SHERE ALI'S PILGRIMAGE There were times when Ralston held aloft his hands and cursed the Indian administration by all his gods.

But he never did so with a more whole-hearted conviction than on the day when he received word that Linforth had been diverted to Rawal Pindi, in order that he might take up purely military duties.

It took Ralston just seven months to secure his release, and it was not until the early days of autumn had arrived that Linforth at last reached Peshawur.

A landau, with a coachman and groom in scarlet liveries, was waiting for him at the station, and he drove along the broad road through the cantonment to Government House.

As the carriage swung in at the gates, a tall, thin man came from the croquet-ground on the left.