He took one from the box and lit it, puffing the smoke luxuriously through his nose. Presently the pegs were forthcoming, and when I had signed the chit I asked his business.
"You are a stranger in Hong Kong, I believe, Dr. De Normanville?" he began.
"Not only in Hong Kong, but you might say in the East generally," I answered. "I am out on a tour to study Asiastic diseases for a book I am writing."
"You have achieved considerable success in your profession, I believe. We have even heard of you out here."
I modestly held my tongue. But so pitiful is the vanity of man that from this time forward I began to look upon my companion with a more friendly air than I had hitherto shown him,
"Now, forgive my impertinence," he continued, "but how long do you contemplate remaining in the East?"
"It is very uncertain," I replied; "but I almost fancy another six weeks will find me upon a P. and O, boat homeward bound."
"And in that six weeks will your time be very importantly occupied?"
"I cannot say, but I should rather think not. So far as I can tell at present my work is accomplished."
"And now will you let me come to business. To put it bluntly, have you any objection to earning a thousand pounds?"
"Not the very least!" I answered with a laugh. "What man would have? Provided, of course, I can earn it in a legitimate manner."
"You have bestowed considerable attention upon the treatment of small-pox, I believe?"
