"It would be," he said, without taking notice of my irritation, "interesting for science to watch the mental changes of individuals, on the spot, but . . ."

     "Are you an alienist?" I interrupted.

     "Every doctor should be -- a little," answered that original, imperturbably.

     "I have a little theory which you messieurs who go out there must help me to prove. This is my share in the advantages my country shall reap from the possession of such a magnificent dependency. The mere wealth I leave to others. Pardon my questions, but you are the first Englishman coming under my observation . . ."

     I hastened to assure him I was not in the least typical. "If I were," said I, "I wouldn't be talking like this with you."

     "What you say is rather profound, and probably erroneous," he said, with a laugh.