He was on the point of censuring his secretary for not
making it clear to the government that he was due to arrive at such
and such an hour and minute, when a dapper young man in uniform--he
couldn't tell whether he was a patrolman or a captain--came up and
saluted.
"I am William W. Blithers," said he sharply.
"I am an official guide and interpreter, sir," announced the young
man suavely. "May I have the honour--"
"Not necessary--not necessary at all," exploded Mr. Blithers. "I can
get about without a guide."
"You will require an interpreter, sir," began the other, only to be
waved aside.
"Any one desiring to speak to me will have to do it in English," said
Mr. Blithers, and marched out to the carriages.
He was in some doubt at first, but as his carriage passed swiftly
between the staring ranks on the sidewalks, he began to doff his hat
and bow to the right and the left. His smiles were returned by the
multitude, and so his progress was more or less of a triumph after
all.
At the Regengetz he found additional cause for irritation.
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