I dismounted, and could discern behind every bush the glitter of weapons and the eager eyes of men lying in ambush.

They allowed us, however, to enter unmolested." At this moment Knakias rushed in crying, "Important news! On my way to the Nile to fetch water with which to prepare the wine-cup, I have just met a man who, in his haste, nearly ran over me.
[The water of the Nile has a very agreeable flavor.

It is called by one traveller the champagne among the waters.

The ladies of the Sultan's harem send for this water even from Constantinople, and the Arabs say, that if Mahomet had drunk thereof he would have desired to live for ever.] It was an Ethiop, one of Phanes' boatmen, and he tells that just as he sprang out of the boat to bathe, a royal bark came alongside and a soldier asked the rest of the crew in whose service they were.

On the helmsman answering, 'in Phanes' service,' the royal boat passed on slowly.