342 THE EASTERN HUNTEES. 



with an intimation that to write more would be 

 beyond the limits of respect. 



Sheik Hussein, though evidently longing to try 

 his hand, confessed that he was hardly equal to the 

 important duty of answering this missive in the 

 complimentary strain necessary. He was, more- 

 over, unacquainted with the titles, style, and formula 

 of address appertaining to the rank of the person 

 written to a most important matter. After a brief 

 discussion, therefore, it was decided to send a reply 

 in English, as the best and easiest way of over- 

 coming native epistolary difficulties. 



As there was not a creature within seventy or 

 eighty miles but themselves and Manuel who could 

 read it when written, it may at first sight appear 

 to have been a somewhat useless expenditure of 

 time and trouble. But as a full verbal explanation 

 of the principal items of its contents was to be 

 given to the bearer, it was hoped they would be 

 sufficiently understood for all necessary purposes. 

 Mackenzie undertook to write the letter, his friends 

 sitting in committee with him as counsellors and 

 assistants. 



There was a little difficulty at first as to the 

 most pleasing form of address ; but this was quickly 

 overcome by Norman suggesting the adoption of 

 the commencement of Othello's famous speech. 



