"We are writing to request you to come to Madras immediately. If you can make it convenient to arrive by the mail at four o'clock on Tuesday next, the 11th inst., you will there be met by a messenger, and hear of something greatly to your advantage.
"We remain, dear Sir,
"Yours faithfully,
"Brown, Brown and Co."
"Just look at this!" said Mallender tossing it to Barbie, "the same old bait; but I'm not going to be had this time! I've been made a fool of too often, and you will not be surprised to hear, that I feel a pardonable misgiving. The burnt child dreads the fire!"
"But this is not from Jaffer," protested Barbie, "I see it is from Brown and Brown. I believe it is 'pucka'—and you are going to hear, or to see,—something at last!"
"Not I!"
"May I?" and Mrs. Bourne extended a hand. After glancing at the note, she said:
"Barbie is right, I am sure this won't be an April Fool's errand. I think you will have to go."
"But if I do, I must start to-morrow!" he protested.
"How I wish I might go too!" said Barbie, "I feel certain, that something tremendous is about to happen."
"Something tremendous will happen, if you don't see to the churning, Barbie. I must get as much work out of you as I can, dear, as I'm afraid I won't have you this time next year!"