Last evening I wrote you about my perturbed state of mind regarding quarantine here in Singapore.
After chota hazri this morning I thought for a couple of hours, then ate breakfast, after which I met a Hindu in my hotel (there are thirty thousand Indians in Singapore), who looked at me as if he were desirous of opening a conversation.
I stopped, saluted, and said to him: "Did you wish to speak to me?"
"Only to ask you if you wanted a guide for Singapore today. I can show you all the sights of Singapore and explain them to you in understandable English."
"By jove!" I exclaimed. "I believe you can. You speak English like an educated Englishman. What do you want for your day's services? You look like —— ——." I named an eminent American statesman, and he did look like him, too, except for color. I asked the guide if he knew of this statesman of whom he reminded me.
"Well," I said, "he is one of the most brilliant men on earth today."
The fellow smiled and showed a splendid set of teeth—a Hindu guide is susceptible to compliments.
"How much do you want for your day's services?" I again asked him.