340 LIFE WITH THE HAMRAN ARABS. 



system of charity, it was evidently not got up for our 

 special observation. Another kind act he does for the 

 poor is to have a large tank outside his house well filled 

 with water, where they can always drink or fill their jars ; 

 but somehow the man's expression belies his acts, and 

 gives the impression, however false it may be, that they 

 have something beyond charity for their basis. Still he 

 does good in his generation, and probably few other 

 men here follow his example. The heat has been op- 

 pressive to-day, owing to the absence of any wind, so< 

 Ranfurly remained in a darkened room until near sunset, 

 when we took him on board the steamer ' Coffeet ' lying 

 at anchor in the harbour just outside the town. We had 

 previously chosen a comfortable cabin for him, and he 

 went directly into it, and appeared much pleased with 

 the change, as a pleasant breeze rising at the time made 

 it cool and airy. The first engineer, named Bock, is an 

 Englishman, and he is very anxious to serve us ; and if 

 neither our baggage nor servants arrive before our de- 

 parture to-morrow, he will be a valuable acquisition, and 

 especially as the whole crew from the captain down- 

 wards are Egyptians, excepting the second engineer, 

 who is also an Englishman. 



