But such was his character, the more difficulties that confronted him, the more his courage and determination hardened. Each evening, he strolled past the Nabob's House like a policeman on duty, but the big gate was always shut fast, and the premises were silent as a cemetery. Meanwhile Anthony was craftily undermining the position, and making insidious advances to the native household; in short, he exhibited cunning, which almost rose to the dignity of a talent!
"I have spoken to Francis the butler," he announced, mysteriously. "He is a big big man, with red turban and gold watch. He is Roman Catholic, and knows my father! He say to me, 'Why your Master coming here?' and he look awfully cross. I say, 'Panjeverram too much interesting to gentleman, who make photographs to get money.' 'But he has two servants,' he say, 'and brings Europe stores, and books, from Madras.—Truly not poor man!'"
"That must have stumped you, Smiler?"
"'No, no,' I say, awfullee quick, 'Stores and books he never pay for. Them a present from one charitable lady gone to the Hills, Mrs. Tallboys, and as for wages, I telling, Sawmy come as my friend only; and I only taking eight rupees.'"
"Why, you sinner, I pay you thirty!" exclaimed his master, aghast at this string of ready lies. "Anyway, he did not believe you, I'll swear."
"Suppose, he say I no tell truth, but what can do?" raising his shoulders to his ears. "If Master will show work, I carry camera, and we pass bungalow five, six times, a day; then there will be talk, and Francis, butler, will think, 'That Anthony, good Christian boy; he never telling lies,' and will believe me!"
"All right, Smiler, your character shall be cleared. We will start out this afternoon, and I'll photograph the old temple, and lots of other objects, and make a reputation in the bazaar."
According to this arrangement, the big butler had now many opportunities of beholding the diligent gentleman with his camera and attendant passing continually to and fro; or taking snapshots of the most remarkable local objects. The fame of the photographer spread; Anthony exhibited attractive specimens among his acquaintances, and the train was fired! Mallender became known as "the picture-catching master," and not merely "the stranger, who had a chokra with four thumbs."
"Excuse me, saar," pleaded the counsellor, "but to-day, I think of plenty good business. Suppose we go, I and you, and knock loudly on big gate of Nabob's House, two hours after the midday rice—when all people have eaten well, and are full and contented; we will ask humble permission to take photographs. There are young folks within. I gave the portrait you took of me to their ayah; she liking, very, awfullee much,—and has doubtless shown to family."
Mallender thought the programme excellent, and proceeded to act upon it, that same afternoon. After long and loud hammering on the wooden postern, it was at last opened by a peon, and a glimpse of the interior premises was disclosed.