'You--you beast, Dan!'
The words were uncomplimentary; the tone was a caress. His hearer did not affect to misunderstand.
'Well, it will be jolly for you at Simla. The gayest fortnight of all just before the rains, and there is nothing like a whiff of hill air for killing the microbes. Besides, the Tweedies' house is awfully jolly to stay in.'
'But you?--you will be here,' said George remorsefully, despite the eager pleasure in his eyes.
Dan laughed.
'It isn't the first time I've been in a jungle station. Are you thinking of the whisky bottle again? Sure I'll take a temperance ticket for the fortnight, if it would make my keeper easier.'
'Don't be a fool, Dan.'
He came round to lean over the back of George's arm-chair.'
'Is that the thanks I get for warming a viper in my bosom? But I must get back to the office for a day or two first. Then I'll start you off with my blessing and all the boiled shirts you have in the world. And more, by token, that picture of the girl with the Ayôdhya pot that's lying underneath them. Why didn't you show it me before? It's the best thing you ever did, and must go to the exhibition. Always put your best foot foremost up at Simla among the big-wigs. That is my advice.'
'Which you don't follow yourself.'