The fact of the matter was Handiman was built on very different lines to Gregory, his predecessor; he gave himself airs, and was fond of asserting his authority.

In consequence the solitary life at the Ford sat heavily upon both men.
One hot afternoon, Grantham, who was a keen sportsman, took his gun, and, accompanied by a wiry little Shan servant, departed into the jungle on _shikar_ thoughts intent.

He was less successful than usual; indeed, he had proceeded fully three miles before he saw anything worth emptying his gun at.

In the jungle the air was as close as a hothouse, and the perspiration ran down his face in streams.
"What an ass I was to come out!" he said angrily to himself.

"This heat is unbearable." At that moment a crashing noise reached him from behind.