CHAPTER II.

Rapacity of the Dragomans--The Mahmoudieh Canal--The Nile at Atfeh--The muddy Waters of the Nile--Richness of the Soil--Accident to the Boatmen--Night Sailing--A Collision--A Vessel run down--Escape of the Crew--Solemn Investigation--Final Judgment--Curious Mode of Fishing--Tameness of the Birds--Jewish Malefactors--Moving Pillar of Sand--Arrival at Cairo--Hospitable Reception by the Consul-General 14