directions. I saw members of the distinguished travellers'
retinue going about their duties, but never obtained a glimpse
of Mr. Azraeel nor of any of his green-turbaned companions.

"Who is Mr. Azraeel?" I asked Ahmadeen.

"I cannot say," replied the Egyptian, and abruptly changed the
subject.

Some curious aroma of mystery floated about the ship. Ahmadeen
conveyed to me the idea that he was concealing something. Then,
one night, Mr. Bell invited me to step forward with him.

"Listen," he said.

From somewhere in the fo'c'sle proceeded low chanting.

"Hear it?"

"Yes. What the devil is it?"

"It's the lascars," said Bell. "They have been behaving in a most
unusual manner ever since the mysterious Mr. Azraeel joined us. I
may be wrong in associating the two things, but I shan't be sorry
to see the last of our mysterious passengers."

The next happening on board the Mandalay which I have to record was
the attempt to break open the door of Professor Deeping's stateroom.
Except when he was actually within, the Professor left his room door
religiously locked.