"I don't see why they shouldn't," said Harry; "but I say, suppose my father is up at the palace, what are we going to do? You are sure to catch it for taking the elephant."
"That I'm not. Father said I could have one whenever I liked. I could have three or four if I wanted them."
"But not to go tiger-shooting. Oh, Phra, this has been wonderfully jolly and exciting."
"Splendid."
"Well, splendid; but I am afraid we shall be in a mess."
"We can't be if we speak out. I'm sure I can say honestly that I hadn't the least thought of shooting a tiger when we set off; can't you?"
"No," said Harry bluntly. "I began to feel tigerish as soon as I got in the howdah, and I couldn't think of anything else all the time. I wasn't a bit surprised to see old Sul begin to show signs. No, I can't say right out that I didn't think about tiger-hunting."
"But we didn't go on purpose," said Phra.
"Well, no," said Harry, hesitating, "not quite on purpose, but I couldn't help wishing we might see one."
"Well, you had your wish; but I wish we weren't so late."