"You are right, sir; it would be a mistake. He is unpopular in the town."
"We have no time to lose," said Dr. Wenaston, looking at his watch. "Will you explain what you want me to do?"
They were standing in the verandah facing each other. Sooba shuffled his feet slightly. The action said much to the Englishman and put him on his guard.
"Last night Ananda left his father's house and we don't know where he is."
"Is there any reason why he should not leave Chirapore if he wishes to do so?"
"It would be without his father's consent," said Sooba, boldly making use of his brother's name.
Wenaston was slightly puzzled. Ananda's movements were not his affair.
"What do you want me to do?" he again asked, with a touch of impatience this time.
"I thought that perhaps you might give us some assistance in our search."
The Englishman regarded him with surprise as he answered in quick decisive tones.