I felt quite sick, and English modesty
overpowered curiosity, and I could not look. Later on, when I grew more
used to Eastern ways, I was forced to accept the compliment paid to the
highest rank, and a great compliment to me as a Christian, to hold the
boy in my arms whilst the ceremony was being performed. It was rather
curious at first to be asked to a circumcision, as one might be asked
to a christening in England or a "small and early."
For the first three months of my life at Damascus I only indulged in
short excursions, but Richard went away on longer expeditions, often for
days, sometimes on business and sometimes to visit the Druze chiefs. I
have said that our house was about a quarter of an hour from Damascus,
and whilst Richard was away on one of these expeditions I broke through
a stupid rule. It was agreed that I could never dine out or go to a
_soiree_ in Damascus, because after sunset the roads between Damascus and
our house on the hillside were infested with Kurds. I was tired of being
"gated" in this way, so I sent to the Chief of Police, and told him I
intended to dine out when I chose and where I chose, and to return at
all hours--any hours I pleased. He looked astonished, so I gave him a
present. He looked cheerful, and I then told him to make it his business
that I was never to be attacked or molested. I showed him my revolver,
and said, "I will shoot the first man who comes within five yards of me
or my horse.
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