h a child like that."

Ralston got up. "Well, I'm going to have another look at her, and then
I'm due at The Green Bungalow. I can't say what is going to happen
there. You ought to clear out, all of you; but a journey would probably
be fatal to Mrs. Monck's infant just now. I can't advise it."

"Wherever Stella goes, I go," said Bernard firmly.

"Yes, that's understood." Ralston gave him a keen look. "You're in
charge, aren't you? But those who can go, must go, that's certain. That
scoundrel will be convicted in a day or two. And then--look out for
squalls!"

Bernard's smile was scarcely the smile of the man of peace. "Oh yes, I
shall look out," he said mildly. "And--incidentally--Tommy is teaching
me how to shoot."

They returned to Tessa who was still sleeping, and Mrs. Ralston gave up
her place beside her to Bernard, who settled down with a paper to spend
the afternoon. Major Ralston departed for The Green Bungalow, and the
silence of midday fell upon the place.

It was still early in the year, but the warmth was as that of a soft
summer day in England. The lazy drone of bees hung on the air, and
somewhere among the tamarisks a small, persistent bird, called and
called perpetually, receiving no reply.

"A fine example of perseverance," Bernard murmured to himself.

He had plenty of things to think about--to worry about also, had it been
his disposition to worry; but the utter peace that surrounded him made
him drowsy. He nodded uncomfortably for a space, then finally--since he
seldom did things by halves--laid aside his paper, leaned back in his
chair, and serenely slept.

Twice during the afternoon Mrs. Ralston tiptoed along the verandah,
peeped in upon them, and retired again smiling. On the second occasion
she met her husband on the same errand and he drew her aside, his hand
through her arm.

"Look here, Mary! I've talked to that little spitfire without much
result. She talks in a random fashion of going to Udalkhand. What her
actual intentions are I don't know. Possibly she doesn't know herself.
But one thing is certain. She is not going to be attached to your train
any longer, and I have told her so."

"Oh, Gerald!" She looked at him in dismay. "How--inhospitable of you!"

"Yes, isn't it?" His hand was holding her arm firmly. "You see, I
chance to value your safety more than my reputation for kindness to
outsiders. You are going to Bhulwana at the end of this week. Come! You
promised."

"Yes, I