His steamer was not supposed to sail for an hour yet.

But the thought had hardly flashed in mind when we heard the roar of steam and clanking as the anchor chain came home.

The sound traveled over water and across roofs like the knell of good luck--the clanking of the fetters of ill fate.
"Where's her next stop ?" said I.
"Suez," Fred answered.
Simultaneously then to all three the thought came too that this interpretation of Monty's remaining on board was exactly what we wanted.

The more people suspected us of acting independently of him the better.
"Confront us with our accusers!" Fred insisted.
"You are not accused--at least not legally," said the collector.

"You are refused rifle and ammunition permits, that is all." "On the ground of being ivory hunters ?" "Suspected persons--not known to the government--something rather stronger than rumor to your discredit, and nothing known in your favor." "What recourse have we ?" Fred demanded.
"Well--what proof can you offer that you are bona fide travelers or intending settlers?
Are you ivory hunters or not ?" "I'll answer that," said Fred--dexterously I thought, "when I've seen a copy of the game laws.