"I really don't see that that is any recommendation whatever, Isobel,
although it might be if you were likely to encounter tigers on
board ship. However, I am not surprised that your opinion differs
from mine; we very seldom see matters in the same light. I only hope
you may be right and I may be wrong, for otherwise the journey is
not likely to be a very pleasant one for you; personally, I would
almost as soon have a Bengal tiger loose about the ship than such
a very rude, unmannerly person as Dr. Wade."

Mrs. Hannay and Helena accompanied Isobel to the docks, and went
on board ship with her.

The Doctor received them at the gangway. He was in a better temper,
for the fact that he was on the point of starting for India again
had put him in high spirits. He escorted the party below and saw
that they got lunch, showed Isobel which was her cabin, introduced
her to two or three ladies of his acquaintance, and made himself
so generally pleasant that even Mrs. Hannay was mollified.

As soon as luncheon was over the bell was rung, and the partings
were hurriedly got through, as the pilot announced that the tide
was slackening nearly half an hour before its time, and that it
was necessary to get the ship out of dock at once.

"Now, Miss Hannay, if you will take my advice," the Doctor said,
as soon as the ship was fairly in the stream, "you will go below,
get out all the things you will want from your boxes, and get
matters tidy and comfortable. In the first place, it will do you
good to be busy; and in the second place, there is nothing like
getting everything shipshape in the cabin the very first thing