POLLY'S DISASTERS. 
71 
was perched high on a mast of the ^ Kathleen ; ' Petherick^ who 
was about to proceed to Boulac on his donkey^ forgot to give his 
usual salaam to Polly^ she made an attempt to fly at him^ but fell 
heavily into the hold of the boat ; for a long time she remained 
senseless. Again^ at this place,, she tumbled from the balcony 
under similar circumstances, as Peth. was riding off to Cairo ; the 
bird was picked up and brought to me. For two hours she was 
insensible, I grieving all the time, and Petherick, ignorant of the 
accident, away. Three of the fowls we brought with us from 
Central Africa have their liberty, and never stray from the yard. 
One only of the tiny long-tailed doves have we, and it is the 
last of our fine collection of birds. 
I have been to the palace and gardens of Shoobra with Mrs. 
Moss, and much enjoyed myself. I now ride and drive without 
fear — at first I was too timid to do so. Mr. and Mrs. Tinne have 
been here, and I spent a day with Mrs. Tinne at their hotel. Mrs. 
Ewing and her little darling I often see. At their house I met 
the Maharanee, the wife of H.H. Dhuleep Singh. All these little 
incidents will convince you what progress I have made towards 
recovery. Miss Tinne lives in a quaint house not far from here, 
and we see her occasionally. 
I have peeped at Captain Grant's book : it angers me so, he 
misrepresents facts as far as dear Peth. is concerned ; but time will 
show. No more on this subject at present. 
Herr Binder, who was Austrian Consul at Khartoum, is now 
at Cairo; he is a visitor — also the Baron Heuglin, and many 
others — -though I dare not yet venture into much society. 
^^Of all dear Petherick's business affairs he can best communicate 
them. He has indeed been wronged, and still is so sanguine of 
redress. I, therefore, will not speak of his hopes." 
