"It was my turn now to bestow a reproving look.
"'We have met,' I rejoined, with proper dignity, 'but as yet I have not the honour of acquaintance.'
"To cover this well-deserved rebuke, the munshi clapped his hands and bade the servant who responded to the summons to bring sherbet for our refreshment. After the cooling draught, and when we were all comfortably settled, the stranger, whose name had not yet been spoken, turned to me and said:
"'Now perhaps you will give me the news from Sengali.'
"'It is grievous,' I returned, 'and it is owing to trouble there that I am now here.'
"'Indeed. And what may the trouble be? As I told you this afternoon, I have friends in the village, and am consequently interested.'
"'Aye, aye, tell him the story you have just told me,' called out the munshi.
"Courteously the stranger awaited my response, in his eyes an anxious look of inquiry. As I proceeded with my recital his excitement grew apace, and he leaned forward in his eagerness to miss not a word. At the finish he started to his feet, and, catching hold of my arm, exclaimed:
"'What! You tell me they will burn down their very home?'
"I nodded assent.