Among them, however, were two persons who had driven rapidly to the landing-place when the arrival of the _Orient_ was reported.

One bore all the distinguishing marks of the army officer of high rank, but the other was unmistakably a globetrotter.

Only in Piccadilly could he have purchased his wondrous _sola topi_, or pith helmet--with its imitation _puggri_ neatly frilled and puckered--and no tailor who ever carried his goose through the Exile's Gate would have fashioned his expensive garments.

But the old gentleman made no pretence that he could "hear the East a-callin'." He swore impartially at the climate, the place, and its inhabitants.

At this instant he was in a state of wild excitement.