'The priest consented, and followed him to the Ganges, into which he went deliberately.
'"Be courageous, my son—die with joy, and perfect happiness awaits you," exclaimed the priest.
'"My dear master," said the subadar, "before I perish, lend me your god that I may adore it—the water is already up to my neck."
'The priest consented, and handed his idol to the subadar-major, who, as if by accident, let it drop in the deep water.
'"Ah! master," he exclaimed, as if in horror and dismay, "what a new misfortune! Your god is also lost, and so we must die together—for you must drown, too, and go with me to the throne of Siva!"
'And, approaching the priest, he strove to grasp the hand of the latter, who stood pale and trembling on the lowest step of the ghaut or landing-place.
'"What trash do you speak?" the priest suddenly exclaimed, in great wrath; "can there be any harm in losing a little image of baked clay, not worth an anna! I have dozens of such in my temple close by; let us each choose one, and keep silence on the subject!"
'The subadar did so then, but chose this fine silver one, which he bestowed on me for kindness shown to him when dying of a wound received in a skirmish, and I brought it home as a bauble for you, Cousin Olive.'
She placed the idol on the table, and remained silent, while Allan eyed her wistfully.
'Why is my presence so distasteful to you?' he asked, after a minute's pause.