A Visit to the Holy Land, Egypt, and Italy by Ida Pfeiffer
page 282 of 388 (72%)
page 282 of 388 (72%)
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vigilance several articles were pilfered from me, and my purse must
also have been stolen during this excursion. The loss was very disagreeable to me because it involved that of my box-key. I was, however, fortunate in finding an expert Arabian locksmith, who opened my chest and made me a new key, on which occasion I had another opportunity of seeing how careful it is necessary to be in all our dealings with these people to avoid being cheated. The key locked and unlocked my box well, and I paid for it; but immediately afterwards observed that it was very slightly joined in the middle, and would presently break. The Arab's tools still lay on the ground; I immediately seized one of them, and told the man I would not give it up until he had made me a new key. It was in vain that he assured me he could not work without his tools; he would not give my money back, and I kept the implement: by this means I obtained from him a new and a good key. CHAPTER XVI. Christian churches at Cairo--The Esbekie-square--Theatre--Howling dervishes--Mashdalansher, the birthday of Mahomet--Procession and religious ceremony--Shubra--Excursion through the desert to Suez-- Hardships of the journey--Scenes in the desert--The camel--Caravans-- Mirage--The Red Sea--Suez--Bedouin camp--Quarrel with the camel- driver--Departure for Alexandria. |
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