In a matter like this, to determine was to do. He got on his horse and rode through the Park towards Government House. In the Park he met Captain Heseltine, also mounted and looking very hot. The Captain mopped his face, and waved an accusing arm towards an inhospitable eucalyptus.
"Call that a tree!" he said. "The beastly thing doesn't give a ha'porth of shade."
"It's the best we've got," replied Kilshaw, in ironical apology for his country.
"As a rule, you know," the Captain continued, "coming out for a ride here, except at midnight, means standing up under a willow and wondering how the deuce you'll get home."
"Well, you're not under a willow now."
"No; I was, but I had to quit. Derosne and Miss Medland turned me out."
"Ah!"
"Yes."
"You felt you ought to go?"