least ... By Jove, I'd nearly
forgotten! What do I do about those babies of mine?'

'Leave them here,' said William--'we are in charge of that--and as
many goats as you can spare. I must learn how to milk now.'

'If you care to get up early enough to-morrow I'll show you. I have
to milk, you see; and, by the way, half of em have beads and things
round their necks. You must be careful not to take 'em off, in case
the mothers turn up.'

'You forget I've had some experience here.'

'I hope to goodness you won't overdo.' Scott's voice was unguarded.

'I'll take care of her,' said Mrs. Jim, telegraphing hundred-word
messages as she carried William off, while Jim gave Scott his orders
for the coming campaign. It was very late--nearly nine o'clock.

'Jim, you're a brute,' said his wife, that night; and the Head of the
Famine chuckled.

'Not a bit of it, dear I remember doing the first Jandiala Settlement
for the sake of a girl in a crinoline; and she was slender, Lizzie.
I've never done as good a piece of work since. _He_'ll work like a
demon.'

'But you might have given him one day.'

'And let things come to a head now? No, dear; it's their happiest
time.'

'I don't believe either of the dears know what's the matter with
them. Isn't it beautiful? Isn't it lovely?'

'Getting up at three to learn to milk, bless her heart! Ye gods, why
must we grow old and fat?'

'She's a darling. She has done more work under me--'

'Under _you!_ The day after she came she was in charge and you were
her subordinate, and you've stayed there ever since. She manages you
almost as well as you manage me.'

'She doesn't, and that's why I love her. She's as direct as a man-as
her brother.'

'Her brother's weaker than she is. He's always coming to me for
orders; but he's honest, and a glutton for work. I confess I'm
rather fond of William, and if I had a daughter--'

The talk ended there. Far away in the Derajat was a child's grave
more than twenty years old, and neither Jim nor his wife spoke of it
any more.

'All the same, you're responsible,' Jim added, after a moment's
silence.

'Bless 'em,' said Mrs. Jim, sleepily.

Before the stars paled, Scott, who slept in an empty cart, waked and
went about his work in silence; it seemed at that hour unkind to
rouse Faiz Ullah and the interpreter. His head being close to the
ground, he did not hear William till she stood over him in the dingy
old riding-habit, her eyes still heavy wi