Crossword-Solution: KAV 3 letters, 1 clue 🏆 scrabble score: 10

When dinner was finished, the servant announced that the steam launch was at the pier, and that the embassy _kaváss_ was waiting outside to conduct them to Santa Sophia.

The kaváss is a very important functionary in Constantinople, and, though his office is lucrative, it is no sinecure.

Whenever the ambassador or the minister goes to the palace, or to Stamboul, or on any expedition whatsoever, the kaváss follows him, frequently acting as interpreter, and certainly never failing to impose respect upon the populace.

They followed the kaváss in silence across the road, and went on board the beautiful steam launch which lay alongside the quay.

The kaváss gave the order to the man at the wheel, an experienced old pilot:-- "To the Vinegar Sellers' Landing." The engine was put at full speed, and the launch rushed down stream towards Constantinople.