nly
considered a little brusque in India, all I can say is society must be
in a lamentable state out there."

"Uncle says he is a great shikari, and has probably killed more tigers
than any man in India."

"I really don't see that that is any recommendation whatever, Isobel,
although it might be if you were likely to encounter tigers on board
ship. However, I am not surprised that your opinion differs from mine;
we very seldom see matters in the same light. I only hope you may be
right and I may be wrong, for otherwise the journey is not likely to be
a very pleasant one for you; personally, I would almost as soon have
a Bengal tiger loose about the ship than such a very rude, unmannerly
person as Dr. Wade."

Mrs. Hannay and Helena accompanied Isobel to the docks, and went on
board ship with her.

The Doctor received them at the gangway. He was in a better temper, for
the fact that he was on the point of starting for India again had put
him in high spirits. He escorted the party below and saw that they got
lunch, showed Isobel which was her cabin, introduced her to two or three
ladies of his acquaintance, and made himself so generally pleasant that
even Mrs. Hannay was mollified.

As soon as luncheon was over the bell was rung, and the partings
were hurriedly got through, as the pilot announced that the tide
was slackening nearly half an hour before its time, and that it was
necessary to get the ship out of dock at once.

"Now, Miss Hannay, if you will take my advice," the Doctor said, as soon
as the ship was fairly in the stream, "you will go below, get out all
the things you will want from your boxes, and get matters tidy and
comfortable. In the first place, it will do you good to be busy; and in
the second place, there is nothing like getting everything shipshape in
the cabin the very first thing after starting, then you are ready for
rough weather or anything else that may occur. I have got you a chair.
I thought that very likely you would not think of it, and a passenger
without a chair of her own is a most forlorn creature, I can tell you.
When you have done down below you will find me somewhere aft; if you
should not do so, look out for a chair with your own name on it and take
possession of it, but I think you are sure to see me."

Before they had been a fortnight at sea Isobel came to like the Doctor
thoroughly. He knew many of the passengers on board the Byculla, and she
had soon many acquaintances. Sh