t luck turns, you know, and--and--he's a good sort--a bit stiff and
difficult to get on with, but still--a good sort. You won't think me
rude if I leave you now? I didn't expect Mrs. Raleigh to be so long, and
I'm afraid I can't wait any longer. I've got to dress for mess."

"Goodness!" said Audrey, with a glance at the clock. "Does it take you
two hours? No, don't scowl! I'm only joking, so you needn't be cross.
Good-bye, then! Thank you for being kind to me."

Her hand lay in his for a moment. She was smiling at him rather sadly,
notwithstanding her half-bantering words.

Phil paused a second.

"I'm confoundedly sorry!" he said impulsively. "Don't cry any more."

She shook her head and withdrew her hand.

"Who says I've been crying?" she said lightly. "Go away, and don't be
silly!"

He took her at her word and departed.

At the gate of the compound he met Mrs. Raleigh, but he refused to turn
back with her.

"I really must go; I've got an engagement," he said. "But Mrs. Tudor is
waiting for you. Keep her as long as you can. I believe she's a bit
down--homesick, you know." And he hurried away, breaking into a run as
soon as he reached the road.

He went straight to the Tudor's bungalow without giving himself time to
flinch from the interview that he had made up his mind he must have.

The major _sahib_ was in, the _khitmutgar_ told him and Phil scribbled
an urgent message on his card and sent it to him. Two minutes later he
was shown into his superior officer's presence, and he realised that he
stood committed to the gravest task he had ever undertaken.

Major Tudor was sitting unoccupied before the writing-table in his
smoking-room, but he rose as Phil entered. His face was composed as
usual.

"Well, Mr. Turner?" he said, as Phil came heavily forward.

Phil, more nervous than he had ever been before, halted in front of
him.

"I came to speak to you, sir," he said with an effort, "to--to
explain--"

Tudor was standing with his back to the light. He made no attempt to
help him out of his difficulties.

Phil came to an abrupt pause; then, as if some inner force had suddenly
come to his assistance, he straightened himself and tackled the matter
afresh.

"I came to tell you, sir," he said, meeting Tudor's eyes squarely, "that
I have nothing to be ashamed of. In case"--he paused momentarily--"you
should misunderstand what you saw half an hour ago, I thought it better
to speak at once."

"Very pruden