The party were kept very busy during the two weeks spent in Constantinople, though the sights they saw are not fully described in this volume.[1] By this time they began to feel that they had seen quite enough of this phase of the Orient; and they were looking forward with the most pleasurable anticipations to a change of scene, especially to the islands of the Archipelago and to Greece, which were the next regions to be visited. The Maud was regarded as an excellent investment by Captain Ringgold and Mr. Woolridge, for she had proved to be exceedingly convenient in visiting the sights of the city of the Sultan. [Footnote 1: In "Cross and Crescent," one of the author's "Young America Abroad" series, may be found a much fuller account of the objects of interest to be seen in Constantinople, and he is not inclined to repeat himself to the extent required to do justice to the subject.] Nothing had been seen or heard of Ali-Noury Pacha till the day before the Guardian-Mother sailed from the Golden Horn. The company then landed for a visit to the Rue de Pera to purchase a supply of photographs. The guides had been dismissed the day before; and they preferred to do their shopping without any assistance, as the latter generally implies a commission to be collected afterwards by the guide, and is included in the price paid. While those who were interested in obtaining souvenirs of their visit were in the stores, Captain Ringgold and Louis wandered through the street as far as Misserie's Hotel. They were talking about the Pacha, as they were alone, and wondering why they had not seen him before, since he was in the city. The commander had begun to doubt that he was there; but Louis suggested that he had probably had enough of his companion in Gibraltar. They were about to enter the hotel, when the elegant gentleman presented himself before them. He was now dressed in full Oriental costume. Probably he had come by Vienna and the Danube, and had worn the European garments to escape too much attention from observers. Louis expected that he would "pitch into" the commander, and he braced himself to render him an efficient support. He even thought he could handle the Pacha alone; for the Moor, though five feet eight in height, was not heavier than the American boy. But His Highness did nothing of the kind. On the contrary, he bowed very politely, and stepped back to allow the captain to pass. "Good-morning, Captain Ringgold," said he, extending his hand to him. "Good-morning, sir," replied the commander; but he did not take the offered hand. "Good-morning, Mr. Belgrave," he continued, quite as politely. Louis was as civil as his companion had been. "I desire to apologize to you, Captain, for my rudeness at Gibraltar," continued the Pacha. "The apology is accepted, and I have no desire that you should humiliate yourself any further," replied the captain promptly. "But I wish to say that my sentiments in regard to you remain the same as before."