Page:The Plutocrat (1927).pdf/61

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before heard of these interesting tribes. He had decided upon his excursion impulsively, only a week before sailing, when the successof "The Pastoral Scene" appeared to be secure; and most of his preparations for the journey had been concerned with a tailor, a haberdasher, and the agent through whom he manœuvred to secure a cabin. "The Kabyles," he said thoughtfully. "I think so. Yes, I should like to learn something of them at first hand."

"You'll find them wonderful," Macklyn assured him. "A noble looking people. If you dressed them properly, for instance—though that would be a pity—they wouldn't look out of place on this boat."

Mr. Jones laughed compassionately. "Queer idea, that, Macklyn. Is it your thought that most of our fellow-countrymen on the 'Duumvir' exhibit a high degree of distinction? From what I've seen of them, they appear a pretty ordinary looking lot of people, I must say."

"Yes," Macklyn admitted, "I spoke hastily. They're on the dead level of the commonplace, with hardly a soul among them one would care ever to see again, judging by appearances and the passenger list. Except Mr. Ogle's and yours, Albert, there wasn't an American name that meant anything whatever or