“John Saunders!” repeated the captain, in surprise. “Why, he is one of the wealthiest and most prominent men in the English colony.”
“Whatever he is, he was very near death to-night.”
“Did he ask you to call upon him?”
“Yes. I am to call to-morrow.”
“By all means keep the appointment,” said the captain, in a significant tone.
“I certainly shall. Mr. Saunders seems to be very friendly to me, and I am glad to have made his acquaintance. Do you know, Captain Grover, he is the first Englishman I ever met; that is, to become acquainted with.”
At eleven o’clock the next day Guy presented himself at the office of his English friend.
He sent in his card by a young Persian who seemed to be in the merchant’s employ. He was received at once.
“I am glad to see you, my young friend,” said the merchant, cordially. “I didn’t fully realize till after you left me what a narrow escape I had. It is God’s mercy that I am alive to-day.”
“The danger came so suddenly, and was so soon over, that I have not realized it yet.”