"What do you mean?"

"How did sunshine come into the garden? By whose leave came the wind?"

He stood on no formality. Before one of us could interfere (for
he might have been plying the assassin's trade) he had vaulted the
veranda rail and stood in front of us. As he jumped I heard the
rattle of loose cartridges, and the thump of a hidden pistol against
the woodwork. I could see the hilt of a dagger, too, just emerging
from concealment through the opening in his smock. But he stood
in front of us almost meekly, waiting to be spoken to.

"You are without shame!" said the consul.

"Truly! Of what should I be ashamed!"

"What brought you here?"

"Two feet and a great good will! You know me."

The consul shook his head.

"Who sold the horse to the German from Bitlis?"

"Are you that man?"

"Who clipped the wings of a kite, and sold it for ten pounds to a
fool for an eagle from Ararat?"

The consul laughed.