at number of passengers on board. Some of them
remained upon the bridge, admiring the view, but the greater number
came ashore in the boats, which had put off to meet the vessel.

Fix carefully examined each one as they landed. As he was thus
employed, one of the passengers approached him, and vigorously pushing
aside the fellahs who surrounded him, inquired of the detective the
way to the British Consul's office; at the same time, the passenger
produced his passport, upon which he desired, no doubt, to have the
British _visa_.

Fix mechanically took the passport, and mastered its contents at a
glance. His hand shook involuntarily. The description on the passport
agreed exactly with the description of the thief.

"This passport does not belong to you?" he said to the passenger.

"No," replied the man addressed; "it is my master's."

"And where is your master?"

"He is on board."

"But," replied the detective, "he must come himself to the Consul's
office to establish his identity."

"Oh, is that necessary?"

"Quite indispensable."

"Where is the office?"

"In the corner of the square yonder," replied the detective,
indicating a house about two hundred paces off.

"Well then, I will go and fetch my master; but I can tell you he won't
thank you for disturbing him."

So saying, the passenger saluted Fix, and returned on board the
steamer.

CHAPTER VII.

Which once more shows the Futility of Passports where Policemen are
concerned.

The detective quickly traversed the quay once more in the direction of
the Consul's office. At his particular request he was at once ushered
into the presence of the official.

"I beg your pardon," he said to the Consul abruptly, "but I have great
reason to believe that my man _is_ really on board the _Mongolia_."
And then Mr. Fix related what had passed between him and the servant.

"Good," replied the Consul; "I should not be sorry to see the rascal's
face myself; but perhaps he will not present himself here if the case
stands as you believe it does. No thief likes to leave a trace behind
him; and moreover, the _visa_ to the passport is not necessary."

"If he is the sharp fellow he ought to be, he will come," replied Mr.
Fix.

"To have his passport examined?"

"Yes. Passports are no use, except to worry honest people and to
facilitate the escape of rogues. I have no doubt whatever that this
fellow's passport will be all right; but I hope you will not _v