“By the way,” I said, “you have forgotten to tell me what your plans are after you leave me, and when we are to meet again?”
“Oh! we’ll pick you up in Alexandria in a few days,” said Edmund. “We’ll see you off home, unless you make up your mind to continue the cruise.”
“I wish that were possible,” I said regretfully; “but it isn’t.”
“When we put you ashore, sir,” said Captain Welfare, “we’ll get out to sea as best we can, and get in the regular track of boats bound to Alexandria. If the police are on the look-out for Jakoub, they’ll board us either there or when we’re signalled at the harbour. I only wish you knew as much about the Gyppie police as we do, and could enjoy the laugh same as we will.”
There was an unusual vindictiveness in Captain Welfare’s tone that made me wonder for a moment what were the experiences that had so prejudiced him against this branch of the public service.
But this was not a time for uncharitable thoughts, and I put this one aside.
“By the way,” Edmund said, “we’ll have to look you out some clothes. I presume you didn’t bring any tropical kit?”
“No,” I told him; “Bates fixed me up with these blue serge things and several pairs of white flannel trousers, most of which I am afraid I have soiled. He has also included a complete clerical rig-out, without which he never allows me to travel.”
“Good!” said Edmund. “You have got some dog-collars then? Bates is a pearl of great price. That is the only thing that was worrying me.”
“He has packed some clerical collars and a stock, if that’s what you mean.”