[14]. “Abú Tabak,” in Cairene slang, is an officer who arrests by order of the Kazi and means “Father of whipping” (= tabaka, a low word for beating, thrashing, whopping) because he does his duty with all possible violence in terrorem.
[15]. Bab al-Nasr the Eastern or Desert Gate: see vol. vi. [234].
[16]. This is a mosque outside the great gate built by Al-Malik al-’Ádil Tuman Bey in A.H. 906 (= 1501). The date is not worthy of much remark for these names are often inserted by the scribe—for which see Terminal Essay.
[17]. Arab. “’Ámir” lit. = one who inhabiteth, a peopler; here used in technical sense. As has been seen, ruins and impure places such as privies and Hammám-baths are the favourite homes of the Jinn. The fire-drake in the text was summoned by the Cobbler’s exclamation and even Marids at times do a kindly action.
[18]. The style is modern Cairene jargon.
[19]. Purses or gold pieces see vol. ix. [313].
[20]. i.e. I am a Cairene.
[21]. Arab. “Darb al-Ahmar,” a street still existing near to and outside the noble Bab Zuwaylah, for which see vol. i. [269].
[22]. Arab. “’Attár,” perfume-seller and druggist; the word is connected with our “Ottar” (’Atr).
[23]. Arab. “Mudarris” lit. = one who gives lessons or lectures (dars) and pop. applied to a professor in a collegiate mosque like Al-Azhar of Cairo.