inite jabbering, he declared he knew it. But instead
of taking us about a mile along the quay he landed us in Place Mahomet
Ali, miles off. He was a beast this guide, ready to swear he knew
everything, a filthy, thick-lipped pimp who offered his good services
again when night came. "Sir will have a fine evening to-day," he
began, then detailed all the beauties he was to show us, in spite of
our violently swearing at him and his ancestors for centuries back.
After inquiring at half a dozen places we found the office of the
A.D.M.S., and a man, springing forward to assist us out of the garry,
hoped I felt quite fit again. This was Dorian, one of our Ambulance,
who had been sent here sick, and was acting as orderly to the A.D.M.S.
Here we were ordered to report at the Officers' Rest Camp at Mustapha,
five miles off.

We wandered about for a time, asked for the Post Office which was
closed by this time, being Sunday, then we asked for the telegraph
office and were directed everywhere but to the right place. Question
an Egyptian he will direct you anywhere, ask him for some place that
has no existence on the face of the earth and he will show you the way
with absolute confidence.

We got out to Mustapha about 6 and reported ourselves at the office of
the adjutant of the camp. All details as they arrive go to Mustapha
or Sidi-Bishr. About 200 of us dined together and had a good dinner,
most of us washing it down with the beautifully clear water of the
Nile.

Mustapha is a typical African camp, planted on sea-sand, but not so
barren as my camp of twelve months ago at Mex. Here we have a good
many date palms and other trees, and wherever a little irrigation is
done there is a profusion of flowers.

_March 13th._--I am directed to report to the O.C. "Camp 2," to whose
company I am accordingly attached while here. My duty is to hang about
his lines and take an interest in what the men are doing up to noon.
This is a mere formality so that the authorities might know where to
find us should we be wanted. To-day I came straight away and went to a
mosque near by, where I was refused admittance unless I removed my
boots, which I did not care to do, although I was assured the floor
was most clean. It is usual to supply visitors with slippers big
enough to go over their outdoor boots, but none are kept here. I
wished to borrow a pair from a row on the door step, the owners of
which were inside at their devotions.

A flock of ab