"I want your help, Wenaston," said Alderbury suddenly.
"You shall have it," the other responded without hesitation.
"You promise without knowing what it is."
"You want to borrow the motor-car. It shall be ready at sunrise to-morrow. I can't drive you myself, much as I should like it. I haven't time. The chauffeur will take you where you want to go."
"I shall be very grateful. The car transforms travelling from purgatory to pure delight. It was not the car, however, that was in my mind. I want something else—help for Ananda. His money won't hold out a week longer, and then it will be in the power of his people to starve him."
"He will have to take food from his pariah servant—a practical beginning of his education in the brotherhood of man," remarked Wenaston.
"Lately no food of any description has been sent to his room. Unless I am very much mistaken the supply will stop altogether."
"And his father will give him no money?"
"I am sure of that."
"What are Ananda's rights as a son? Can't he claim assistance and support from his nearest relatives by his caste laws?"