Down
we hurried, and when quite close to the station we met two small boys
ten or twelve years of age. I asked these lads where the manager's
house was situated. They did not answer. They gave us one look--a
comprehensive look that did not need to be repeated. Then they ran
from us as fast as their legs would carry them. We reached the
outskirts of the station and passed through the "digesting-house,"
which was dark inside. Emerging at the other end, we met an old man,
who started as if he had seen the Devil himself and gave us no time to
ask any question. He hurried away. This greeting was not friendly.
Then we came to the wharf, where the man in charge stuck to his
station. I asked him if Mr. Sorlle (the manager) was in the house.
"Yes," he said as he stared at us.
"We would like to see him," said I.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"We have lost our ship and come over the island," I replied.
"You have come over the island?" he said in a tone of entire disbelief.
The man went towards the manager's house and we followed him. I
learned afterwards that he said to Mr. Sorlle: "There are three funny-
looking men outside, who say they have come over the island and they
know you. I have left them outside." A very necessary precaution from
his point of view.
Mr. Sorlle came out to the door and said, "Well?"
"Don't you know me?" I said.
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