times a
better time--than sweating in route marches and carrying round Orderly
books in Rangoon or Calcutta; and many a the quare tale I could tell
ye--tales about animals and elephant dances and big snakes, ay, and
spirit tales that would open your eyes."

"Well, if it's any comfort to know it, you've opened my eyes about as
wide as they will go. What is your real name?"

"Michael Ryan. Me father came from Cork--a real fine country for
fighting men, and I understand that, once upon a time, my ancestors had
a great kingdom beyond the Shannon. Well, sorr," now beginning to
unfold himself and rise from the bed, "I thought I'd just drop in and
explain matters a bit before I go up country."

"That was very thoughtful of you, Mung Baw."

"I'll be back in a while, and I needn't tell ye, Mr. Shafto, that as
long as I draw breath I'll never forget how I'm beholden to ye. I'm
vowed to poverty, of course, but I'm a rover and go about a lot, and
some day I may be able to put a good thing in your way, and I can tell
ye one thing--ye have a lucky face!"

"I'm glad to hear it; and now, before you depart, will you tell me
something else? How do you contrive to get so much liberty--careering
round the town with Tommies and coming to look me up? It's past seven
o'clock--and I understand your Roll Call is at six."

"That's true," assented the _pongye_, "but there are exceptions, and
I'm one of them," suddenly sliding off the bed and drawing himself up
to his full height--about six feet two. "I don't enjoy very good
health being, as ye understand, no native of the country; so I'm
allowed a certain margin and liberty. Well now, I'll be takin' leave
of ye; but before I go, I want you to accept something I brought
you--just a small trifle of a talisman."

And from some mysterious receptacle he produced a good-sized dark
stone, about the size of a pigeon's egg. "Now, whatever ye do, put
this carefully away and keep it safe and secure."

Shafto took it in his hand, examined the gift and murmured his thanks.

"No harm of any sort can come next or nigh ye," continued the _pongye_,
"as long as that stone's in your possession--and that's as shure as me
name's Mung Baw."

And hastily collecting his umbrella and bowl, before Shafto could
realise the intended move the stranger was gone. Nothing remained of
his visit but the curious aromatic odour and the so-called "talisman."
The stone was round, dark and by no means beautiful,