and did you notice that
Turkish chap?"

"Yes; remarkable-looking fellow, isn't he? He makes one think of
vampires. Still, I hear he's a good sort. I should like to have a chat
with him."

"Well, that should be easy enough. Somebody told me he had gone on the
links. We may see him there."

They made their way to the club-house, and prepared to commence their
game. A couple of men were on the first tee, waiting to start.

"We shan't have to wait long," said Purvis. "I say, there is that
Turkish fellow. I think he's looking for a match."

"Surely he won't be able to play."

"Anyhow, he has his clubs, and he seems to be wanting a game. Let's ask
him to join us. It'll only be civil."

"I don't like threesomes."

"Neither do I on a crowded links, but it doesn't matter here. We have
plenty of time; it's not ten o'clock yet."

"But I expect he's only a beginner. If he is, he'll spoil our game."

"Well, let's see."

Signor Ricordo stood near the tee as they came up. He bowed to them and
stood aside.

"Are you not playing, sir?" asked Purvis.

"Yes," replied Ricordo. "I will go around by myself after you are gone.
I arranged to meet a gentleman here just after nine; but I have received
word to say he can't come."

"Have you played much?" asked Sprague.

Ricordo looked at him, his eyes half closed; nevertheless, there was
evident interest in his gaze.

"We in the East do not play the game. But when I came to England--what
would you?--what others did, I did. That is the English fashion, eh?"
and he laughed quietly.

"Have you a handicap?" asked Sprague.

"A what?"

"A handicap. That means--well, it is a number of strokes allowed to a
player."

"A handicap. Ah, yes, I am handicapped; but not in that way, signore. I
am afraid I do not play well enough even to have a handicap."

"Won't you join us?" asked Purvis. "We can easily make a threesome."

The stranger darted a look, not at Purvis, but at Sprague, and he saw
that he did not take the proposition kindly. Both Purvis and Sprague
were good players, and especially the latter did not wish the game
spoiled.

"I cannot refuse such a kind invitation," said Signor Ricordo. "But I
will not interfere with your play. Let the match be between you two,
while I will struggle on as best I may. If--if I do not prove such
a--a--what do you call it?--duffer as I fear, then I might sometimes
enter into the competition; but that, I imagine, will not be. Still, I
can