what it is to be a capitalist!"
"_Tiens_! I never saw this. And printed in Paris a fortnight ago! But it
may be lying somewhere about the house. I only returned at midday, you
know. Not exactly a flattering likeness...."
The document was handed round. It was a French journal devoted to mining
interests, and contained a long article dealing with the phosphate
industry of Metlaoui, near Gafsa, with views of the works and portraits of
its principal representatives. Beneath that of the speaker were printed
the words--
"PAUL DUFRESNOY,
Ingenieur civil des mines,"
and some other titles.
An odd coincidence, this meeting, on the eve of my departure.
I passed over to his table and mentioned that I possessed an introductory
letter to him.
"How? And you are leaving to-morrow for the Djerid? You are not coming to
see me?"
I replied that I would gladly give myself that pleasure. His family, he
explained, was away just now, but if I could arrange to delay my departure
for a little while he would accompany me as far as Metlaoui, which lies on
the Tozeur route, and show me over the mines.
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