Persian dawns, Egyptian nights

2()2
EGYPTIAN NIGHTS
civilisation in that neighbouthood ’—his eyes made
a further unseemly pop from his head, ‘—and there
at least the True East still lives unchanged. I want
to hear the singing from the harems at night, see
the veiled, dusky beauties go by through silent lanes
at noon, listen to the tom-toms beat at a native
wedding. Cairo J—he glanced disparagingly
around his gorgeous apartment—‘ is not the East.
And I want a guide to take me into those haunts
where civilisation has not yet penetrated.’
All this he delivered with his fat legs crossed
in repose, his small pig-face glinting with assurance.
I said, ‘ But I know nothing of Siwa. It is far from
here. You had better employ a native who knows
the district. Doubtlessly such can be found in
Cairo.’
He nodded. ‘ That is what I want you to do,
arrange the—expedition, shall we call it ?—gener¬
ally, employ a guide who knows Siwa, and spare
me all the details which an artist must avoid if he is
to concentrate on his art. I will pay you well, of
course.’
I considered him for a moment and then the
gods played upon my weakest point, my sense of
humour. I saw far off in the depths of the weeks a
twinkling mirror reflecting oddities innumerable,
and if I refused employment I should assuredly
miss the sight of them. Darya could live with the
Dans while I was away. I nodded.
‘ Very well, I will come at the salary you offer.’