, like there is no Got Almighty.
Everywhere there is sickness, also in _pahar_."

Mrs. Meredith shivered at the cold consolation. After a short interval
spent in anxious suspense, a clatter of hoofs announced the return of
the Sahib. Raymond Meredith galloped into the camp and flinging his
reins to a _saice_, leaped to the ground. A messenger had met him on the
road with the disturbing news of his infant's bad turn. In another
moment he was beside his wife, eagerly sympathetic and anxious to
comfort her.

At any other time she would have received him affectionately upon his
return from a long day's outing, and he marked the change, excusing it
on the plea of anxiety and distraction.

"This is very sudden, darling," he said in lowered tones, placing his
arms tenderly about her. "How did it happen?"

His wife explained emotionally. "Baby was feverish when you left. You
remember, perhaps, that I was worried and did not like being left
alone?" she concluded resentfully, her eyes refusing to meet his.

"He seemed a bit out of sorts, but nothing to alarm one," her husband
allowed in self-defence. "You know, sweetheart, you are often needlessly
anxious." He would have kissed her to soften the reproach, but she
turned her face aside. "Anyhow, I had to go, you know that? The leopard
had done enough damage in the village and was a danger to human life. An
infant had been carried off from the doorway of its dwelling the moment
its mother's back was turned. I simply had to hunt and shoot the beast,
or let the people think I funked it. I managed to bag it in the end, but
the fellow gave us a devil of a time," he continued, warming to his
subject. "Had it not been for the pluck of the _chaukidar_, I might
never have returned at all--" He waited for some evidence of concern.
"He's a fine sportsman," he went on, though disappointed at her lack of
interest. "With only a stout stick in his hand, he--" his voice trailed
away as he became convinced that he was talking to an inattentive mind.
"Don't worry, I'll send post-haste for Dalton. He'll be here before
morning."

"Anything might happen before morning," she cried brokenly.

"You mustn't be so pessimistic."

"The car was sent for the doctor when Baby was in convulsions," she said
coldly. "It was terrible not having you here to advise. I have been
desperate, and you--" a sob--"you were enjoying yourself in the
jungles." She had not an atom of sympathy for the sport.

"Surely