"It will be so, if God pleases," said Strickland, tugging off his hoots. "It is
in my mind, Bahadur Khan, that I have worked thee remorselessly for many days--
ever since that time when thou first came into my service. What time was that?"
"Has the heaven-born forgotten? It was when Imray Sahib went secretly to Europe
without warning given, and I--even I--came into the honored service of the
protector of the poor."
"And Imray Sahib went to Europe?"
"It is so said among the servants."
"And thou wilt take service with him when he returns?"
"Assuredly, sahib. He was a good master and cherished his dependents."
"That is true. I am very tired, but I can go buck-shooting tomorrow. Give me
the little rifle that I use for black buck; it is in the case yonder."
The man stooped over the case, banded barrels, stock, and fore-end to
Strickland, who fitted them together. Yawning dolefully, then he reached down
to the gun-case, took a solid drawn cartridge, and slipped it into the breech
of the .360 express.
"And Imray Sahib has gone to Europe secretly? That is very strange, Bahadur
Khan, is it not?"
"What do I know of the ways of the white man, heaven-born?"
"Very little, truly. But thou shalt know more.
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