“Oh, but that’s dealing with the natives by force.”
“Very good force too, old fellow; for I don’t believe that thick-lipped, sensual—looking fellow would take much notice of what you say if we weren’t here.”
“Yes; but I want to deal with them by moral suasion.”
“Rifles are much better. There’s no occasion to use them; it’s their being at hand if they are wanted that will do the trick.”
“I don’t think it’s necessary,” said Sir Charles firmly. “I am getting on very well with the Rajah, and he listens to everything I advise with the greatest attention.”
“Glad to hear it,” said the Major, with a grunt; “but it seems to me that he pays a deal more attention to that French chap than he does to you.”
“Think so?” said Sir Charles sharply.
There was silence for a few minutes.
“Let’s get up and stroll round the lines,” whispered Archie.
“Sha’n’t. ’Tisn’t time for visiting posts.”