A GOOD PRACTICAL LESSON. 65 



this fine river flowing silently but rapidly between two 

 high banks covered with verdure ; and then we had the 

 additional satisfaction of being able to realise that the 

 sport for which we had come so far was almost within 

 our grasp. At this time of year the river is very low, 

 and where we bathed about one hundred yards in width, 

 and used as a regular ford. 



Paying this place a second visit in the afternoon, and 

 walking afterwards a short distance along the bank, we 

 caught sight of our first crocodile basking himself in 

 the sun ; but he glided at once into the river, not feeling 

 disposed apparently to allow us to test the accuracy 

 and penetrating powers of our rifles upon him. Sheik 

 Aghill breakfasted with us, and having carefully watched 

 us use our knives and forks, essayed to do the same. 

 Unfortunately, by turning the edge of the knife the wrong 

 way, he only succeeded in cutting his own finger ; but, 

 having had this very practical lesson, he soon became 

 quite an expert. He is a well-made man, about five 

 feet ten inches in height, has a dark brown skin, very 

 regular features, and in appearance and manner looks 

 quite the gentleman amongst his followers, though only 

 differing from them in costume in the extra whiteness of 

 the robe in which they are entirely enveloped, and in 

 wearing a tarboosh. After breakfast, Munsinger Pasha's 

 letter was opened with a great display of importance, 

 looked at, nodded at, turned upside down, and then, with 



F 



