"يوميّات رحلة من بلاد فارس إلى الهند عبر هراة وقندهار. وأيضًا تقرير رحلة إلى العاصمة الوهابية، الرياض في وسط الجزيرة العربية" [ظ‎‎٣‎٥] (٢٦٨/٧٠)

56
anti welcome is the rest, and possibility of arranging my notes
after the fatigue and interruptions of this long ride of a thousand
and odd miles from Teheran.
I he impression left on me before by Sultan Ahmed Khan
has been strengthened by my interview of to-day. He possesses
much natural capacity; and circumstances have developed him
into a wary and able public man. The experience of the Afghan
war has not been wasted upon him. And I think it probable
that after Dost Mahomed, he is the astutest Afghan statesman
now alive, and the one perhaps who best understands our power
and would most effectually serve our interests. In person the
Su-dar is decidedly imposing, large, with regular, well-defined,
reposeful features. The forehead retreating, but prominent over
the highly arched eyebrows; the nose aquiline and markedly
handsome; the base of the forehead broad, and the length between
the eyes and the chin considerable ; upper lip shortish and curled,
denoting pride and impatience, but the mouth good though large,-
the chin full, as are the cheeks also. The Sirdar’s hands are small
for his size; and the fingers tapering. Dinner was served for me
after sunset; and I found it to bo the intention to make me the
Sirdar’s guest until my departuro. To this, however, I demurred,*
and sent the Mirza to the Naib-ool-Hookumut to say that I was
obliged by the Sirdar’s kind consideration, but that with his per
mission I would from to-morrow provide for myself. The Naib
replied that it was a delicate objection to make to the Sirdar,
but that he could call and see me in the morning, and then
arrange with me for the best. I find a white Persian cat is domi
ciled with me, and seems quite at home.
Subsequent experience has taught me to consider that I erred in thus
demurring. On such occasions in such countries one should at once politely
accept the proffered hospitality, and pay the Chiefs attendants liberally. Every
country has its own notions of etiquette and tact, and savoir faire. Do at Rome
as Rome does, so long as essentials are not concerned.
rhe fact is an Anglo-Indian officer employed in distant Oriental States, brings
0 ^ - v” 1 tllC tra(lltl0us ruIcs wllicl1 aic sometimes ill-suited to his new sphere