Hassan in Egypt (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1912. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VII AN UNLUCKY DAY It was Thursday and market day in Cairo. The pilgrims had already made more than a week's journey toward Mecca, and Ibrahim Ah was no doubt at that moment wishing that he might look upon the face of his son. It was mid-afternoon and Hassan was taking his way home from school. From one narrow street into another he passed, looking neither to the right nor left, although there was plenty to attract his attention. Old men were squatting on the ground beside boxes filled with vegetables; boys were walking about with great trays on their heads piled high with loaves of bread; there were boys with oranges and grapes, there were flower girls and watercarriers, there were jugglers and snake-charmers and street musicians. Down the street came the quick patter-patter of the feet of white donkeys, their harnesses hung thick with little blue beads to guard against ill luck. An Arab rode by on horseback, his heelless slippers hanging from the toes of his bare feet. Behind him came a camel heavily loaded with old rags, and then a veiled woman on the back of a donkey. The woman had been to market, and she was attended by a black servant who walked beside her, his robe well filled with bundles. A carriage drawn by a splendid pair of horses came down the street, with a runner in front to clear the way. The runner wore loose white trousers, a gold-braided jacket and a flowing crimson sash, and he carried a long wand in his hand to drive back the crowds. "To the left, O lady " he cried. "To the right, my uncle Thy foot Make way, make way " Hassan turned the corner and slipped into another street without even glancing at the horses or the runner. His closely shaven head was covered with a red fez, the dark blue tassel dangling against his chee...