After that I had reasons for dispensing with his generous services.

The night after Roscoe was taken ill we were passing through the canal, the search-light of the 'Fulvia' sweeping the path ahead of it and glorifying everything it touched.

Mud barges were fairy palaces; Arab punts beautiful gondolas; the ragged Egyptians on the banks became picturesque; and the desolate country behind them had a wide vestibule of splendour.

I stood for half an hour watching this scene, then I went below to Roscoe's cabin and relieved the bookmaker.

The sick man was sleeping from the effects of a sedative draught.