insisted on his being shown in first. This was done, and a few minutes
later the peasant came out satisfied, and gratefully kissed the Arab's
hand.

Then the chamberlain led the old merchant, and the men who followed him
with a heavy bale, into a magnificent anteroom to wait; and his patience
was put to a severe test before his name was called and he could show the
governor his merchandise.

The Mukaukas, in fact, after signifying by a speechless nod that he would
presently receive the merchant--who came well recommended--had retired to
recreate himself, and was now engaged in a game of draughts, heedless of
those whom he kept waiting. He reclined on a divan covered with a sleek
lioness' skin, while his young antagonist sat opposite on a low stool,
The doors of the room, facing the Nile, where he received petitioners
were left half open to admit the fresher but still warm evening-air. The
green velarium or awning, which during the day had screened off the sun's
rays where the middle of the ceiling was open to the sky, was now rolled
back, and the moon and stars looked down into the room. It was well
adapted to its purpose as a refuge from the heat of the summer day, for
the walls were lined with cool, colored earthenware tiles, the floor was
a brightly-tinted mosaic of patterns on a ground of gold glass, and in
the circular central ornament of this artistic pavement stood the real
source of freshness: a basin, two man's length across, of brown porphyry
flecked with white, from which a fountain leaped, filling the surrounding
air with misty spray. A few stools, couches and small tables, all of
cool-looking metal, formed the sole furniture of this lofty apartment
which was brilliantly lighted by numerous lamps.

A light air blew in through the open roof and doors, made the lamps