It was not long before the dâk carriage was abreast of the encampment.
"Stop!" shouted the Lieutenant to the driver, who instantly pulled up. "Whom have you got inside?"
Before the driver had time to reply, the door was slided open, and an elderly gentleman, rubbing his eyes with his knuckles, put out his night-capped head, and exclaimed:
"Hulloa!"
"What! have we woke you out of your sleep, old boy?" said the Lieutenant, laughing.
"Yes," replied the old boy, very good-humouredly, "what do you want?"
"Only to ask you how you are."
"I'm pretty well," was the reply, "but half choked with the dust."
"What's taking you down the country?"
"Urgent private affairs."