The Man in the Brown Suit

unexposed
one.”
I walked out with what dignity I could muster. I dare say it is good for one now and again
to realize what an idiot one can be! But nobody relishes the process.
And then, just as I was passing one of the big shipping offices, I came to a sudden halt. In
the window was a beautiful model of one of the company’s boats, and it was labelled
“Kenilworth Castle.” A wild idea shot through my brain. I pushed the door open and went
in. I went up to the counter and in a faltering voice (genuine this time!) I murmured:
“Kilmorden Castle?”
“On the 17th from Southampton. Cape Town? First or second class?”
“How much is it?”
“First class, eighty-seven pounds—”
I interrupted him. The coincidence was too much for me. Exactly the amount of my
legacy! I would put all my eggs in one basket.
“First class,” I said.
I was now definitely committed to the adventure.

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