There was no intonation in his voice which gave to any one sentence a particular meaning; and for a particular meaning Dick Linforth was listening with keen ears.

He followed Ralston across the hall to his room, and disappointment gained upon him with every step.

He had grown familiar with disappointment of late years, but he was still young enough in years and spirit to expect the end of disappointment with each change in his fortunes.

He had expected it when the news of his appointment had reached him in Calcutta, and disappointment had awaited him in Bombay.

He had expected it again when, at last, he was sent from Rawal Pindi to Peshawur.