"The mischief take the snakes!" he growled with a shiver; "you never know where to look for them in India except just where you don't want to find them. We have escaped them thus far, and that particular pest is doomed."
After some manipulation Avery wriggled out the reptile with the aid of a long stick, and dispatched it. Making certain that none of its friends remained in the charpoy, he rolled into it, and slept until the afternoon was gone.
When the day was drawing to a close, the gentle housewife prepared the evening meal for them. As she moved about, she was accompanied by a musical tinkle from her toe rings and the jingle of her bracelets and amulets on her ever busy arms.
Shortly after the evening meal was finished, it was noticed that Luchman was absent, and there was some wonder expressed as to the cause. There was no misgiving, however, as he had the faculty of being on hand whenever needed.
A liberal gift of money was made to the natives, who were profuse in their thanks, and urged their visitors to come to see them again, and to spend many weeks under their humble roof.
The good missionary was improving the occasion by telling them of the claims and beauties of the Christian religion, when he was startled by the sound of wagon wheels in the road, which it will be remembered was some distance away.
Instantly he and his friends retreated within the house, and with no little apprehension peered out at the suspicious vehicle.
The next minute all laughed heartily.
They saw a large cart, drawn by a couple of hump shouldered oxen, and occupied by a single individual as superintendent of motive power. The name of the individual was Luchman.
He did not explain by what means he had acquired the property, but there can be no doubt that it was by honest purchase.