. "Your
deductions are of your own making, sir," he said.

"I see." The Colonel's tone was openly harsh. "You are ashamed to tell
me the truth. Well, Captain Monck, I cannot compel you to do so. But it
would have been better for your own sake if you had taken up a less
reticent attitude. Of course I realize that there are certain shameful
occasions regarding which any man must keep silence, but I had not
thought you capable of having a secret of that description to guard. I
think it very doubtful if General Bassett will now require your services
upon his staff."

He paused. Monck's hands were clenched and rigid, but he spoke no word,
and gave no other sign of emotion.

"You have nothing to say to me?" the Colonel asked, and for a moment the
official air was gone. He spoke as one man to another and almost with
entreaty.

But, "Nothing, sir," said Monck firmly, and the moment passed.

The Colonel turned aside. "Very well," he said briefly.

Monck swung round and opened the door for him, standing as stiffly as a
soldier on parade.

He went out without a backward glance.

CHAPTER VIII

THE WRATH OF THE GODS

It was nearly an hour later that Everard Monck and his brother left the
mess together and walked back through the dripping darkness to the
bungalow on the hill overlooking the river. The rush of the swollen
stream became audible as they drew near. The sound of it was
inexpressibly wild and desolate.

"It's an interesting country," remarked Bernard, breaking a silence. "I
don't wonder she has got hold of you, my son. What does your wife think
of it? Is she too caught in the toils?"

Not by word or look had he made the smallest reference to the episode at
the mess-table. It was as if he alone of those present had wholly missed
its significance.

Everard answered him quietly, without much emphasis. "I believe my wife
hates it from beginning to end. Perhaps it is not surprising. She has
been through a good deal since she came out. And I am afraid there is a
good deal before her still."

Bernard's big hand closed upon his arm. "Poor old chap!" lie said. "You
Indian fellows don't have any such time of it, or your women folk
either. How long is she a fixture at Bhulwana?"

"The baby is expected in two months' time." Everard spoke without
emotion, his voice sounded almost cold. "After that, I don't know what
will happen. Nothing is settled. Tell me your plans now! No, wait! Let's
get in out of this