LADY CICELY. But I always go everywhere. I KNOW the people here
won't touch me. They have such nice faces and such pretty
scenery.
SIR HOWARD (to Rankin, sitting down again resignedly). You can
imagine how much use there is in talking to a woman who admires
the faces of the ruffians who infest these ports, Mr. Rankin. Can
anything be done in the way of an escort?
RANKIN. There is a certain Captain Brassbound here who trades
along the coast, and occasionally escorts parties of merchants on
journeys into the interior. I understand that he served under
Gordon in the Soudan.
SIR HOWARD. That sounds promising. But I should like to know a
little more about him before I trust myself in his hands.
RANKIN. I quite agree with you, Sir Howrrd. I'll send Felix
Drinkwotter for him. (He claps his hands. An Arab boy appears at
the house door.) Muley: is sailor man here? (Muley nods.) Tell
sailor man bring captain. (Muley nods and goes.)
SIR HOWARD. Who is Drinkwater?
RANKIN. His agent, or mate: I don't rightly know which.
LADY CICELY. Oh, if he has a mate named Felix Drinkwater, it must
be quite a respectable crew. It is such a nice name.
RANKIN. You saw him here just now. He is a convert of mine.
LADY CICELY (delighted). That nice truthful sailor!
SIR HOWARD (horrified). What! The Hooligan!
RANKIN (puzzled). Hooligan? No, my lord: he is an Englishman.
SIR HOWARD. My dear Mr. Rankin, this man was tried before me on a
charge of street ruffianism.
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