"But perfectly seaworthy. She was as lively as a top. My bones haven't ceased to ache yet."
On landing, they were stopped by a sentry, who demanded the Englishman's permit. This was immediately produced. The man looked at it as if he understood, and returned the document.
"When I landed just after sunrise this morning I found that I had left my permit on board," said Mr. Reeves. "As I did not want to return for it, I gave the sentry the first piece of paper I came across in my pocket. That passed me all right; but what do you think it was?"
"An hotel bill?"
"Good shot, but not quite right. A receipted account for a hundred cigars!"
"There's not much damage done!" remarked Gerald.
"Disappointed, eh? It's a good job there isn't, or the natives wouldn't take things so calmly. Look at that benevolent old chap!" Mr. Reeves pointed to a tall Arab with an almost Hebraic cast of features, who, swathed in white from head to foot, was calmly sitting on an empty ammunition case and eating dates.
"He would be a nasty customer if rubbed up the wrong way; but the Italians have had the good sense and taste to respect the Moslem religion. Now observe that fellow, as docile as a cat in spite of his looks."
The second native was of a totally different type from the first. He was tall, lithe, and long-limbed, with negro features and a dark skin that contrasted vividly with the almost olive complexion of the other.
"He's an Arab from the desert, closely related to the Baggaras, who played the dickens with our troops when they broke the square at Tamai and El Teb. It's a marvel to me how the Arabs knuckle under so calmly. Frankly, I don't like the look of things, but it's not my place to offer advice."