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BEITISH CONSUL GOES WITH ME 357
As a matter of professional interest he also wished
to ascertain why a diplomatic official from the German
Embassy at Constantinople, a man of wide experience,
had been stationed at Baghche for a considerable
time. Curiosity in what the representative of another
Power is doing is part of a Consul's everyday duty in
Asia Minor, for there the large rivalries and interests
of foreign Powers eventually narrow to the point of
individuals, alert as to each other's movements and
immediate aims even in time of peace.
So the Consul at Adana proposed to accompany
me, travelling in the way that I travelled—a way he
thought likely to serve the purpose of his journey.
Ibrahim, he declared, therefore, should lead a packhorse
like Mustapha, and display his qualities in that
duty as he did in all others. I was confident that
Ibrahim would not approve. In his blue tunic, cord
breeches, well-polished brown gaiters, and red fez, he
did not look at all the man to lead a pack-horse.
The Consul said, moreover, that Ibrahim should act
as cook, for he owned that my custom of preparing
my own food did not altogether appeal to him. Here
again I doubted Ibrahim's willingness, and still more
his capacity. The proposed trip was entirely to
Ibrahim's liking until the Consul asked if he could
undertake to cook. To this question Ibrahim replied
that he was a kavass, an armed guard, and no
domestic ; but having registered the protest he then
offered to abase himself in his master's service, and
cook for his comfort. This vital point settled, the
length of journey stated, and the condition laid down
that one horse only was to be taken for the consular
section of the party, the rest was left to Ibrahim.
At the appointed time he would be ready with horse
and food and equipment all packed, in the best order,
and with nothing wanting. So the Consul said.