 What is the relationship between Paul and Rupert?
It marks the end of Boulevard Pasteur, the main drag of the westernized part of the city, and the beginning of Rue de la Liberté, which leads down to the Grand Socco and the medina. In European dress you'll see Japs and Chinese, Hindus and Turks, Levantines and Filipinos, North Americans and South Americans, and, of course, even Europeans—from both sides of the Curtain. The poorest will try to sell you anything from a shoeshine to their not very lily-white bodies, and the richest will avoid your eyes, afraid you might try to sell them something. Paul said, "How are you, Rupert? You're not eligible for membership until you, well, say until you've developed space flight.
 They are acquaintances. They met in Tangier.
 They are two Americans who happen to meet in Tangier.  They are friends from Liverpool, vacationing in Tangier.  They play cards together in Tangier.  They are acquaintances. They met in Tangier.