ation that had thus suddenly been given and accepted, was
received from a gentleman named Redpath, an official in the Indian
telegraph service. They had been introduced to him on board of the
Great Eastern by Sam's friend, Frank Hedley, and he became so interested
in their adventurous career that he begged them to visit his bungalow in
a rather out-of-the-way part of the country, even if only for a few
days.

"It won't take us long to get there," he said, "for the railway passes
within thirty miles of it, and I'll drive you over as pretty a piece of
country as you could wish to see. I have a boat alongside, and must be
off at once. Do come."

"But there are so many of us," objected Sam Shipton.

"Pooh! I could take a dozen more of you," returned the hospitable
electrician; "and my wife rejoices--absolutely rejoices--when I bring
home unexpected company."

"What a pattern she must be," said Slagg; "but excuse me, sir, since you
are so good as to invite us all, may I make so bold as to ax if you've
got a servants'-'all?"

"Well, I've not got exactly that," replied Redpath, with an amused look;
"but I've got something of the same sort for my servants. Why do you
ask?"

"Because, sir, I never did sail under false colours, and I ain't agoin'
to begin now. I don't set up for a gentleman, and though
circumstances has throwed me along wi' two of 'em, so that we've bin
hail-feller-well-met for a time, I ain't agoin' to condescend to consort
wi' them always. If you've got a servants'-'all, I'll come and thank
'ee; if not, I'll go an' keep company wi' Stumps till Mr Shipton comes
back."

"Very well, my good fellow, then you shall come, and we'll find you a
berth in the servants'-hall," said Redpath, laughing.

"But what about Stumps?" said Robin; "he will wonder what has come over
us. Could we not return to the hotel first?"

"Impossible," said the electrician; "I have not time to wait. My leave
has expired. Besides, you can write him a note."

So the note was written, as we have shown, and the party set out on
their inland journey.

Before starting, however, Frank Hedley, the engineer, took Sam and Robin
aside.

"Now, think over what I have mentioned," he said, "and make up your
minds. You see, I have some influence at head-quarters, and am quite
sure I can get you both a berth on board to replace the men who have
left us. I think I can even manage to find a corner for Slagg, if he is
not particular."