pull the boats up odious. Two boats have been
severely damaged, and my friend the Reis of the Cataract (the one I
threatened to shoot last year, and who has believed in me ever since)
does not advise me to go up, though he would take me for nothing, he
swears, if I wished. So as the air is good here and Maurice is happy
with his companions, I will stay here.

I meant to have discharged my men, but I have grown so fond of them
(having so good a set), that I can't bring myself to save 20 pounds by
turning them adrift when we are all so happy and comfortable, and the
poor fellows are just marrying new wives with their wages. Good-bye
dearest Alick, forgive a scrawl, for I am very weak all over, fingers and
all. Best love to my darling Rainie. Three boats have little girls of
five to eight on board, and I do envy them so. I think Maurice had
better go home to you, when we get to Cairo. He ought to be doing
something.

June 15, 1869: Sir Alexander Duff Gordon

_To Sir Alexander Duff Gordon_.

BOULAK,
_June_ 15, 1869.

DEAREST ALICK,

Do not think of coming here. Indeed it would be almost too painful to me
to part from you again; and as it is, I can patiently wait for the end
among people who are kind and loving enough to be comfortable, without
too much feeling of the pain of parting. The leaving Luxor was rather a
distressing scene, as they did not think to see me again.

The kindness of all the people was really touching, from the Kadee who
made ready my tomb among his own family, to the poorest fellaheen. Omar
sends you his most heartfelt thanks, and begs that the boat may remain
registered at the Consulate in your name for his use and benefit. The
Prince has appointed him his own dragoman. But he is sad enough, poor
fellow, all his prosperity does not console him for the loss of 'the
mother he found in the world.' Mohammed at Luxor wept bitterly and said,
'poor I, my poor children, poor all the people,' and kissed my hand
passionately, and the people at Esneh, asked leave to touch me 'for a
blessing,' and everyone sent delicate bread, and their best butter, and
vegetables and lambs. They are kinder than ever now that I can no longer
be of any use to them.

If I live till September I will go up to Esneh, where the air is softest
and I cough less. I