that I knew only too well how that sort of spec. generally ended.

He sighed and clasped his hands on his stomach with exemplary
resignation. I admired the placidity of his impudence. Then
waking up somewhat:

"Won't you try a cigar, Captain?"

"No, thanks. I don't smoke cigars."

"For once!" he exclaimed, in a patient whisper. A melancholy
silence ensued. You know how sometimes a person discloses a
certain unsuspected depth and acuteness of thought; that is, in
other words, utters something unexpected. It was unexpected enough
to hear Jacobus say:

"The man who just went out was right enough. You might take one,
Captain. Here everything is bound to be in the way of business."

I felt a little ashamed of myself. The remembrance of his horrid
brother made him appear quite a decent sort of fellow. It was with
some compunction that I said a few words to the effect that I could
have no possible objection to his hospitality.

Before I was a minute older I saw where this admission was leading
me. As if changing the subject, Jacobus mentioned that his private
house was about ten minutes' walk away. It had a beautiful old
walled garden. Something really remarkable. I ought to come round
some day and have a look at it.