Will you order a start then ?" The Risaldar departed round the corner of the bungalow, and a minute or two later Cunningham's ears caught the sound of a riding-switch, lustily applied, and of muffled groans.

He suspected readily enough what was going on, particularly since his servant was not in evidence, but he dared not laugh on the veranda.

He went inside, and made believe to be busy with his bag before he relaxed the muscles of his face.
"Now, I wonder whether I handled that situation rightly ?" he asked himself between chuckles.

"One thing I know--if that old ruffian plays another trick on me--one more of any kind--Ill show my teeth.

There's a thing known as the limit!" He would not have wondered, though, if he could have overheard Mahommed Gunga less than an hour later.