It appeared, however, that there really was good ground for
supposing them guilty, since one of the holsters was actually found
in their possession. It was said too (but I could hardly believe
it), that whilst one of the men was undergoing the bastinado, his
comrade was overheard encouraging him to bear the torment without
peaching. Both men, if they had the secret, were resolute in
keeping it, and were sent back to their dungeon. I of course took
care that there should be no repetition of the torture, at least so
long as I remained at Suez.
The Governor was a thorough Oriental, and until a comparatively
recent period had shared in the old Mahometan feeling of contempt
for Europeans. It happened however, one day that an English gun-
brig had appeared off Suez, and sent her boats ashore to take in
fresh water. Now fresh water at Suez is a somewhat scarce and
precious commodity: it is kept in tanks, the chief of which is at
some distance from the place. Under these circumstances the
request for fresh water was refused, or at all events, was not
complied with. The captain of the brig was a simple-minded man
with a strongish will, and he at once declared that if his casks
were not filled in three hours, he would destroy the whole place.
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