Maurice thought it inadvisable to explain either his position in the diplomatic service or the object of his journey. There was in Prizren, as he knew, an Austrian vice-consul, from whose ears he wished to keep these particulars.
“Your excellence knows the singularity of our insular habits,” he said gravely. “We think that travel has a beneficial effect on the mind. Tastes differ, of course, but having a wish to cross the mountains, I came with my brother, a student of mechanics, to test the merits of a car that he has invented. You are doubtless aware that the English are friends of your country, and I assure you that we have none but innocent designs in coming here.”
The Chief of Police stroked his chin.
“You say you are English,” he said at length. “What is the chief town of England?”
“To the best of my belief it is London,” replied Maurice, whereupon the official nodded gravely.
After a few more questions, he announced that the Englishmen were free to return to the inn, but since the hour of business was already past, they must present themselves before the Pasha next day; he would give a final decision. Thereupon a lengthy ceremony of leave-taking ensued, and the travellers were permitted to depart without a guard.
George laughed heartily as Maurice, on the way back, repeated the substance of the conversation; but Maurice was annoyed at the further delay which a visit to the Pasha would involve. Turkish etiquette demanded that he should remain until the Pasha had paid a return visit, and then he would be lucky if he got off without visiting other important men in the town.
“We should have done better to go to Constantinople from Brindisi,” he said.
“My dear chap,” replied George, “I wouldn’t have missed this for anything. To be arrested as Austrian spies, after being chased by Austrians for a thousand miles, is decidedly comic. Of course, if you really want to escape the Pasha we might scoot off in the night, but I confess I’d like to see him, and I’d rather have a good night’s rest and ride in daylight.”
“Well, let us hope the Pasha won’t keep us long.”