“Pebbles for diamonds?”
“Yes.”
“To do so requires another story, which I cannot tell you to-night,” replied the Sepoy. “How about to-morrow evening?”
“If that’s the only way?” queried Raikes.
“It is,” the Sepoy assured him.
“I will be here, then,” said Raikes, “but I must leave you now; I will see you at breakfast-time.”
With this Raikes departed and made his way along the dim passages to his room.
Arrived at this point, and taking his customary precautions for the night, Raikes prepared to retire.
Since the process involved such little attention to detail in its almost aboriginal readiness, it was not long before Raikes was tucked away in his uneasy rest.
Possibly a half hour later a series of labored snores announced his successful escape from the disturbing realities of the day and his stentorian entrance upon more fictitious complications.