siting the
poorer women of Cairo. Usually she was received with courtesy, and when
she became known, with gratitude; and though this work was arduous and
consumed much time, through it an entrance was made for the Gospel into
many homes. Into the houses of the rich she penetrated but seldom,
partly because her work lay in other directions, and partly because
these were occupied by numerous slave-wives, who, being chiefly
Circassians or Georgians, spoke Turkish, and did not understand Arabic.
In earlier years Miss Whately did all the visiting herself, and her
books bear abundant testimony to the skill with which she could turn the
conversation to spiritual matters; in later years she was much assisted
in it by Mrs. Shakoor and by a Bible-woman whom she employed.

Mansoor and Yousif Shakoor engaged in similar work among men. They often
found men at the coffee-houses willing to listen to the reading of the
Scriptures. When this was put a stop to through the opposition of the
Moslem priests, a book depot was opened, which did good service for some
years. Evening meetings were also established, but these were attended
almost exclusively by Copts, though occasionally a Moslem would brave
the real danger of being present at a Christian service.

Beside the early morning rides to which reference has been made, which
afforded opportunities for religious conversation, Miss Whately would
occasionally stay for a week or two at some farmhouse or by the seaside,
and find opportunities of teaching the people around something of the
Gospel. The following is an incident connected with this work in the
country: "At an open spot just outside the village a barber was shaving
a peasant's head, and, as usual, a group were assembled near him
chatting and smoking. Mr. Shakoor took advantage of this and resolved
to join the party of men, and get into conversation, while I went a
little further in search of some women. I soon found four or five with
some little girls, all sitting upon a dust-heap! They looked very dirty,
as well they might, but I remembered 'who can raise up the beggar from
the dung-hill and make him to sit among princes.' I saluted the poor
women in a friendly way, and though looking astonished they replied
civilly. After a little chat and a few questions on both sides, I asked
if they had ever heard about our first parents, Adam and Eve, and how
sin came into the world. They just knew the names, but no more, and were
pleased