Whilst we were enjoying ourselves after dinner, on the evening of the Hindoo holiday, the khansamah came in, and announced that two Sahibs had arrived.
"Two Sahibs?" said our host. "Who are they?"
"They are strangers to me, Sahib," said the khansamah, "and they do not speak Hindostanee; but their bearers say that they are Lord Sahibs."
"Who on earth can they be?" said the magistrate of Bijnore (loudly) to himself; and, rising, he left the table to make inquiry in person, and offer the travellers every hospitality.
"O, I beg your pardon," said a voice from one of the palanquins. "But would you be good enough to tell me where I am?"
"You are at Bijnore," said the magistrate, blandly.
"Bij-what?"
"Bijnore."
"Then, how far am I from Meerut?"