Королі та капуста

           "Averyignorantraceofpeople,sir,"saidthedoctor,asheslippedthewatchintohispocket."Heseemstohavemistakenmydirectionsfortakingthephysicforthefee.However,itisallright.Heowesmeanaccount,anyway.Thechancesarethathewon’tbringtheotherwatch.Youcan’tdependonanythingtheypromiseyou.Aboutthatdrink,now?HowdidyoucometoCoralio,Mr.Smith?IwasnotawarethatanyboatsexcepttheKarlsefinhadarrivedforsomedays."

           Thetwoleanedagainstthedesertedbar;andMadamasetoutabottlewithoutwaitingforthedoctor’sorder.Therewasnodustonit.

           AftertheyhaddranktwiceSmithsaid:

           "YousaytherewerenopassengersontheKarlsefin,Doc?Areyousureaboutthat?ItseemstomeIheardsomebodydownonthebeachsaythattherewasoneortwoaboard."

           "Theyweremistaken,sir.Imyselfwentoutandputallhandsthroughamedicalexamination,asusual.TheKarlsefinsailsassoonasshegetsherbananasloaded,whichwillbeaboutdaylightinthemorning,andshegoteverythingreadythisafternoon.No,sir,therewasnopassengerlist.LikethatThree–Star?AFrenchschoonerlandedtwoslooploadsofitamonthago.IfanycustomsdutiesonitwenttothedistinguishedrepublicofAnchuriayoumayhavemyhat.Ifyouwon’thaveanother,comeoutandlet’ssitinthecoolawhile.Itisn’toftenweexilesgetachancetotalkwithsomebodyfromtheoutsideworld."

           Thedoctorbroughtoutanotherchairtothesidewalkforhisnewacquaintance.Thetwoseatedthemselves.