"By the way, Allingford," Scarsdale was saying, "I brought you back your elephant, which it seems you were careless enough, in the hurry of departure, to leave behind you at Melton Court. I hope you are properly grateful."
"Oh, it isn't mine," replied the Consul; "it belongs to her Ladyship."
"Well, she said it was yours," returned her nephew.
"Ah, that was merely her excessive amiability," said Allingford.
"It had not struck me in that light before," replied Scarsdale. "Anyway, I've brought it back to you, and a nice time I've had of it."
"Did you pilot it all the way from Melton Court?" queried the Consul.
"I did," replied the Englishman, "through the main streets of this town; that is where my Indian training stood me in good stead; but it has ruined my character—most of the inhabitants look on me with suspicion."
"Was your holding up of our train intentional?"
"No," said Scarsdale regretfully, "it wasn't. There are lots of damages to pay, I assure you."
"You must settle them with Lady Melton."