“What! in connection with postal arrangements, and steam, and telegraphs?”
“My dear sir, we have all these things here; but a score or so of miles out in the country, and you will find the people, save that firearms are common, just about as they were a thousand years ago.”
“Bless my heart!” exclaimed Mr Burne.
“It is a fact, sir; and I should advise great care, not only as to whom you trust among the people, but as to your health. The country is in a horrible state of neglect; the government does nothing.”
“But I do not see how that is to affect us,” said the professor, “especially as we have that firman.”
“It will not affect you in the more settled districts, but you may run risks in those which are more remote. I have been warning Mr and Mrs Chumley about the risks, but the lady laughed and said that she always carried a revolver.”
“Bless me!” exclaimed Mr Burne, “a lady with a revolver! She would not dare to fire it.”
“I don’t know about that,” said the professor.
“Of course,” continued the consul, “I am at your service, Mr Preston. If you are in need of aid, and are anywhere within reach of the telegraph wires, pray send to me and I will do my best. Can I do anything more for you?”
This was a plain hint to go, for it was evident that others were waiting for an interview with the representative of England; so a friendly farewell was taken and the little party returned to the hotel.