much further to the
right. For some reason of his own Chandrapal had found this bird the
best songster of the three; and, wishing to get as near as possible, he
again led the way and gave us a sign to follow. We cautiously skirted
the hedge, making our way towards a point on the opposite side of the
field where there was a gate, and beyond this, in the next field, a shed
of some sort where we might stand concealed.

We passed the gate, turned into the shed, and were immediately
confronted by Snarley Bob.

Both Mrs. Abel and I were alarmed. We knew that Snarley Bob when
disturbed at such a moment was apt to be exceedingly dangerous, and we
remembered that it was precisely such a disturbance as this which had
brought him some years ago within measurable distance of committing
murder. Nor was his demeanour reassuring. The instant he saw us, he rose
from the shaft of the cart on which he had been seated, smoking his
pipe, and took a dozen rapid steps out of the shed. Then he paused, just
as a startled horse would do, turned half round, and eyed us sidelong
with as fierce and ugly a look as any human face could wear. Then he
began to stride rapidly to and fro in front of the shed, stamping his
feet whenever he turned, and keeping his eyes fixed on the swarthy
countenance of Chandrapal, with an expression of the utmost ferocity.

Chandrapal retained his composure. Whatever sudden shock he may have
felt had passed immediately, and he was now standing in an attitude of
deep attention, following the movement of Snarley Bob and meeting his
glance without once lowering his eyes. His calmness was infectious. I
felt that he was master of the situation, and I knew that in a few
moments Snarley's paroxysm would pass.

It did pass; but in a manner we did not expect. Snarley, on his side,
had begun to abate his rapid march; once or twice he hesitated, paused,
turned around; and the worst was already over when Chandrapal, lifting
his thin hands above his head, pronounced in slow succession four words
of some strange tongue. What they meant I cannot tell; it is not likely
they formed any coherent sentence: they were more like words of command
addressed by an officer to troops on parade, or by a rider to his horse.
Their effect on Snarley was instantaneous. Turning full round, he drew
himself erect and faced us in an attitude of much dignity. Every trace
of his brutal expression slowly vanished; his huge features contracted
to the huma