The verdict was concurred in by nearly everyone on board.
And yet it was not the officers’ fault, for nine-tenths of the trouble was caused by the pranks of Madcap Max.
“Do we land here?” asked Max.
“Yes, Max. We shall finish our journey overland.”
“Our journey?” repeated Max, opening his bright eyes still wider with astonishment.
“Yes, Max. We go to Cairo before we settle down at Alexandria.”
“I am so glad.”
Several scores of boats surrounded L’Orient, manned by swarthy and not too-much dressed Arabs; a dozen or so seized upon Max and his father and literally dragged them to a boat.
On the way from the steamer to the landing dock, Mr. Gordon whispered to Max:
“No jokes with these fellows, or your life is not your own.”