CHAPTER XVII.
NEWS FROM MECCA Mr.Charles Ralston, being a bachelor and of an economical mind even when on leave in Calcutta, had taken up his quarters in a grass hut in the garden of his Club.

He awoke the next morning with an uncomfortable feeling that there was work to be done.

The feeling changed into sure knowledge as he reflected upon the conversation which he had had with Colonel Dewes, and he accordingly arose and went about it.

For ten days he went to and fro between the Club and Government House, where he held long and vigorous interviews with officials who did not wish to see him.
Moreover, other people came to see him privately--people of no social importance for the most part, although there were one or two officers of the police service amongst them.

With these he again held long interviews, asking many inquisitive questions.