"You can depend upon me," he answered, with an acquiescent nod.

I judged that he did not often get the chance of earning some eighty rupees so easily.
I scribbled a hasty note and sent it round to Hilda: "Pack your boxes at once, and hold yourself in readiness to embark on the Vindhya at six o'clock precisely." Then I put my own things straight; and waited at the club till a quarter to six.

At that time I strolled on unconcernedly into the office.

A cab outside held Hilda and our luggage.

I had arranged it all meanwhile by letter.
"Professor Sebastian been here again ?" I asked.
"Yes, sir; he's been here; and he looked over the list again; and he's taken his passage.