A Prince Of Swindlers : Large Print

The night was close and muggy, such a night, indeed, as only Calcutta, of all the great cities of the East, can produce.

The reek of the native quarter, that sickly, penetrating odour which, once smelt, is never forgotten, filled the streets and even invaded the sacred precincts of Government House, where a man of gentlemanly appearance, but sadly deformed, was engaged in bidding Her Majesty the Queen of England's representative in India an almost affectionate farewell."You will not forget your promise to acquaint us with your arrival in London," said His Excellency as he shook his guest by the hand. "We shall be delighted to see you, and if we can make your stay pleasurable as well as profitable to you, you may be sure we shall endeavour to do so.""Your lordship is most hospitable, and I think I may safely promise that I will avail myself of your kindness," replied the other."In the meantime 'good-bye,' and a pleasant voyage to you."A few minutes later he had passed the sentry, and was making his way along the Maidan to the point where the Chitpore Road crosses it.

Here he stopped and appeared to deliberate. He smiled a little sardonically as the recollection of the evening's entertainment crossed his mind, and, as if he feared he might forget something connected with it, when he reached a lamp-post, took a note-book from his pocket and made an entry in it.