The Government has no desire to force it upon the people against their wish." Shere Ali made no reply, but his heart grew bitter within him.

He had come out to India sore and distressed at parting from his friends, from the life he had grown to love.

All the way down the Red Sea and across the Indian Ocean, the pangs of regret had been growing keener with each new mile which was gathered in behind the screw.

He had lain awake listening to the throb of the engine with an aching heart, and with every longing for the country he had left behind growing stronger, every recollection growing more vivid and intense.

There was just one consolation which he had.