He had natty bush dodges for minimising the discomfort of the hot, dusty train journey.

He manufactured a windsail outside the carriage window, which brought in a little breeze during the airless heat of mid-day.

He contrived to get cool drinks and improvised for her head a cushion out of his rolled up poncho, a silk handkerchief and a large cold cabbage leaf against which she leaned her hot forehead.

In all his actions she watched him with a curious blend of feelings.

There was a satisfaction in his largeness, his commonsense, his breeziness.