While those who were interested in obtaining souvenirs of their visit were in the stores, Captain Ringgold and Louis wandered through the street as far as Misserie's Hotel. They were talking about the Pacha, as they were alone, and wondering why they had not seen him before, since he was in the city. The commander had begun to doubt that he was there; but Louis suggested that he had probably had enough of his companion in Gibraltar. They were about to enter the hotel, when the elegant gentleman presented himself before them.
He was now dressed in full Oriental costume. Probably he had come by Vienna and the Danube, and had worn the European garments to escape too much attention from observers. Louis expected that he would "pitch into" the commander, and he braced himself to render him an efficient support. He even thought he could handle the Pacha alone; for the Moor, though five feet eight in height, was not heavier than the American boy. But His Highness did nothing of the kind. On the contrary, he bowed very politely, and stepped back to allow the captain to pass.
"Good-morning, Captain Ringgold," said he, extending his hand to him.
"Good-morning, sir," replied the commander; but he did not take the offered hand.
"Good-morning, Mr. Belgrave," he continued, quite as politely.
Louis was as civil as his companion had been.
"I desire to apologize to you, Captain, for my rudeness at Gibraltar," continued the Pacha.
"The apology is accepted, and I have no desire that you should humiliate yourself any further," replied the captain promptly. "But I wish to say that my sentiments in regard to you remain the same as before."
"Then you are not inclined to make friends with me?" added the Moor, biting his lips with chagrin and disappointment.
"I shall treat you like a gentleman while you behave like one."