James watches the conversation between Francis and Raju, listening to the way they talk to each other, noting that Raju calls Francis 'Francis'. As the tension calms, guards might be dropped a little, and much can be potentially gleaned from both what is said and how.

There are other little things he's noticed as well, such as that Raju has referred to James as 'captain' twice, when Francis hadn't said the title once, which means there had to have been a previous conversation about him. He is, of course, curious--and perhaps nervous--about that and what might have been said, but it isn't exactly something he can ask about and expect an honest answer.

So he keeps it to himself for now, turning his attention to the actual topic of conversation. He nods in agreement at the comment about choosing brevity the first night--it was the wise choice, as although James has retained more from the day he'd arrived than he'd really expected to, many conversations and experiences have still ended up hazy and indistinct--as well as the parallels with their own experiences back home. So far there have been some surprises, but many of the things others have spoken of with the thought that they would be shocking have turned out to be somewhat familiar.

Then Francis says that last part, and James' eyes light as he realizes something. He shouldn't say it, he should take pity on Francis and just pretend he didn't notice the opportunity, but when will he ever get it again? He has to. It must be done.

And so James leans forward slightly, fixes Francis with a serious look, and asks--

"Are you going to tell me a story of your adventures, Francis?"

Well, well, well. How the dinner party tables have turned.