The night came on hot, windless and dark.

Linforth leaned over the side, looking out upon the short curve of lights and the black mass of hill rising dimly above them.

Three and a half more days and he would be standing on Indian soil.

A bright light flashed towards the ship across the water and a launch came alongside, bearing the agent of the company.
He had the latest telegrams in his hand.
"Any trouble on the Frontier ?" Linforth asked.
"None," the agent replied, and Linforth's fever of impatience was assuaged.

If trouble were threatening he would surely be in time--since there were only three and a half more days.
But he did not know why he had been brought out from England, and the three and a half days made him by just three and a half days too late.
For on this very night when the steamer stopped to coal in Aden harbour Shere Ali made his choice.
He was present that evening at a prize-fight which took place in a music-hall at Calcutta.