I hope that I didn't bring you home before your time." "The season had ended," replied Hillyard, who was in no mood to commit himself.

"In what way can I help you ?" "Bendish tells me that you know something of Spain." "Spain ?" cried Hillyard in surprise.

"Spain means Madrid, Bilbao, and a host of places, and a host of people, politicians, merchants, farmers.
What should I know of them ?" "You were in Spain for some years." "Three," replied Hillyard, "and for most of the three years picking up a living along the quays.

Oh, it's not so difficult in Spain, especially in summer time.

Looking after a felucca while the crew drank in a cafe, holding on to a dinghy from a yacht and helping the ladies to step out, a little fishing here, smuggling a box of cigars past the customs officer there--oh, it wasn't so difficult.