ly in the evening.

The Egyptians had not yet acquired full confidence in the Arab
government, and every one tried to avoid being handed over to its
representative; for none of its officials could be so wise or so just
as their old Mukaukas. How the suffering man found strength and time to
keep an eye on everything, it was hard to imagine; but the fact remained
that he himself looked into every decision. At the same time no one
could be sure of his affairs being settled out of hand unless he could
get at the governor himself.

Business hours were now over; the anxiety caused both by the delay in
the rising of the Nile and by the advent of the comet had filled the
waiting-rooms with more petitioners than usual. Deputations from town
and village magistrates had been admitted in parties; supplicants on
private business had gone in one by one; and most of them had come forth
content, or at any rate well advised. Only one man still lingered,--a
countryman whose case had long been awaiting settlement--in the hope
that a gift to the great man's doorkeeper, of a few drachmae out of his
poverty might at length secure him the fruit of his long patience--when
the chamberlain, bidding him return on the morrow, officiously flung
open the high doors that led to the Mukaukas' apartments, to admit the
Arab merchant, in consideration of Haschim's gold piece which had come
to him through his cousin the dragoman. Haschim, however, had observed
the countryman, and insisted on his being shown in first. This was done,
and a few minutes later the peasant came out satisfied, and gratefully
kissed the Arab's hand.

Then the chamberlain led the old merchant, and the men who followed him
with a heavy bale, into a magnificent anteroom to wait; and his patience
was put to a severe test before his name was called and he could show
the governor his merchandise.

The Mukaukas, in fact, after signifying by a speechless nod that he
would presently receive the merchant--who came well recommended--had
retired to recreate himself, and was now engaged in a game of draughts,
heedless of those whom he kept waiting. He reclined on a divan covered
with a sleek lioness' skin, while his young antagonist sat opposite on
a low stool, The doors of the room, facing the Nile, where he received
petitioners were left half open to admit the fresher but still warm
evening-air. The green velarium or awning, which during the day had
screened off the sun's rays where the