He was never so happy as when burrowing amongst ancient records, and it was mainly due to his learning in the first place, and to a somewhat singular accident in the second, that the trio were now foregathered in Singapore.

His personal appearance was a peculiar one.

His height was scarcely more than four feet six inches.

His face was round, and at a distance appeared almost boyish.

It was only when one came to look into it more closely, that it was seen to be scored by numberless small lines.