West Indies. The English are especially strict. The Royal Mail
won't even receive any one on board here without a certificate from
the English consul saying he has not visited Las Bocas. For an
American they would require the same guarantee from me. But I don't
think the regulations extend to yachts. I will inquire. I don't
wish to deprive you of any of the many pleasures of Porto Banos,"
he added, smiling, "but if you were refused a landing at your next
port I would blame myself."

"It's all right," declared Livingstone decidedly. "It's just as you
say; yachts and warships are exempt. Besides, I carry my own
doctor, and if he won't give us a clean bill of health, I'll make
him walk the plank. At eight, then, at dinner. I'll send the cutter
for you. I can't give you a salute, Mr. Consul, but you shall have
all the side boys I can muster."

Those from the yacht parted from their consul in the most friendly
spirit.

"I think he's charming!" exclaimed Miss Cairns. "And did you notice
his novels? They were in every language. It must be terribly lonely
down here, for a man like that."

"He's the first of our consuls we've met on this trip," growled her
father, "that we've caught sober."

"Sober!" exclaimed his wife indignantly.

"He's one of the Marshalls of Vermont. I asked him."