As a matter of fact the mere sight of a pigtail was sufficient to remind him of a certain episode in his career which he had been for years endeavouring to forget.
"It doesn't look as if they are going to put in an appearance to-night," he said to himself, as the liquor in the glass began to wane.

"Can this letter have been a hoax, an attempt to draw me off the scent?
If so, by all the gods in Asia, they may rest assured I'll be even with them." He looked as though he meant it! At last he rose, and having returned his glass to the bar, donned his _topee_, left the hotel, and went for a stroll.

It was but a short distance to the harbour, and he presently found himself strolling along the several miles of what I have already described as the most wonderful shipping in the world.

To Mr.Hayle the scene was too familiar to call for comment.

He had seen it on many occasions, and under a variety of auspices.