"There is a man from—one of the gentlemen from the King to see you, sir," said the man.
"Indeed? I will come. Come too, Cameron; I daresay it will interest you."
The messenger had come to ask Mr. Kenyon if he would take charge of a little expedition to be made against a tiger that had been destroying life in the neighbourhood, and to say that as matters were so serious the King would be greatly obliged if he would go.
"I don't like to say No, and I don't want to say Yes," said Mr.
Kenyon.
"I do not see how you can refuse."
"Neither do I," said Mr. Kenyon thoughtfully, and he sent a note back, promising to undertake the task.
Hardly had the messenger departed before Harry came hurriedly into the room, but started on seeing the doctor there.
"I thought you had gone, sir," he said. "I made sure I heard the door swing to."
"No, I have not gone, Hal," said the doctor, smiling good-humouredly; "but I'll soon be off, if you want to speak to your father alone."
"I did, sir; but it doesn't matter your being here."