"All right," he answered, "show him in."
Almost treading on the servant's heels, there entered a thin, flat-chested native, heavily pock-marked, with a cast in one of his eyes—not an attractive personality. He wore a long tight black velvet coat, patent leather boots displaying a surprising eruption of mother-of-pearl buttons, an embroidered skull cap, and gold spectacles. With a profound salutation, he presented a visiting-card, on which was neatly inscribed:
"From A. D. Shumilal and Co., Agents, 805 Pophams Broadway."
"Captain Mallender, I think?" he enquired.
"Yes, that's right."
"I have come as representative of this firm—who are acting for Jaffer and Co., Hyderabad."
"I hope you bring me some news at last?"
He hesitated for a moment, and then glibly replied:
"Well, sir, you understand, that this is a very ticklish business and difficult. So much time has passed. So much bridge under water as you—say——"
"Yes, yes, yes. I know all that," returned Mallender impatiently.