Then he hesitated a little, and asked me if I knew the Continent well, and if I was averse to traveling alone.

Then he called somebody up on his telephone, and in a few minutes came out and shook his head doubtfully, and advised me to apply at the consulate.

Instead of that, I went not to the English, but to the American consul first.

He told me that in five weeks a sea-captain friend of his was sailing from Havre to New York, and that it might not be impossible to have me carried along." "That's what they always say!" "It was the best he could do.

Then I went to the British consul.