each of the Gospels, two or three dozen knives and scissors, key rings, &c. Beside these I had a small tent well fitted to shelter two people. This I had purchased on the strong recommendation of the friend, whose advice with respect to delaying the journey I have already mentioned, but it did not accompany me beyond Nablus, and was not once used, though I trust that in the hands of those with whom I left it, it will yet be very useful, in which case I too shall be très content. There yet remain to be mentioned a case of medicines, two brandy flasks, sketch-book, water colours, note-book, and pocket Bible. One of the brandy flasks I found broken the first time of opening my portmanteau, but this was nothing serious, as about three-quarters of the contents of the other were brought home; the medicines were not opened, except at the time of a little sea-sickness, the residue being left behind for others. The same with two pots of Liebig's extract, and the balance of a tin of Cocoa essence. Thus relieved of the care of sundry things which were found to be unnecessary, I had the more room to spare for a few relics which I was desirous of bringing to England from the Holy Land. CHAPTER II. BRINDISI TO ALEXANDRIA. HAVING been introduced to my berth and taken a short stroll on the "Massilia's" after-deck, I made good acquaintance with my new quarters in a night's sleep, from which I was not fairly roused until the wash-deck donkey pump, which happened to be fixed near my berth and was started every morning at 5 o'clock, by its rapid and noisy alternations, bade me think of the engagements of another day. Though not fairly roused till this hour, I had not been altogether unobservant of the coming on board of the arrivals from England by the last opportunity, to whom breakfast time brought me an introduction. About 7.30 a.m., the steamer put out from Brindisi; when a German fellow traveller pointed out to me the ancient Roman column, standing where for centuries, if not millenniums, it has marked the termination of Via Appia, the commencement of which was at the Forum of Rome. To the Christian, Via Appia must always be in teresting in connection with the journey of the Apostle Paul towards Rome along that highway from the place called "the Three Taverns." (Acts xxviii. 15.) The Latin name for Brindisi was Brundusium. Our steamer carried the Bombay mail, and among my companions were several of Her Majesty's Indian civil servants returning to duty after furlough; there were also a colonel and his daughter in the company, and in addition we had French and Armenian companions. Going into the saloon after breakfast to attempt some writing, I was soon drawn into conversation with a gentleman whose society I shared a good deal afterwards, I trust not altogether unprofitably. The same evening we paced the deck together till after the night-watch had put out the cabin-lights, so that we had to turn in, in the dark. Our good captain, when duties did not prevent, was always ready to do and say anything that would contribute to our comfort and entertainment. Notwithstanding the after-deck awning and other palliatives, it was not difficult to appreciate somewhat the warmer climate of the Mediterranean as compared with England. I think it was on Tuesday, the 6th of August, |