serious, he was soon well, and able to think of resuming his
journey. He was very reticent concerning the motive of his servant for
attempting his life, and foolishly, to my mind, made no effort to trace
the miscreant. When leaving he said that in all probability he would
return this way a few weeks later. So, my friend, he may be here any
day, for it is a good long while since he left.'

"Repressing my eagerness this time, I sat still for a few minutes, then
said:

"'I think it is certain from what you have told me that the wounded man
was the one I am now seeking.'

"'Perhaps, perhaps, but only time will decide,' he replied, cautiously.
'You must wait and see.'

"'Wait! wait!' I cried, impatiently. 'There is no time to wait. I must
act, and that quickly.'

"The munshi looked at me commiseratingly, but contented himself with a
shrug of his shoulders.

"Just then a servant approached, and whispered in his master's ear. The
old man sat up from his half-reclining attitude, and methought for a
moment that an amused smile crept over his face.

"'Admit him,' he said to the attendant. 'Admit him at once.'

"Then, turning to me with his accustomed gravity, he added in
explanation: 'A friend of mine has called. He is an interesting man, and
I want you to know him.'

"I was about to protest that I had not come there to make new
acquaintances, when the curtain was pushed aside, and none other than
the stranger who had addressed me at the caravanserai stepped on to the
veranda. He crossed over to the master of the house, and greeted him
affectionately. I decided to remain at least a short time, and waited
quietly until my host should introduce his visitor. This he straightway
proceeded to do, presenting us to each other with a courteous wave of
his hand.

"A glow of pleasure suffused the newcomer's face when he recognized me.

"'Fate is indeed kind,' said he. 'I was going to try and find you again
at the rest house, when, lo and behold! here you are, the guest of my
good friend, the munshi.'

"'What! Are you already acquainted?' exclaimed our host, visibly
surprised, despite the philosophy of self-restraint he was so fond of
preaching.

"It was my turn now to bestow a reproving look.

"'We have met,' I rejoined, with proper dignity, 'but as yet I have not
the honour of acquaintance.'

"To cover this well-deserved rebuke, the munshi clapped his hands and
bade the servant who responded to the summons to bring she