ncident, but Miss
Kresney was clearly impressed.

"You see, Linda," her brother concluded, "a fellow can't be expected
to stand that sort of thing without hitting back, and I am trying to
hit back a bit now. It is only fair. These Frontier Force chaps need a
lot of setting down, I can tell you. They fancy they hold all India in
their hands. And what is it they do after all, except play polo like
maniacs, and play all manner of foolish pranks at Mess? They make a
god out of this Desmond, here; and the fellow is as proud as the
devil. He will be jolly well mad if his wife gets really friendly with
me. As he will not ask us there, we will ask her here--you see? And
you must be as nice as you can. Say pretty things to her--that pleases
her more than anything: and make yourself useful, if you get the
chance. She's not half a bad little woman; and if you help me, Linda,
I shall get in with her yet in spite of her conceited prig of a
husband."

The smile that accompanied the words was not a pleasant one, but the
girl returned it with an uncritical fervour of affection.

"You know I am always glad to please you, Owen. I am onlee sorree you
did not tell me all about it sooner."

Her ready championship put him in high good-humour with himself and
the world at large.

"You really _are_ no end of a good girl, Linda," he said, as he rose
to his feet. "I shall ask Denvil to tea for you on Tuesday; and you
shall have a new frock as soon as ever I get next month's pay. Not a
thing made in the verandah; but a good style of frock from Mussoorie
or Lahore, whichever you please; and you can ask Mrs Desmond to help
you choose it. Her dresses are always first class, and she is
interested in such things."

CHAPTER VI.

GENIUS OF CHARACTER.

"For still the Lord is Lord of Might,
In deeds, in deeds, He takes delight."
--R. L. S.

Evelyn Desmond's picnic was an accomplished fact. At four o'clock, in
the full glare of a late March sun, a business-like detachment of
twenty horses, and one disdainful camel, proceeded at a brisk trot
along the lifeless desolation of the Bunnoo Road. The party kept in
close formation, straggling of any sort being inadmissible when the
bounds of the station have been left behind. Ten of the riders were
English, and an armed escort guarded them in front and rear; the
camel, in gala trappings of red and blue, being responsible for
provisions, enamel