“Chamis went away the day before yesterday,” he said to Mr. Tarkowski, “and in El-Wasta he took the train coming from Cairo, so he must have been in Medinet this morning. The children only need an hour to pack their things. But supposing they left at noon, they would have had to wait for the night train, which runs along the banks of the Nile, and, as I have forbidden Nell to travel by night, they probably started early this morning, and they will reach here a little after sunset.”
“Yes,” said Mr. Tarkowski. “Chamis must rest a little; it is true, Stasch is hot headed, but in anything that concerns Nell he can be relied on. Besides, I sent him a card telling him that they were not to leave at night.”
“He is a capable boy and I have full confidence in him,” replied Mr. Rawlison.
“Yes, indeed, so have I. In spite of his many faults, Stasch is a boy of good character and never lies, for he is brave, and only a coward lies. He does not lack energy, and later, when his judgment develops, I think he will be able to fight his way through the world.”
“Certainly; but just think if you ever acted with deliberation at his age?”
“I must confess that I did not!” replied Mr. Tarkowski, laughing; “but perhaps I was not so self-conscious as he is.”
“He will get over that. Meanwhile, be glad that you have such a boy.”
“And you that you have such a sweet, dear little soul as Nell.”
“God bless her,” answered Mr. Rawlison, much affected.
The two friends clasped hands, and then began to examine the plans and cost of the water-works, and so the time passed quickly until evening.