"Yes, sir."
"How much do you know?" he asked in that language.
George replied in the same tongue, and the rest of the conversation was carried on in it.
"Well, I can't promise you anything now at once, but Dr. Dixon recommends you highly, so that if we require any one, I have no doubt you will suit. You speak Arabic well for a man only a few months in the country."
"I speak English and French as well, sir," broke in Helmar, "and——"
"Yes, yes, I have no doubt—that will do. You will hear from me as soon as it is possible."
The doctor smiled at the way the interview was closed, but George simply expressed his thanks and walked out. Presently the doctor joined him, and the two walked back to the quarters.
"Well, what do you think of him?" asked the doctor.
"Who? The consul? A smart-looking man."
"A little abrupt, eh?"