"Dad's read em to me, sir—in bits like."
The Major moved away.
Close by a group of officers, whose faces clearly showed how profoundly they disapproved of this conversation, were sprawling in the shade. That was the way to lose caste with the men. Amongst them was a last-joined lad, chubby still; the other was Mr. Royal of Ernie's company.
"What did the Major say he was?" asked the Boy keenly.
"I don't know what the Major said he was," answered Mr. Royal coolly. "And between ourselves I don't greatly care. I know what he was. And if you'll ask me prettily I might impart my information."
"What was he?" asked the Boy.
"He was a coolie," said Mr. Royal. "India's full of them. In fact they're the dominant class."
"I thought he looked something a bit out of the ordinary," said the snubbed Boy.
"Did you?" retorted Mr. Royal. "I thought myself he looked as if he wanted kicking. And as I've got five years' service to your three months it may be presumed that I'm right."