"Yes; but tell me first who is your nephew?"
As he spoke Alderbury looked up at the house and suddenly remembered the visit he had paid.
"Of course, I recollect now. This is where Ananda lives. How is he? I hope he is well."
Sooba glanced at the Englishman suspiciously, trying to hide his distrust under a forced smile.
"My nephew sought your assistance some days ago, sir."
"I think you are mistaken. I offered help but he refused it. Since that time I have neither seen nor heard of him, except the fact mentioned by Dr. Wenaston in a letter, that he had left his home and that you were under the impression that he had gone to the college. It was extremely kind of the Principal to allow you to go through his private rooms. I am not sure that I should have been so obliging."
Alderbury's voice had unconsciously assumed a tone of reproof, and Sooba writhed inwardly under it.
"Dr. Wenaston could not refuse, since a refusal would have been a tacit acknowledgment that he was harbouring a Christian and breaking his covenant with the Maharajah."
"Not at all," replied Alderbury sharply. He did not like the manner of the man. "You took a great liberty. It was sufficient for all purposes that he assured you Ananda was not there. What made you think that your nephew had gone to him for help?"
"The gardener gave me a hint that some one had arrived the night before," said Sooba sullenly.