the benefit of the observers.

"But I cannot translate the bass-relief on the bronze," he added.

"That represents Lieutenant Waghorn embarking with the mails in an open
boat at Suez, an incident that actually occurred. It is said that this
gentleman, after spending the best years of his life in his efforts to
establish a quicker route between England and her vast colonies, died in
poverty in London in 1850; but I hope it is not true," the commander
explained. "We will now apply for admission to the office of the
manager."

The permission was obtained, and the party ascended to the upper room of
the building. Monsieur Chartrey, the superintendent of the transit
department of the canal, was very polite to them, and explained
everything to them in English. On a low table which occupied all one
side of the apartment was what looked like a metal trough about fifteen
feet long. A model of this apparatus was exhibited in England, and there
it was called "the toy," a name which is still retained.

On a shelf above the table are about fifty models of ships, each bearing
the flag of some nation. The toy is a model of the canal, with its
sidings, stations, and the lakes. When a ship enters the canal at
either end, a little ship is placed in the relative position it
occupies; and when one sails out of it, its representative in the trough
is removed. All the stations are connected with this office by
telegraph, just as the railroads are controlled in modern times; and
when a vessel passes from one section, or block, it is reported to the
manager. A man is always watching; and as news comes in, he makes the
proper changes in the model ships. Where a steamer is to tie up for the
night is ordered from this office.

Monsieur Chartrey was very heartily thanked for his courtesy and
kindness, and the party left to look at the docks, quays, and basins of
Terreplein; but they were precisely the same as they had seen in various
ports of Europe, especially at Havre. The commander had ordered the Maud
to be in readiness for a trip, and it was decided to spend the rest of
the afternoon at Suez.

The first question the captain put on his return to the ship was as to
whether anything had been seen of the mysterious Arab stranger; for the
officers had been cautioned not to admit any person on board. Mr.
Gaskette had remained on board of the Maud, and made the same report.
With the four seamen who had attended the company up the Nile on board