Podbury (to himself).  Just nicked it!—­(looks at clock)—­more or less.  And he doesn’t seem to have turned up yet.  Wonder how we shall hit it off together.  HUGHIE ROSE said he was a capital good chap—­when you once got over his manner.  Anyhow, it’s a great tip to go abroad with a fellow who knows the ropes. (Suddenly sees CULCHARD absorbed in his note-book.) So here you are, eh?

Culchard (slightly scandalised by the tweeds and the brown boots).  Yes, I’ve been here some little time.  I wish you could have managed to come before, because they close early here to-day, and I wanted to go thoroughly over the tour I sketched out before getting the tickets. [He produces an elaborate outline.

Podbury (easily).  Oh, that’s all right!  I don’t care where I go!  All I want is, to see as much as we can in the time—­leave all the rest to you.  I’ll sit here while you get the tickets.

An Old Lady (to Clerk, as CULCHARD) is waiting at the counter).  Oh, I beg your pardon, but could you inform me if the 1’55 train from Calais to Basle stops long enough for refreshments anywhere, and when they examine the luggage, and if I can leave my handbag in the carriage, and whether there is an English service at Yodeldorf, and is it held in the hotel, and Evangelical, or High Church, and are the sittings free, and what Hymn-book they use?

    [The Clerk sets her mind free on as many of these points as
    he can, and then attends to CULCHARD.

Culchard (returning to PODBURY with two cases bulging with books of coloured coupons).  Here are yours.  I should like you to run your eye over them, and see that they are correct, if you don’t mind.

Podbury (stuffing them in his pocket).  Can’t be bothered now.  Take your word for it.

[Illustration:  Yes, Sir!]

Culchard.  No—­but considering that we start the first thing to-morrow morning, wouldn’t it be as well to have some idea of where you’re going?  And, by the way, excuse me, but is it altogether prudent to keep your tickets in an outside pocket like that?  I always keep mine, with my money, in a special case in an inner pocket, with a buttoned nap—­then I know I can’t lose them.

Podbury.  Anything for a quiet life! (He examines his coupons.) Dover to Ostend?  Never been there—­like to see what Ostend’s like.  But why didn’t you go by Calais?—­shorter you know.

Culchard.  Because I thought we’d see Bruges and Ghent on our way to Brussels.

Podbury.  Bruges, eh?  Capital!  Anything particular going on there?  No?  It don’t matter.  And Ghent—­let’s see, wasn’t that where they brought the good news to?  Yes, we’ll stop at Ghent—­if we’ve time.  Then—­Brussels?  Good deal of work to be done there, I suppose, sightseeing, and that?  I like a place where you can moon about without being bothered myself; now, at Brussels—­never mind, I was only thinking.