FEOM MARSEILLES TO THE NILE 107 



At that moment Mr, Gubbins came out on the 

 terrace, and I introduced these two notable owners, 

 who had never met before. Needless to say, they 

 had much conversation — not only about horses, but 

 about motor-cars — and M. Blanc stated his inten- 

 tion to run ViNicius for the French Derby before 

 attempting the English one. As this means run- 

 ning on Sunday and again on Wednesday, with 

 the visit to England thrown in, I thought Rock 

 Sand and others of our best had no serious cause 

 to fear the Frenchman. 



Later on we foregathered indoors, and, of course, 

 there was much interesting conversation, as to which 

 I say nothing ; but we felt very happy after dinner 

 at Shepheard's, for truly they did us well, and 

 later in the evening there was a small dance in 

 the inner hall, which was wonderfully pleasant to 

 watch, so many uniforms and gay colours being 

 in evidence, while several lame ducks from the 

 Oceana crowd were footing it in fantastic fashion. 



A few days later Mr. Gubbins and I were the 

 victims of some stupid railway officials. I quote 

 the particulars from " The Special Commissioner " 

 of January 23, I9C3 : 



" Cairo- AssiOTJT Tbain, 



" January 23. 



" It seems strange to be writing this in the train 

 en route from Cairo to Assiout, but nevertheless 



