A Diary in the East (Volume 2); During the Tour of the Prince and Princess of Wales

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1869. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XITI. PREPARING FOR PILGRIMAGE.--THE TOURISTS. ALEXANDRIA TO PORT SAID. JAFFA. While the Duke and his party were tossing and tumbling on their way to Brindisi, I prepared for a little pilgrimage to Jerusalem. It was only necessary to eliminate articles of useless baggage, and to proceed in very light marching order. The occasion was tempting. Vessels sail three or four days a week from Alexandria for Jaffa and Beyrout. If the sea permits a passenger to land at Jaffa, he has only thirty-six miles to travel in order to reach the Golden City; but if he be obliged to go on to Beyrout, a journey of five days or more separates him from its gates. My time was exceedingly limited, because the Prince was expected at Cairo by the 20th at latest; indeed, if the flotilla returned swiftly, the Eoyal party might be at Cairo four or five days sooner, as they had reached Wady Helfah on the 2nd. I engaged Terentio to come with me. He was a CHAP. xni. THE TOURISTS AGAIN. 319 favourite with us all on board the steamer: very goodhumoured, quick, obliging, speaking many languages, a good traveller; one who had been in America, all over Europe, in the East, in Eussia,--who had penetrated far into Siberia. Volatile, and fond of travel, he was just the man to make a short expedition go off pleasantly. "Terentio," I said, at parting, "be sure to call me at half-past six."--" Si, si, my lord, I will be with you at six."--" No," I said, " halfpast six." Terentio, with an air which signified that he thought I was very lazy, and that even five o'clock would not be too early, smiled, bade me good night, and vanished. There was only one drawback. I confess it was one. I have no particular prejudice against meeting my fellow men en masse, except when they are en touriste. The en...