Five minutes after the party were in the doctor's room, and upon the bell being answered by a native servant, Sam was fetched from his breakfast, to come up wondering, half expecting that something was wrong. "Sam," said the doctor gravely, "I wish you to shave this gentleman's head." "Certainly, sir. I'll ring for some hot water." "No," said the professor; "we're going where hot water will be scarce--I mean that sort of hot water. Do it with cold." "Right, sir," said the man, in the most unruffled way, and slipping off his coat he turned up his sleeves, placed a chair for the Sheikh, opened the doctor's dressing-case, brought out shaving-box, strop, and razors, and then made the old chief look a little askance as one of the latter was opened, examined, and laid down, while the brush and shaving-box were brought so vigorously into action, that in a very short time the Arab's head was thoroughly lathered, and left to soak. "I always prefer hot water, gentlemen," said Sam, confidentially; "it's better for the patient, and better for the razor, for it improves the edge. But these are splendid tools, as I know." Whipping open one of the choice razors, and drawing the strop as if it were a short Roman sword, Sam made the Sheikh wince a little as the sharp blade was made to play to and fro and from end to end, changing from side to side, and with all the dash and light touch of a clever barbel, being finished off by sharp applications to the palm of the operator's hand. "There we are, sir," said Sam, who seemed to be quite in his element. "Don't squirm, sir; I won't cut you, nor hurt you either. I was taught shaving by a first-class hand." "Don't talk so much, Sam," said Frank impatiently. "We want you to shave this Arab gentleman carefully and well." "Well, ain't I trying my best, Master Frank? Look at that, and look at that, and that. Razor cuts beautifully." As he spoke he scraped off with long sweeps the white, soapy foam, which came away darkened with tiny swathes of blackish-grey stubble. "I call this a regular big shave. Don't hurt, do I, sir?" The Arab uttered a grunt which might have meant yes or no. Sam took it to mean the latter. "Thought not, sir. That's fine shaving-soap, sir; he--mollient; softens the stubble and the skin at the same time. My word! this is a prime razor. Only fancy, Mr Frank, being out here, shaving a native!" "Will you keep your tongue quiet!" whispered Frank angrily. "This is a serious matter. Mind what you're doing, and don't talk." "Don't ask a man to do impossibilities, sir," said the man appealingly; "did you ever know anyone shaved without the operator talking all the time? It's natural, sir, and seems to make you shave cleaner. I'm a-doing the very best I can. I must talk, or I should get nicking his skin and spoil the job." "Then for goodness' sake talk," cried Frank petulantly.