They found this house built around a court-yard, as you have been told is generally the case in Bagdad. In this particular court, however, they found a number of hawks, which their owner kept for sport. They are used to hunt down gazelles and antelopes, which they either kill outright, or else keep at bay until the hounds come up and put an end to them. The general effect of the house was European. The walls, to be sure, were plainly whitewashed, but other details were handsome and artistic. For instance, the ceilings were handsomely decorated, and the floors were carpeted. One large room was furnished as a billiard-room. In others were handsome mirrors. The lunch table was laid in accordance with our notions or prejudices; that is, with a cloth, knives, forks, and plates. But there all sense of familiarity ceased. The fare was thoroughly Oriental. First of all a sheep, roasted whole and elaborately stuffed, was brought in on a tray and carried around to every one at table. Next came a roast turkey, served in the same way. Then a goose, then a gazelle, and then dishes and dishes of unknown names and composition. Such was the menu. Besides all of which, the table was laden with countless dishes of fruit and sweetmeats.
Tom, of course, being only a small boy, was admitted on sufferance, and sat perfectly still, and did not once contribute a word to the conversation. But he looked and listened all the harder, and I do not believe he missed a single point in the entertainment. Still, he was not particularly amused, and was certainly greatly relieved when the feast was over, and Mr. Jollytarre and himself were once more in the streets of Bagdad.
"They have the plague here frequently," said the Lieutenant, as they strolled along, an Arab whom they had picked up for a guide at their heels, "and the mortality is fearful. Once the authorities decided to try the plan of shutting up every one in any house where the plague broke out. But this plan was bitterly opposed, as it meant certain death to all in the house. The Jewish rabbis proposed another plan. They persuaded their people to emigrate to the desert, and live there until the plague was stayed, or at least until they had themselves got rid of it, having left it behind in the filth and foul air of the city. Some Christians and Mussulmans followed their example. There is one curious fact about the plague: hardly a person has ever been attacked who slept on a bedstead, even when persons sleeping on the floor in the same room have caught the disease and died."
"I suppose it is a summer disease," said Tom.
"No; on the contrary, it disappears with the fierce heats of summer, only to perhaps re-appear in the fall."
"I should hate to live in a place where there was danger of such a vile disease breaking out. But look at the troops of children—just out of school, I suppose. Do you know whether schools are found here?"
"Excellent, I am told. The gentleman with whom we lunched just now told me that these Bagdad children are taught to be good linguists, for one thing. They learn to speak Arabic, Syriac, and Turkish, as well as French and English, with fluency, in a Jewish school which was started not long ago. When this school was first opened the Turkish parents would not send their children. Now, however, they see the advantage, and the attendance is very good, especially among the boys."
"They look very knowing in their little fez caps," said Tom. "But how they stare! And did you ever see such black eyes? Are there no Turkish schools?"
"Yes, one or two, and pretty good ones, besides a few others not so good."