"Badshah accepts you, Mr. Wargrave," said Mrs. Dermot seriously. "And there are few whom he takes to readily."
Eileen, with one arm around Frank's neck, stretched out the other to the elephant.
"Me love Badshah," she said.
The snake-like trunk lingered caressingly on her golden head. The baby caught and kissed it.
"Now then, chickies, time for bed," said their mother. "Say goodnight to Badshah."
The little boy ran to the great animal and hugged its leg tightly, while the snaky trunk touched the child's face affectionately.
"Come along, Brian. Let him go now"; and at his mother's bidding the boy released his clasp and ran to her.
"Goodnight, Badshah. Salaam!" said Mrs. Dermot, waving her hand to the mammoth, while her little daughter on Wargrave's shoulder imitated her.
The big animal raised its trunk in salute and, turning, walked with swaying stride out of sight behind the bungalow.
"By Jove, what a splendid beast!" exclaimed Frank. "And how wonderfully well trained he is. I'm not surprised now that you let the kiddies play with him."