“‘The water is not to be trusted, and you will find no Coca-Cola now that the Americans have moved out. At night when you hear the shooting in the streets you will think perhaps that a strong glass of rum…’

“‘Not rum,’ Mrs. Smith said.

“‘Shooting?’ Mr. Smith enquired. ‘Is there shooting?’ He looked at his wife where she sat crouched under the travelling-rug (she was not warm enough even in the stuffy cabin) with a trace of anxiety. ‘Why shooting?’

“‘Ask Mr. Brown. He lives there.’

“I said, ‘I’ve not often heard shooting. They act more silently as a rule.’

“‘Who are they?’ Mr. Smith asked.

“‘The Tontons Macoute,’ the purser broke in with wicked glee.”

—The Comedians