into the water 

 during the progress of the vessel. Luckily before the 

 commencement of the cannonade it became apparent 

 that the supposed shark was a sailor who, contrary 

 to the prohibition, was taking a bath, and had been 

 alarmed by his comrades' cry of "shark!" 



Arrived at Suakim we soon received a visit from 

 the highest officials , the Turkish pasha and the 

 governor of the place. They were both extremely 

 dignified figures, who moved with oriental gravity, and 

 carefully avoided all appearance of being astonished at 

 anything. A carpet was spread for them, and tchi- 

 bouk and coffee served. They smoked and drank 

 with dignity, without regarding us, who were standing- 

 round them. My friend William Meyer, who accom- 

 panied the expedition, said "Look Werner, what a 

 splendid fellow that is with the fine white beard; he 

 might be exhibited in Berlin for money!" To our 

 astonishment the individual in question turned slowly 

 towards us and said in the purest Berlin dialect: "Oh, 

 you speak German?" On our replying that we were 

 Germans, but were surprised that he could speak 

 German, he answered: "I 'm also from Berlin. Call 

 upon me!" Then he turned his head back in a digni- 

 fied manner, and took no further notice of us. Meyer 

 called upon him next day, and made the acquaintance 

 of a thoroughly sociable man when not in Turkish 

 company. He had left Berlin as journeyman tailor and 



