"And panthers?" supplemented Mayne.
"Yes, too many of them! Such treacherous, cruel, brutes, and very bold. More dangerous in their way than tiger—Father says the tiger is a gentleman—the panther a bounder."
"I wish I could get a shot at one."
"No doubt you will have a chance. Did you come far to-day?"
"From the railway. I arrived from Cananore last night, and stopped at the Dâk bungalow. My guns and traps are following me, but I really don't like to billet myself on you, and your father."
Since he had been in the company of Miss Travers, Mayne had been anxiously endeavouring to distinguish her appearance; but a heavily shaded lamp left, beyond the mere outline, everything to conjecture; and, save an impression that she had a small face, large eyes, and a thin brown hand,—the lady's looks, remained an unknown quantity.
At this moment, Travers, who had been prescribing for a stomach-ache in the coolie lines, reappeared, unaware of the arrival of a visitor. As he stepped into the verandah, he heard talking—a strange voice, vibrant and attractive,—the voice of a gentleman; and there, sitting in his own pet chair, was someone whose sleek dark head, and white collar, appeared above its cushions.
He entered promptly, received a hasty and apologetic explanation, and became at once the cordial and hospitable host. The dark-haired young fellow, was evidently an Army man, with pleasant easy manners.
A description of his journey was presently cut short by the announcement that "Supper was ready on the table," and as Travers hurried his guest into the dining-room, the young lady disappeared.
Supper was laid out with an unexpected display of fine damask, cut glass, and shining silver, and the new-comer did ample justice to an excellent meal of which the pièce de résistance was cold hump. There was a sameness in the planters' homes, not only confined to food; here again were dead trophies, and not a few live dogs; but dogs, trophies, and surroundings, were all on a superior, and more imposing scale, than that of the ménage at "The Corner."