ed guest.

Charlie, therefore, had no hesitation whatever in accepting the offer.
The four native officers were quartered in the barracks; and,
returning on board ship, Charlie, followed by Tim and Hossein, and by
some coolies bearing his luggage, was soon on his way to the bungalow
of Mr. Haines.

On his way, he was surprised at the number and size of the dwellings
of the merchants and officials, which offered a very strong contrast
to the quiet and unpretending buildings round the fort of Madras. The
house of Mr. Haines was a large one, and stood in a large and
carefully kept garden. Mr. Haines received him at the door, and at
once led him to his room, which was spacious, cool, and airy. Outside
was a wide veranda, upon which, in accordance with the customs of the
country, servants would sleep.

"Here is your bathroom," Mr. Haines said, pointing to an adjoining
room. "I think you will find everything ready. We dine in half an
hour."

Charlie was soon in his bath, a luxury which, in India, every European
indulges in at least twice a day. Then in his cool white suit, which
at that time formed the regular evening dress, he found his way to the
drawing room. Here he was introduced to the merchant's wife, and to
his daughter, a girl of some thirteen years old, as well as to several
guests who had arrived for dinner.

The meal was a pleasant one, and Charlie, after being cooped up for
some weeks on board ship, enjoyed it much. A dinner in India is, to
one unaccustomed to it, a striking sight. The punkah waving slowly to
and fro, overhead, drives the cool air which comes in through the open
windows down upon the table. Each guest brings his own servant, who,
either in white or coloured robes, and in turbans of many different
hues and shapes, according to the wearer's caste, stands behind his
master's chair. The light is always a soft one, and the table richly
garnished with bright-coloured tropical flowers.

Charlie was the hero of the hour, and was asked many questions
concerning the capture of Suwarndrug; and also about the defence of
Ambur, which, though now an old story, had excited the greatest
interest through India. Presently, however, the conversation turned to
local topics; and Charlie learned, from the anxious looks and earnest
tones of the speakers, that the situation was considered a very
serious one. He asked but few questions, then; but after the guests
had retired, and Mr. Haines proposed to him to smo