"In tents, my dear, and very comfortable you will find them. Rumzan will
go with us, and you will find everything go on as smoothly as if you
were here. Tent life in India is very pleasant. Next year, in the cool
season, we will do an excursion somewhere, and I am sure you will find
it delightful: they don't know anything about the capabilities of tents
at home."

"Then do I quite understand, uncle, that all I have got to do is to make
a round of calls to say goodby to everyone?"

"That is all. You will find a lot of my cards in one of those pigeon
holes; you may as well drop one wherever you go. Shall I order a
carriage from Framjee's for today?"

"No, I think not, uncle; I will go round to our own bungalows first, and
hear what Mrs. Doolan and the others think about it."

At Mrs. Doolan's Isobel found quite an assembly. Mrs. Rintoul had come
in almost in tears, and the two young lieutenants had dropped in with
Captain Doolan, while one or two other officers had come round to
commiserate with Mrs. Doolan.

"Another victim," the latter said, as Isobel entered.

"You look too cheerful, Miss Hannay. I find that we are expected to wear
sad countenances at our approaching banishment."

"Are we, Mrs. Doolan? It seems to me that it won't make very much
difference to us."

"Not make any difference, Miss Hannay!" Captain Doolan said. "Why,
Deennugghur is one of the dullest little stations on this side of
India!"

"What do you mean by dull, Captain Doolan?"

"Why, there are only about six white residents there besides the troops.
Of course, as four companies are going instead of one, it will make
a difference; but there will be no gayety, no excitement, and really
nothing to do."

"As for the gayety, I am sure I shall not regret it, Captain Doolan;
besides, our gayeties are pretty well over, except, of course, dinner
parties, and it is getting very hot for them. We shall get off having to
go out in the heat of the day to make calls, which seem to me terrible
afflictions, and I think with a small party it ought to be very sociable
and pleasant. As for excitement, I hear that there is much better
shooting there than there is here. Mrs. Hunter was telling me that they
have had some tigers that have been very troublesome round there, and
you will all have an opportunity of showing your skill and bravery.
I know that Mr. Richards and Mr. Wilson are burning to distinguish
themselves."

"It would be great fun to shoo