Page:Domestic Life in Palestine.pdf/421

414 particularly of his implicit and ready obedience to his governor and friend, Major Cowell. He was exceedingly active, and he very much enjoyed outdoor exercises and sports, and the freedom of tent life. He never sacrificed comfort to state, unless etiquette obliged him to do so. For instance, whenever a Mutsellim sent him a splendidly-caparisoned horse, with a richly-wrought and embossed saddle, he only mounted it for a few minutes, or on some special occasion, just to acknowledge the courtesy, for he preferred his own plain English saddle. When he approached Hebron, he was riding, as a duty, in state, on one of the Pasha's favorite horses. Hundreds of people had assembled to do homage to him. He good-naturedly and cheerfully returned their greetings, then leaped from the gorgeous saddle, ran through the crowd to the spot chosen for the encampment, took up a large hammer, and began to drive in the pegs for the tent-ropes most lustily, greatly to the surprise of the stately Orientals. One of the ship's boats was conveyed by camels from Yâfa to the Dead Sea, that His Royal Highness, who is very fond of boating, might have an opportunity of rowing on its heavy waters. He also navigated the Lake of Tiberias.

On Wednesday, the 6th of April, the royal midshipman explored 'Akka, and then joined his ship to proceed to Beirût. He was the first English prince who visited the Holy Land since the time of the Crusades.

On Sunday afternoon, April 17th, my brother and I were reading together at the Vice-Consulate, when suddenly we were disturbed by the abrupt entrance of a tall black slave and six Moslem boys. They closed the door of the room the moment that they were all safe within it. They looked frightened, fatigued, and excited, as if they were seeking escape from some great danger. The boys caught hold of us, kissed our hands and our garments vehemently, and cried out, "Ana dakhaliek! Ana dakhaliek!"