g on the ground, or anyway they could get
them. It really seems ridiculous having everything like this."

"There is nothing like making yourself comfortable," the Doctor said;
"and as the servants have an easy time of it generally, it does them
good to bestir themselves now and then. The expense of one or two extra
bullock carts is nothing, and it makes all the difference in comfort."

"How far is the nullah from here, Doctor?" Wilson, who could think of
nothing else but the tiger, asked.

"About two miles. It is just as well not to go any nearer. Not that he
would be likely to pay us a visit, but he might take the alarm and shift
his quarters. No, no more wine, Major; we shall want our blood cool in
the morning. Now we will go out to look at the elephants and have a talk
with the mahouts, and find out which of the animals can be most trusted
to stand steady. It is astonishing what a dread most elephants have of
tigers. I was on one once that I was assured would face anything, and
the brute bolted and went through some trees, and I was swept off the
pad and was half an hour before I opened my eyes. It was a mercy I had
not every rib broken. Fortunately I was a lightweight, or I might have
been killed. And I have seen the same sort of thing happen a dozen
times, so we must choose a couple of steady ones, anyhow, for the
ladies."

For the next hour they strolled about outside. The Doctor cross
questioned the mahouts and told off the elephants for the party; then
there was a talk with the native shikaris and arrangements made for the
beat, and at an early hour all retired to rest. The morning was just
breaking when they were called. Twenty minutes later they assembled to
take a cup of coffee before starting. The elephants were arranged in
front of the tents, and they were just about to mount when a horse was
heard coming at a gallop.

"Wait a moment," the Major said; "it may be a message of some sort from
the station." A minute later Bathurst rode in and reined up his horse in
front of the tent.

"Why, Bathurst, what brings you here? Changed your mind at the last
moment, and found you could get away? That's right; you shall come on
the pad with me."

"No, I have not come for that, Major; I have brought a dispatch that
arrived at two o'clock this morning. Doolan opened it and came to me,
and asked me to bring it on to you, as I knew the way and where your
camp was to be pitched."

"Nothing serious, I hope, Bathurs