MANSOURA. 
for my business in Egypt, it was a secret with which he was unac- 
quainted, but that he supposed it was of great consequence. The 
old man was very civil, but soon left us to say his prayers. The 
Kiaia of the Cacheef soon afterwards paid us a visit. The Intendant 
came next, so that we had a full tent. It was now in a moment 
settled that every thing should be ready for our departure in the 
morning. Vincenzo recognised, in a person who attended the 
Kiaia, an old acquaintance who had been formerly in the service of 
Ali Pacha. He was also Gaimakan of a village close to the ruins of 
Timai, and undertook to accompany us. Indeed I found them all 
extremely anxious to oblige and serve me. 
May 8. — Early in the morning we went to see a piece of granite, 
on which were cut some hieroglyphics, but they were too much worn 
to be of value. As we went out, we were joined by the Kiaia, who 
took us to see a hot bath, where the water had a yellowish tinge, 
but had no particular taste. On our way we were shewn the upper 
part of a statue of Isis, which had been brought from Timai by the 
French, who had embarked it on the river, but it had fallen into 
the water. The bust was sufficiently entire to make it interesting. 
We had it carried to our tent, and determined to send it by water to 
Damietta. Mr. Salt drew it for fear of accidents. Our friend the Sur- 
baje sent us a breakfast of excellent cakes and bread. I learned that 
an express w^as sent off by the Kiaia to his master with the letters. 
It was necessary to hire a Schech of an Arab tribe to accompany 
us toTimai, which was settled by the Intendant. We could procure 
only three camels, the rest being employed in carrying the wheat. 
We all procured horses, but bridles and saddles were rare. We set off 
about two, accompanied by the Intendant, the Gaimakan, and the 
