Just then the major came bustling up, his genial nature having urged him to leave his comfortable bed, and come to see us off.
“All here?” he cried. “You’ll have a glorious day. Needn’t have taken rifles; the rajah would have everything for you, and better pieces than your own, I dare say. Wish I was going with you.”
“Why not come?” said Brace.
“No, no! Don’t tempt me; I’ve quite work enough. Some one ought to stay.”
“I will stop with pleasure,” cried Brace.
“No, no, my dear boy; we settled that you should go. I’ll have my turn another time.”
“But really—” began Brace.
“Be quiet, man!” cried the major. “You are going. Keep an eye on Vincent here, and don’t let a tiger get him. He can’t be spared.”
“I dare say we shall be in the same howdah,” replied Brace; and somehow I did not feel pleased any more than I did at the major taking such pains to have me looked after like a little boy.
“These young chaps are so thoughtless,” continued the major. “They run into danger before they know where they are, and then, when they are in the midst of it, they forget to be cool.”