Королі та капуста

           ThatcityfearedtheancientenemyofeverySouthernseaport—theyellowfever—anditwasthedutyofDr.GreggtoexaminecrewandpassengersofeveryvesselleavingCoralioforpreliminarysymptoms.Thedutieswerelight,andthesalary,foronewholivedinCoralio,ample.Surplustimetherewasinplenty;andthegooddoctoraddedtohisgainsbyalargeprivatepracticeamongtheresidentsofthecoast.ThefactthathedidnotknowtenwordsofSpanishwasnoobstacle;apulsecouldbefeltandafeecollectedwithoutonebeingalinguist.Addtothedescriptionthefactsthatthedoctorhadastorytotellconcerningtheoperationoftrepanningwhichnolistenerhadeverallowedhimtoconclude,andthathebelievedinbrandyasaprophylactic;andthespecialpointsofinterestpossessedbyDr.Greggwillhavebecomeexhausted.

           Thedoctorhaddraggedachairtothesidewalk.Hewascoatless,andheleanedbackagainstthewallandsmoked,whilehestrokedhisbeard.SurprisecameintohispaleblueeyeswhenhecaughtsightofSmithinhisunusualandprismaticclothes.

           "You’reDr.Gregg—isthatright?"saidSmith,feelingthedog’sheadpininhistie."Theconstable—Imeantheconsul,toldmeyouhungoutatthiscaravansary.Myname’sSmith;andIcameinayacht.Takingacruisearound,lookingatthemonkeysandpineapple-trees.Comeinsideandhaveadrink,Doc.Thiscafélooksontheblink,butIguessitcansetoutsomethingwet."

           "Iwilljoinyou,sir,injustatasteofbrandy,"saidDr.Gregg,risingquickly.