I was
having just a little whiff out of me bamboo-pipe, and takking a look
round, or a feel round, it was so dark, before going to bed, when I
heard a bit of a rustle, and I backed under the house to get away, for I
thought it was a tiger; but it was a man, and he kept on coming nearer
till he was right underneath here, and close to where we stand, and
hiff--!"

"Did I hurt you?" said the doctor, who was binding Tim's wound.

"Yes, sor, thank ye, sor. It did rather, but I don't mind. Well, sor,
he was listening to you gintlemen up-stairs; and as I thought it moighty
ondacent, I laid howld of him, and nipped him, and we scuffled a bit,
and then he pricked me wid his kris, and I hit him two or three cracks
wid me fist, for I had no stick. Then he went off in the dark, and I
afther him; but there wasn't a chance of catching him, for he went
through the trees like a sarpent, and of course, sor, the man who runs
has a better chance than the man who runs afther him."

"Did you see where he made for?" said the doctor.

"And is it see on a night like this, sor?"

"No, no. Of course not. There, come into the house, it must have been
some scoundrel trying what he could pick up. Come, Braine."

They went back up the stairs into the room where Mrs Barnes and Mrs
Braine were anxiously awaiting their coming, and told them that it was
only a scare.

"Driscol heard some one about the place, and tried to hold him," the
doctor said. "Don't be alarmed."

"But I am alarmed," said Mrs Barnes, excitedly. "I am sure there is
some great trouble coming upon us."

"Then act like a true Englishwoman," said the doctor; "help your
husband. Don't hinder him by being weak and hysterical."

"I'll try," said Mrs Barnes, speaking firmly.

"That's right. Now Braine, what do you propose doing next?"

"Nothing. We must wait."

"But Amy--my child?"

"I am thinking of her as much as you are," said Mr Braine, "and I see
no other course but to stand firm, and to give the rajah to understand
that such a thing as he is bent upon is impossible. Mr Murray will
stand by us."

"Yes," said Mr Braine, moodily. "But--"

"For Heaven's sake, do not raise difficulties, man," cried the doctor.
"We can do nothing to-night, but rest and gain strength for any trouble
which may come to-morrow.--My dear," he continued to his wife, "you will
stay with Mrs Barnes to-night; she and Amy will be glad, I am sure, of
your company."

"Indeed yes," cr