He had been sent to Eton and to Oxford, and had been filled with longings and desires which could have no fruition; he had been trained to delicate thoughts and habits which must daily be offended and daily be a cause of offence to his countrymen.

But what did the tall stooping man care?
Shere Ali now knew that the English had something in the way of an army.

What did it matter whether he lived in unhappiness so long as that knowledge was the price of his unhappiness?
A cruel, careless, warping business, this English rule.
Thus Shere Ali felt rather than thought, and realised the while the danger of his bitter heart.

Once more he appealed to Colonel Dewes, standing before him with burning eyes.
"Bring Linforth out to India! If you have any influence, use it; if you have none, obtain it.

Only bring Linforth out to India, and bring him very quickly!" Once before a passionate appeal had been made to Colonel Dewes by a man in straits, and Colonel Dewes had not understood and had not obeyed.