As a rule, my memory is not at fault.

But on this occasion--yes." Through the apology ran a wariness, some fear of a trick, some hint of an incredulity.
"Yet we have met." "Senor, it must be so." "Do you remember, Senor Jose, your first venture ?" asked Hillyard.
"Surely." "A single sailing-felucca beached at one o'clock in the morning on the flat sand close to Benicassim." Jose Medina did not answer.

But the doubt which his politeness could not quite keep out of his face was changing into perplexity.

This history of his first cargo so far was true.
"That was more than thirteen years ago," Hillyard continued.

"Thirteen years last April." Jose Medina nodded.