Suffice it to say that my sister was to travel as my wife and that we both had to disguise ourselves so as to answer the descriptions on the passports.

When I went to the American Consulate-General to get the permit, I found the building crowded with people of all nations,--Spanish and Greek and Dutch and Swiss,--all waiting for the precious little papers that should take them aboard the American cruiser, that haven of liberty and safety.

The Chester was to take all these people to Alexandria, and those who had the means were to be charged fifty cents a day for their food.

From behind my dark goggles I recognized many a person in disguise like myself and seeking escape.
We never betrayed recognition for fear of the spies who infested the place.
After securing my permit, I ran downstairs and straight to "my" consul, whose dragoman I took along with me to the _seraya_, or government building.

Of course, the dragoman was well tipped and he helped me considerably in hastening the examination I had to undergo at the hands of the Turkish officials.