Chapter 3.0: The Gift of the Nile [02/05/1925]
Making his way back to the lobby, McNeil easily drew the concierge's attention. He listened to the inquiry politely, and nodded.
"Ah, yes. You require a dragoman to guide you through the city. We would recommend nothing less. Let me see if one of the people we work with is available," he said, pulling out a thick book and sifting through it quickly to the most recent page, and running his finger down a couple of rows, before a satisfied smile came onto his face.
"I was concerned that we wouldn't have anyone available, but there are a couple of them that I can recommend, depending on your need. There is a Mr. Reginald Fortworthy, an Englishman who has made Egypt his home. He speaks the best English of any of the guides, of course, and is very familiar with the most frequently desired tourist attractions and is very well connected in Cairo society. Also, there is Asim. He is a former serviceman and works sometimes as a digger for expeditions, so he speaks good English and some French and German even. He knows both the new city and the old city well, so if you may wish to get off the beaten path, he might be the one for you," he said.
"There are other guides, of course, that will offer themselves into your service if you go nearer the port, if neither of the gentlemen I mentioned seem to fit the bill, though you will be on your own there as to assessing their qualifications and strengths."