“Right away in the jungle, along that elephant-track? They have taken tents, of course.”
“I d’know, sir; but they’ve took possession of Mr Suleiman’s two helephants.”
“Ah, capital!” said Archie. “This is fresh news.”
“Yes, sir; and I suppose Mr Suleiman will never get them again. They ought to be prize money. We took them, sir. My word, I should just like to have the old Rajah!”
“Of course,” said Archie contemptuously. “Nice thing for a private soldier! A white elephant, Pete.”
“Why, he’s a blacky-grey ’un, sir. Wish I could be his mahout.”
“Stuff! Where’s Mr Durham gone?”
“Don’t know, sir. Private instructions. Through the jungle somewhere, I expect, so as to take Mr Suleiman in the rear. But I say, sir, you don’t mean to be kept in horspittle, do you?”
“No, Pete; I’m to be up to-morrow.”
“Hooray, sir! I’m all right too—ready for anything. Try and put in a word for me.”