Page:Memoirs of the Lady Hester Stanhope.djvu/288

 messenger, called out of his bed. I repeated to him Lady Hester's instructions as follows:—"You are to take this packet, and start at sunrise precisely—not before, and not after—and to take care you deliver the letters into M. Guys's hands before sunset: for it is Friday, and Friday is an auspicious day. There are ten piasters for your two days' keep, and let no one know where you are going, nor for what."

Ali was accustomed to this business—laid his hand on his head to signify that should answer for his fidelity—made a low salaam—went to the cook for his five bread-cakes—turned in again upon his libàd—pulled his counterpane over his body, face and all, and, I dare say, was punctual to his hour and his instructions. Men of this sort, who are generally chosen from the peasantry, are invaluable as foot-messengers. With a naboot or small bludgeon, well knobbed at one end, and with a few bread-cakes in their girdle, they will set off at any hour, in any weather, for any place, and go as quick as a horseman. They sleep anywhere and anyhow, and deliver their messages and letters with exceeding punctuality. Ali was a handsome fellow, the picture of health, fearless of danger, and a great favourite with Lady Hester, to whose service he was devoted; therefore, at every Byràm, Ali was sure to be seen in a new suit of clothes, the envy of the men, and the admiration of all the girls of