[CHAPTER IX.]
THE START UP THE NILE.
O ur party was now to be divided for a time. We were all anxious to see the Nile, but it was thought better for the children and their mother to stay quietly in Cairo. Those who were not pressed for time offered to remain with them, while the others hastened up to the second cataract. After much discussing and arranging, it was decided that three should stay with the invalid and her children in Cairo, and the other three should go up the Nile together.
The most comfortable sort of boat for travelling is the "dahabieh." One was engaged. Mohammed laid in the stores necessary for the journey; and when all was ready, we went to Boulak, which is the port of Cairo, to see the travellers start.
We went on board the dahabieh.
"What a beautiful room!" Lucy exclaimed, as she went into the saloon.
And so indeed it was. Carpets, cushions, divans, book-shelves; nothing was wanting to make the dahabieh a most luxurious little home. There were easy-chairs of every kind on deck, and an awning was spread as a protection from the sun. The crew consisted of a captain, or reis, as he is called, a pilot, and fourteen Arab sailors.
We exchanged farewells, heartily wishing that we too were going, and they started. As we waved our last farewells from the shore, Hugh said, in a disconsolate voice, "Great fun for them, but no fun for us."
We were all a little dull that evening. But the travellers had promised to keep a journal, and we soon began to think when we should receive news of them.