Captain Hallam did not utter the thought that was in him. That thought was:
"Well, of all the queer men I have ever had to deal with, you are certainly the queerest! Still, I think I understand you, and that's queerer still."
Instead of speaking he sipped his coffee. Then he rose and "tickled the denunciator." That was his phrase for ringing for a servant.
"Put some more wood on the fire," he commanded when the servant came.
"I've put it all on, a'ready," answered the man.
"Well, bring some more."
"It'll be extry charge, sir."
"Never mind that," said Captain Hallam. "Do as you are told, and when the thing is over I'll issue a loan, raise some money, and pay the bill. You know who I am, don't you?"
"No, sir. You see, I've just come to Cairo."
"Very well, then. Go to the office of the hotel and tell the people there that Captain Will Hallam is ordering more wood than you think he can pay for. They'll tell you what to do. In the meantime, here's a quarter for you."