"Yes, I see," he said softly; "to let them be alone."
They all three turned down one of the paths amongst the thickly planted bushes, and then stopped short in wonder, for there just before them was Mike, crying like a child, and wiping his eyes.
He was aware of their presence, though, almost as soon as they were of his, and making a pretence of mopping his face with the handkerchief he held, he hurried up.
"Awful hot, sir," he said. "You want me?"
"No, not yet," said the doctor, ignoring the tears; "but in two or three hours I think we can get your young master home. I think you had better see about a palanquin and bearers by-and-by. Or perhaps you might as well go now, and tell the men to be here in two hours' time."
"Yes, sir; of course, sir, but—er—"
"What is it?" said the doctor.
"Could I just go and say a word to the young master, sir?"
"I think not now, Mike. His father is with him, and we have left them so that they might be alone."
"Of course, sir, and quite right too," said Mike. "I'll be off at once, sir; but it is amazing hot."