FROM CAIRO TO THE ATBARA 9

the animosities which often exist between Englishmen and Frenchmen as_ individuals. Some time ago, a naval lieutenant in uniform — entered the Bar Splendid, near the Esbekiyeh

Gardens, and called for some refreshment. Three Frenchmen entered simultaneously, and

as the lieutenant raised the glass to his lips

his arm was jogged so roughly that half the liquor was spilt. He turned to the three Frenchmen, but as they did not look at him he concluded that the occurrence was a mere accident due to his neighbours’ clumsiness, but

unnoticed by them. He therefore raised his

half-filled glass once more, and this time

actually saw one of the Frenchmen deliberately jog hisarm. Justly furious at this uncalled . for

insult, the Englishman, who was an excellent

“bruiser,” laid about him with such vigour and dexterity that in a twinkling two of his

assailants were sprawling on the sanded floor of the restaurant. He turned to the third. ‘No, you're too small,” said he, and forthwith seizing the diminutive Gaul by the back

of his collar, he slid him under .one of the

tables, and, leaving the trio in their undignified

positions, he walked quietly out of the café