spices; a few plates of fowls and lamb, and bowls of lebbeny or sour cream, and a good supply of sweet cream, cheese, olives, and salad. A cake of bread was placed before each person. As soon as Salihh Agha was seated, he began eating silently and—as it seemed to me—voraciously, quite in Bedouin style, making pellets of the hot rice or wheat in the palm of his hand, and with a skillful jerk tossing them into his mouth. He divided the fowls with his fingers, and did me the honor to pass the most delicate morsels to me. At this rate the contents of the dishes soon disappeared; for all the gentlemen followed the example of Salihh Agha, and as, one by one, they were satisfied, they rose and washed their hands. We then returned to the large room, where many visitors had assembled. Coffee and pipes were served. Songs were sung in praise of the Agha, and of the Vice-Consul, and other guests. The songs which called forth the greatest energy were descriptions of contending armies and of the chase. Arrack was handed round to the singers, but none of the Bedouins partook of it. Little Nimr, the son of the Agha, arrived. He was about seven years old. He came bounding into the room, and was soon wrapped in the folds of his father's scarlet cloak, and covered with kisses and caresses. I was struck by the change in the somewhat stern aspect of Salihh Agha. He was full of tenderness and demonstrative affection for his little son—an ugly boy, but of that piquant description of ugliness which is sometimes so attractive. The lieutenant wished him to go and have supper with him; but he said archly, "Did I come here to have supper or to see the English Sit?"—that is, the lady. He came and nestled by my side; took my hands in his; felt my dress, and said it was nice and soft. He showed in every action that he was accustomed to be noticed very much, and to be lovingly treated.
Wrestling was proposed, and Nimr immediately challenged Elias, the son of Stephani, a slightly-made, very pretty boy, also about seven, who deliberately took off his
