intitled "The Crescent and the Cross." It contains, not only much
valuable matter relative to Egypt and Abyssinia, but many interesting
anecdotes, of which we give a specimen.




HOSPITALITY OF THE ARAB.


In 1804, Osman Bardissy was the most influential of the Mameluke Beys,
and virtually governed Egypt. Mehemet Ali, then rising into power,
succeeded in embroiling this powerful old chief with Elfy Bey, another
of the Mamelukes. The latter escaped to England, where he was
favourably received, and promised assistance by our government against
Osman, who was in the French interests. At this time a Sheikh of Bedouin
stood high in Osman's confidence, and brought him intelligence that Elfy
had landed at Alexandria. "Go, then," said the old Bey, "surprise his
boat, and slay him on his way up the river; his spoil shall be your
reward." The Sheikh lay in wait upon the banks of the Delta, and slew
all the companions of the rival Bey: Elfy himself escaped in the
darkness, and made his way to an Arab encampment before sunrise. Going
straight to the Sheikh's tent, which is known by a spear standing in
front of it, he entered, and hastily devoured some bread that he found
there. The Sheikh was absent; but his wife exclaimed, on seeing the
fugitive, "I know you, Elfy Bey, and my husband's life, perhaps at his
moment, depends upon his taking yours. Rest now and refresh yourself,
then take the best horse you can find, and fly. The moment you are out
of our horizon, the tribe will be in pursuit of you." The Bey escaped
to the Thebaid, and the disappointed Sheikh presented himself to his