He had little to say, and it was as evident to the two men who entertained him as it had been to Colonel Dewes that the last few weeks had taken their toll of him.

There were dark, heavy pouches beneath his eyes, his manner was feverish, and when he talked at all it was with a boisterous and a somewhat braggart voice.
Ralston turned the conversation on to the journey which Hatch had taken, and for a little while the dinner promised well.

At the mere mention of Mecca, Shere Ali looked up with a swift interest.

"Mecca!" he cried, "you have been there! Tell me of Mecca.

On my way up to Chiltistan I met three of my own countrymen on the summit of the Lowari Pass.