I made, as I have said, some Christian obeisance. I bobbed my head,
that is, rubbing my hands together the while, and expressed an
opinion that it was a fine day. But if I was civil, as I hope I
was, the Arab was much more so. He advanced till he was about six
paces from me, then placed his right hand open upon his silken
breast,- and inclining forward with his whole body, made to me a bow
which Judkins never could accomplish. The turban and the flowing
robe might be possible in Friday Street, but of what avail would be
the outer garments and mere symbols, if the inner sentiment of
personal dignity were wanting? I have often since tried it when
alone, but I could never accomplish anything like that bow. The
Arab with the flowing robe bowed, and the other Arabs all bowed
also; and after that the Christian gentleman with the coat and
trousers made a leg. I made a leg also, rubbing my hands again, and
added to my former remarks that it was rather hot.

"Dat berry true," said the porter in the dirty dressing-gown, who
stood by. I could see at a glance that the manner of that porter
towards me was greatly altered, and I began to feel comforted in my
wretchedness. Perhaps a Christian from Friday Street, with plenty
of money in his pockets, would stand in higher esteem at Suez than
at Cairo. If so, that alone would go far to atone for the apparent
wretchedness of the place. At Cairo I had not received that
attention which had certainly been due to me as the second partner
in the flourishing Manchester house of Grimes, Walker, and Judkins.

But now, as my friend with the beard again bowed to me, I felt that
this deficiency was to be made up. It was clear, however, that this
new acquaintance, though I liked the manner of it, would be attended
with considerable inconvenience, for the Arab gentleman commenced an