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194

hardly took in the speaker's meaning, for this was the first occasion in my life when the idea of unclear a bed-room with another man had been suggested to me. I suppose I was so taken by surprise that I remained silent when I ought to have spoken, for I was next addressed by the Gentleman himself with whom it was proposed I sh share the bed-room. "Well, Sir," he said," what do you intend to do? It is now past three; & if you don't accept this gentleman's offer, you will have to go out again into the Street." Having said this he took the key from the Clerk & turning to an attendant, told him to show the way to the room. I rather followed than accompanied him, thinking over, as I went along what I had read of Cairo, when, fifteen or twenty years ago, it was a nest of rowdies, rovvers, gamblers, & cut-throats, floating upon a fever-and-ague-haunted swamp. I had been somewhat reassured by the appearance& bearing of my companion. He was a clean-limbed, & remarkably handsome man apparently turned of forty. His moustache & beard were trimmed in the French style, & his bearing was frank & soldierly. On the other side, however, I observed that he had no luggage whatever. At last the door was reached & opened. The attendant entered to light the gas. While he was doing this my companion crossed the room. In doing this he took off his coat, & kidked off his boots, & walked "unclear" into bed. This was doen quietly & deliverately, but in less time than it took to light the gas. I felt that I was becoming uncertain as to the reality of things. Was I at Drury Lane, looking in at the transformation of a Pantomime? Or was I dreaming that I was at Cairo?