We reached the outskirts of the station and passed through the "digesting-house," which was dark inside.

Emerging at the other end, we met an old man, who started as if he had seen the Devil himself and gave us no time to ask any question.

He hurried away.

This greeting was not friendly.
Then we came to the wharf, where the man in charge stuck to his station.

I asked him if Mr.Sorlle (the manager) was in the house.
"Yes," he said as he stared at us.
"We would like to see him," said I.
"Who are you ?" he asked.
"We have lost our ship and come over the island," I replied.
"You have come over the island ?" he said in a tone of entire disbelief.
The man went towards the manager's house and we followed him.