One of them now quietly reviewed the company, and, seeing that none of them were missing:
"We may as well-go to the Hotel," said he to his companions.
Then, addressing one of the young men, he said:
"Mr. Oldham, you will please remain here and see to the unloading of our baggage."
"Yes, Mr. Hardwick, I will do so," replied he. Then all except Mr. Oldham went quietly off.
I looked curiously at this Mr. Oldham; he was a most singular young man—tall and thin, with very long arms and legs, and enormous hands. His head was small, his mouth stretched from ear to ear, and his cheek-bones projected strangely. While waiting for the luggage to be landed, Mr. Oldham strode up and down, seemingly impatient, and murmuring something to himself which I did not understand.
I was in despair at Moukounj's absence. These strangers, thought I, must have a lot of baggage, perhaps very heavy, and if my master were here we would get plenty to do.
While thinking about it I was playing mechanically with a great ring of iron which lay at my feet. It had once been fastened into the ground, but it was no longer secure, and in playing I had unintentionally loosened it. I was now amusing myself by tossing it up in the air, and catching it on my trunk as it fell.
All at once the eyes of Mr. Oldham turned in my direction, and he began to watch me closely. My play seemed to interest him, and he called one of the workmen on the wharf, and inquired:
"Do you know who is the owner of that elephant?"