Page:Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile - In the Years 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772, and 1773 volume 1.djvu/212

108 was sitting upon the ground on a carpet, moving his head backwards and forwards, and saying prayers with beads in his hand. I had no good opinion of him from his first appearance, but said, Salam alicum, boldy; this seemed to offend him, as he looked at me with great contempt, and gave me no answer, though he appeared a little disconcerted by my confidence.

" you the Cafr, said he, to whom that boat belongs?"

", Sir, said I, it belongs to Hagi Hassan."

" you think, says he, I call Hagi Hassan, who is a Sheriffe, Cafr?"

" depends upon the measure of your prudence, said I, of which as yet I have no proof that can enable me to judge or decide."

" you the Christian that was at the ruins in the morning? says he."

"I was at the ruins in the morning, replied I, and I am a Christian. Ali Bey calls that denomination of people Nazarani, that is the Arabic of Cairo and Constantinople, and I understand no other."

"I am, said he, going to Girgé, and this holy saint is with me, and there is no boat but your's bound that way, for which reason I have promised to take him with me."