I think he would have been a very good fellow, if it hadn't been for that." On arriving at the office in Leadenhall Street, he was, on saying he wished to speak to Mr.Partridge, at once shown in.

A good many of his personal belongings had been long since pledged; but he had retained one or two suits, so that he could make as good an appearance as possible, when he went out.

The clerk had merely said, "A gentleman wishes to speak to you, sir," and the merchant looked up enquiringly at him, as he entered.
"I have come to see you, sir, with reference to that advertisement, for a man at your establishment at Alexandria." A look of surprise came over the merchant's face, and he said: "Have you called on your own account ?" "Yes; I am anxious to go abroad, for the sake of my wife's health, and I am not particular as to what I do, so that I can take her to a warm climate.

I may say that I have been two years in Egypt, and speak Arabic and Koptic fluently.

I am strong and active, and am ready to make myself useful, in any way." Mr.Partridge did not answer, for a minute.