Chapter 45

When they reached Alexandria, they were greeted by the port staff in English. Pierre was relieved he had studied hard at school and knew the basics. The others also knew English from their school and university education. A man called out to them as they spoke to the locals thronging at the bottom of the boarding ramp.

“Do you need a guide?” he asked. “Where are you going in Egypt?”

Pierre realized that they would need someone to translate and help them along.

“Do you speak French?” he asked.

“Yes. Yes, I do.”

Pierre thought that would be a great help and looked around at the chaotic scenes around them as Henri negotiated the price for his services and other details with the man who had called out to them.

“My name is Hussein,” the guide said with a smile after everything had been arranged. “Nice to help y