"This is my husband."
The stranger rose, and came across the veranda to meet him. He lifted his hat politely, and smiled in a most bewitching manner.
Ellison thought he had seldom seen a pleasanter face.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Ellison. I have the pleasure of bearing a letter of introduction to you from the Government Resident over yonder."
He took a letter from the breast-pocket of his coat, and gave it to Ellison. On the envelope was written, "Introducing the Hon. George Merton."
"Won't you sit down, Mr. Merton? I am very pleased to have the opportunity of making your acquaintance. Have you been long in the settlement?"
"I arrived in the China boat last week. I am globe-trotting, I may as well tell you—though it will probably prejudice you against me. I have been three months in Japan, and am now on my way to Melbourne."
"Don't you find your stay in Thursday Island rather uninteresting?"
"On the contrary, I am so far interested that I am thinking of spending another month here. I want to see all I can of the pearling industry in that time."
"Then perhaps I can help you."