ourselves beneath the awning in that boat.

I had just made up my mind that I would go round to the front and
penetrate this mystery, when, on turning, I saw approaching to me a
man dressed at any rate like an English gentleman. As he came near
to me, he raised his hat, and accosted me in our own language. "Mr.
George Walker, I believe?" said he.

"Yes," said I, with some little attempt at a high demeanour, -"of
the firm of Grimes, Walker, and Judkins, Friday Street, London."

"A most respectable house, I am sure," said he. "I am afraid there
has been a little mistake here."

"No mistake as to the respectability of that house," said I. I felt
that I was again alone in the world, and that it was necessary that
I should support myself. Mahmoud al Ackbar had separated himself
from me for ever. Of that I had no longer a doubt.

"Oh, none at all," said he. "But about this little expedition over
the water;" and he pointed contemptuously to the boat. "There has
been a mistake about that, Mr. Walker; I happen to be the English
Vice-Consul here."

I took off my hat and bowed. It was the first time I had ever been
addressed civilly by any English consular authority.

"And they have made me get out of bed to come down here and explain
all this to you."