Nick took up his riding-switch. "It's a tricky climate," he observed, "but I am keeping an eye on the weather. I don't anticipate anything of the nature of a heat-wave at present."
Max grunted. "Are you sure your barometer is a trustworthy one?"
Nick smiled. "I have every reason to believe so." He turned and clapped a kindly hand on Max's shoulder. "All right, old chap. Don't be anxious! I'll take care of her," he said.
Max looked at him. "You had better take care of yourself too," he said.
"Trust me!" laughed Nick.
There came a knock at the door, to which Kasur responded. It was Olga's ayah. A few whispered words passed between them, then the khitmutgar softly closed it and approached Nick.
"Miss sahib is tired this morning, and cannot ride with the sahibs.
She asks that you will go to her, sahib, before you leave."
Nick glanced at Max. "You had better come too."
But Max shook his head. "No. I'll be on the verandah if she wants me, but I don't think she will."
Nick went to the door in silence; but ere he reached it Max spoke again.