stone stairways led us to the upper floors. The pointed double windows, in deep embrasures in the outer walls, command magnificent views in all directions.
The west windows overlook the plain of Akka and the sea, with Mount Carmel and Hâifa in the background on the left. The north windows look toward Lebanon, with the city of Akka on the left, and the little town of Abilene in the foreground on the right, its tall white tower standing conspicuously in the midst of olive-trees and gardens. The banners of Richard I once waved there. The southern and eastern views are bounded by hills and mountains, rising one behind the other.
While petitioners for protection crowded round my brother, I wandered from hall to hall and from window to window, with Saleh for my cicerone. We climbed to the top of the embattled walls, and walked nearly all round the building; but the stones are falling, and allowed to remain where they fall, and scarcely any use seems to be made of the place.
As we left the castle, the governor asked me to go with him to see his wives. A glance from my brother told me that I might accept the invitation. Of course, none of the gentlemen could accompany me; so they walked homeward with Stephani, and the governor escorted me to his dreary looking house. A gateway, through which a laden camel could easily pass, led us into an ill-paved guttered court, which was the only entrance to a square vaulted hall, with bare stone walls, and four unglazed windows quite out of reach. The floor was of earth, with smooth rock slabs here and there.
This was the governor's residence—his dining-room, with drawing-room, nursery, stables, and kitchen all together! On one side, just within the door, a mule was feeding; a stone bench, hollowed out a little, was his manger; a patient ass stood by him. On the other side, a tethered horse was neighing; and on a heap of fodder, two dirty, delicate-looking children were kicking and crying out lust-
