a half!" the other repeated. "I had no idea there was an
English mail-boat in. The P. & O. only left yesterday."

"I didn't come in a mail-boat," said Browne. "I've got my own tub. We
left London on the 7th of last month."

The man behind the table opened his eyes in surprise. Gentlemen who
travelled as far as Hong-kong in their own steam-yachts, were few and
far between, and had to be treated with proper respect. He accordingly
found an opportunity of opening the letter of introduction. Had Browne
been watching his face, he would have seen the expression of
astonishment that spread over it, as he realized that his visitor was
no less a person than the fabulously wealthy John Grantham Browne, of
whose doings in the social and sporting world he had so often read.

"I am very glad indeed that you have called on me," he said, after he
had somewhat recovered from his astonishment. "While you are here you
must let me do the honours of Hong-kong, such as they are. Of course I
can put you up at the Club, if that's any use to you, and show you all
there is to be seen, though I fear it will bore you fearfully after
London. How long are you staying?"

"Well," answered Browne, "I'm afraid I shall not be able to remain very
long on the outward voyage. I should not have called here at all, but
that I had some rather important business to transact. I'm on my way
to Japan."

"Indeed!" exclaimed the other. "Well, I shall be only too happy if you
will let me help you in any way I can."

"It's not a very big matter," replied Browne. "All I want to know is
the address of a certain person living in Hong-kong whose name is
Schmidt--Johann Schmidt."

"Johann Schmidt?" asked the other. "I am not quite certain that I know
this particular one; there are so many of that name here, and I dare
say a large proportion of them are Johanns. However, I will send some
one to find out; and if you will take tiffin with me at the Club, my
clerks shall make inquiries while we are doing so."

Browne thereupon explained that he had two friends travelling with him,
with the result that the other replied that he would only be too happy
if they would join the party. They accordingly adjourned, and, picking
up Maas and Foote in the street, proceeded to the Club. Tiffin was
almost at an end, when a servant entered and placed a card beside their
host's plate. He glanced at it, and, turning to Browne, he pushed it
towards him.

"If I'm