No, the collector was not in the office.

No, he would not be there that afternoon.

It was provided in regulations that we could have neither guns, sporting licenses, nor permits for ammunition.

The guns were perfectly safe in the government godown--would not be tampered with--would be returned to us when we chose to leave the country.
"But, good God, we've paid duty on them!" Oakes protested.
"You should not have brought the guns with you unless you desired to pay duty," said the Goanese.
"But where's the collector ?" Yerkes demanded.
"I am only assistant," was the answer.

"How should I know ?" The man's insolence, of demeanor and words, was unveiled, and the more we argued with him the more sullen and evasive he grew, until at last he ordered us out of the office.