Neither by exhortation nor by translating into Romany a portion of the Gospel of St Luke could Borrow make any impression upon the minds of the gypsies, therefore when one of them, Antonio by name, announced that “the affairs of Egypt” called for his presence “on the frontiers of Costumbra,” and that he and Borrow might as well journey thus far together, he decided to avail himself of the opportunity. It was arranged that Borrow’s luggage should be sent on ahead, for, as Antonio said, “How the _Busné_ [the Spaniards] on the road would laugh if they saw two _Calés_ [Gypsies] with luggage behind them.” { 166a} Thus it came about that an agent of the British and Foreign Bible Society, mounted upon a most uncouth horse “of a spectral white, short in the body, but with remarkably long legs” and high in the withers, set out from Badajos on 16th January 1836, escorted by a smuggler astride a mule; for the affairs of Egypt on this occasion were the evasion of the Customs dues.
Towards evening on the first day the curiously assorted pair arrived at Mérida, and proceeded to a large and ruinous house, a portion of which was occupied by some connections of the gypsy Antonio’s. In the large hall of the old mansion they camped, and here, acting on the gypsy’s advice, Borrow remained for three days. Antonio himself was absent from early morning until late at night, occupied with his own affairs. { 166b}
The fourth night was spent in the forest by the campfire of some more of Antonio’s friends. On one occasion, but for the fortunate possession of a passport, the affairs of Egypt would have involved Borrow in some difficulties with the authorities. At another time, for safety’s sake, he had to part from Antonio and proceed on his way alone, picking up the _contrabandista_ further on the road.
When some distance beyond Jaraicéjo, it was discovered that the affairs of Egypt had ended disastrously in the discomfiture and capture of Antonio’s friends by the authorities. The news was brought by the gypsy’s daughter. Antonio must return at once, and as the steed Borrow was riding, which belonged to Antonio, would be required by him, Borrow purchased the daughter’s donkey, and having said good-bye to the smuggler, he continued his journey alone.