ought a gun, my
manager will show you some sport; but he's away just now. Oh, you needn't
thank me. In my opinion it's the duty of men who have succeeded to help
beginners along, and I'm sorry I can't do more for you.'

Forstermann remembers a twinge of conscience here. It may be indubitable
that orchids are _ferae naturae_. But they have a distinct money value for
all that, and to remove them from the estate of a man who gives you a
reception like this! Anyhow, he felt uncomfortable. But to find the thing
was his first duty. Possibly some arrangement might be made, though he
could not imagine how.

The invitation was accepted, of course, and a week passed very pleasantly.
But Forstermann could not bring his host to the point desired. Several
times they observed Cypripedium insigne whilst riding or driving about the
neighbourhood. Mr. Spicer even remarked, when his attention was called to
it, that he had sent a number of plants home; but nothing followed. Then
the manager returned, and the same night an appointment was made to go
after duck on the morrow.

Forstermann turned out at dawn, but his companion was not ready. He gave
the explanation as they rode along.

'We had another _chelan_ last night--you have learnt the meaning of that
word, I daresay!--a faction fight among our people. The coolies on this
estate come mostly from Chota Nagpore, and thereabouts. They're good
workers, and not so troublesome as regular Hindus when once they've
settled down. But there's generally a bother when a new gang arrives. We
tell our agents to be very careful in recruiting none but friendly clans.
Young Mice and Fig Leaves we find best among the Oraons, Stars and Wild
Geese among the Sonthals.' Forstermann was puzzled, but he did not
interrupt. 'It's no use, however. They take any fellow that comes
along--and between ourselves, you know, considering how many of those
scamps bolt with the contract-money and never enlist a soul, we haven't so
very much to complain of. It's a bad system, sir!

'Well, when they get here, a mixed lot, they find half a dozen mixed lots
established. We have, to my knowledge,' reckoning on his fingers,
'Tortoises, Tigers, Crows, Eels, Grass-spiders, Fishing-nets--ay, and a
lot more, besides Stars and Wild-geese. Of course, they quarrel at sight,
and we don't interfere unless the _chelan_ gets serious. What's the good?
But, besides that, there is a standing provocation, as you may say. Some
of our cooli