The Doctor turned over the letter and read a scrap here and there, almost muttering, as if to himself, and then aloud:
“Ah, here it is,” he said: “I hope Singh is taking care of his belt, and that he is not foolish enough to wear it at any time.”
The Doctor looked up from one to the other.
“I must confess to feeling a little puzzled here,” he continued. “‘Foolish enough to wear it at any time.’ Now, as a boy, I have a very vivid recollection of regularly wearing a belt, especially when cricketing or running. We had a tradition amongst us that a belt was a very valuable support; and then we have antiquity on our side, the cestus, for instance, and allusions in the old writers regarding the gladiatorial sports, and the use of the belt by strong men. Does the Colonel mean the reverse of what he says, and is this a hint that I should give you a word of warning, Mr Singh, not to neglect its use?”
The Doctor directed a glance at Glyn, and then said sternly: “Have I said anything, Mr Severn, to excite your risible muscles?” For he had detected the exchange of a glance between the boys and a faint smile upon Glyn’s lips.
“No, sir. I beg your pardon, sir. It is only the remark about the belt.”
“Well, sir, I was not aware that in my remark about the belt I had said anything facetious. Perhaps, Mr Singh, you can explain Colonel Severn’s allusion without turning my words into a subject for buffoonery.”
Singh looked questioningly at Glyn.
“I am speaking to you, Mr Singh,” continued the Doctor angrily. “Have the goodness to reply yourself. You can do so without Mr Severn’s aid.”
“Yes, sir,” said Singh hastily; “but Glyn Severn gave me strict orders not to speak about the belt to anybody.”