ing-glass, almost as dear to his heart.

The Sirdar was nominally in bed; that is to say, he lay on the bare
strings, beneath his cotton quilt, fully dressed in loose white tunic
and close-fitting trousers. His turban alone had been discarded, and
stood ready-folded beside him, a miracle of elaborate precision.

At the sound of hoofs he sat up instantly, his uncut hair and beard
flowing down to his waist. In less than twenty seconds both had been
twisted to a deft knot high on the head, his turban adjusted at an
irreproachable angle; and, as Desmond's figure darkened the doorway,
he staggered to his feet and saluted with a trembling hand.

"Sit down, sit down!" his Captain commanded him; and he obeyed, rather
suddenly, with a rueful smile.

"The years steal away my strength, Hazur. A little fever, and my bones
become as water--yea, though I had once the might of ten in this
dried-up arm."

Desmond smiled and shook his head.

"No reason to speak evil of the years, after yesterday, and the fever
hath the power of seven devils over any man. I have been all night
beside Denvil Sahib, who lieth without sense and strength this
morning, young as he is."

"Denvil Sahib! I had not known. Is it fever also?"

"Yes,--the great fever. A matter of many weeks, and sore trouble of
mind; for disease takes strong hold upon the strong. And what will
come to the squadron, with both my troop commanders laid in their
beds?"

"_Na_,--na, Hazur. I will arise, even as I am----"

"That you will not, Sirdar Sahib," Desmond interposed with kindly
decision; "we will rather give Bishan Singh a chance to prove that he
is fit for promotion. I have had the assurance from him many times in
words. Now I will have it in deeds--the fittest language for a
soldier."

The deep-set eyes gleamed approval.

"Great is the wisdom of the Captain Sahib, understanding the
deceitfulness of man's heart. Bishan Singh's tongue is as a horse
without bit or bridle. If head and hand carry him as far, he will do
well."

"True talk," Desmond answered, smiling. Then with the incurable
diffidence of the Englishman when he is moved to do a gracious action,
he held out his parcel. "See here, Rajinder Singh. This is a small
matter enough for your acceptance. A token merely that--I do not
forget."

"_Hazur!_"

The eagerness of a child transfigured the man's weatherbeaten face,
and his fingers plucked unsteadily at the string.

Desmond took out a knife and sli