struck me as odd that he should happen to be present on this occasion,
for I have always held that there is nothing casual or accidental in the
world; that even the most trivial circumstances are either ordained,
or the result of the workings of some inexorable law whereof the end
is known by whatever power may direct our steps, though it be not yet
declared.

"Certainly I am willing," I answered; "your face and your friendship
with the Professor are passport enough for me. Only I must ask you
to give me your word of honour that without my leave you will repeat
nothing of what I am about to tell you."

"Of course," he answered, whereon Higgs broke in:

"There, that will do; you don't want us both to kiss the Book, do you?
Who sold you that ring, and where have you been for the last dozen
years, and whence do you come now?"

"I have been a prisoner of the Khalifa's among other things. I had five
years of that entertainment of which my back would give some evidence
if I were to strip. I think I am about the only man who never embraced
Islam whom they allowed to live, and that was because I am a doctor,
and, therefore, a useful person. The rest of the time I have spent
wandering about the North African deserts looking for my son, Roderick.
You remember the boy, or should, for you are his godfather, and I used
to send you photographs of him as a little chap."

"Of course, of course," said the Professor in a new tone; "I came across
a Christmas letter from him the other day. But, my dear Adams, what
happened? I never heard."