"Their idea of direct taxation, I presume?"
"Just so. And now you may consider yourselves armed offensively and diplomatically, but you have still to furnish yourselves with safe conducts and letters of recommendation, which must be obtained from the foreign consulates, the Viceroy of Egypt, his Ministers, his Pashas, and, in fact, from every quarter representing any authority in the Turkish dominions. For my part, I will obtain some very valuable letters, as my friends have left in Africa remembrances of themselves, upon which it may be useful for us to call. I think I have told you everything, and, at all events, our conversation will have enlightened you on many points. If we do not waste any time, we may possibly be ready in a few weeks. Employ them, over and above the preparations we have arranged, in taking long walks and rides, in practising your shooting, and in studying Arabic. I mean the ordinary Arabic, which is spoken throughout one half of Asia and Africa. I will complete your education en route."
"But the medical man of the expedition," asked M. de Morin, "where is he? Has he declined to accompany us?"
"Yes, he has just told me so."
"Really? That dear doctor!" said the painter, rubbing his hands.
"That excellent doctor!" echoed the historian, patting his memorandum book with an air of relief.
"Are you no more concerned than that?" asked Madame de Guéran.
"Concerned!" exclaimed M. de Morin.
"On the contrary," continued M. Périères, keeping the ball rolling, "we are delighted!"
"Why so?"