“With writing on it, sir?”
“Of course.”
“No, sir.—Oh yes, here it is, stuck in the flowers.”
“Well, bring it to me.”
“Can’t, sir, without treading on the beds.”
“Then bring it round to the door.”
There was a few moments’ intense silence, during which, in the tropic heat, it seemed as if Nature was plunged in her deepest sleep. Then came a renewal of the footsteps, a sharp tap upon the door, a loud “Come in!” and a very closely cropped and shaven, sun-browned face appeared, its owner clad in clean, white military flannel, drawing himself up stiffly as he held out the missive he was bearing.
“Letter, sir.”
“Well, bring it here. My arms are not telescopes.”
“Pouf! No, sir. Here you are, sir.” And as the letter was taken the bearer’s droll-looking, good-humoured face gradually expanded into a broad grin, and then seemed to shut up sharply as the young officer raised his eyes.