ABSTRACT
I have told the story of my first night, and there is no need for me to explain why I found it necessary the next morning to arise rather late in 21consequence. Abdullah announced that the sheik of my quarter was awaiting me, and that he had alreadycalled once before that morning. The excellent old gentleman with his white beard was waiting for me to wake up, and was at the cafe opposite with his secretary and the negro who carried his pipe. His patience did not astonish me. Every European who is not a manufacturer or a merchant is a person of importance in Egypt. The sheik was sitting on one of the divans; his pipe was filled for him and coffee was served to him. Then he began his speech, and Abdullah translated it for me as he went along.
