"Yes, yes, old fellow! life is, indeed, as uncertain as the reflection of the Moon on water. When I was young and was studying books of wisdom at Lahore, I would have laughed at anyone who told me that I would one day be employed in unloading ships on the wharf at Calcutta; and yesterday I would have laughed at him who said that to-day I should belong to the troupe of Mr. John Hardwick, Director of the 'Grand Circus of the Two Worlds'—and nevertheless—that is what has happened!"
He hugged me again, and continued:
"Oh, my friend! My saviour! thou, who, for all I know, may be Ganesa Himself!... Henceforth, we shall have a sure refuge! We will no longer have to sleep in a ditch by the roadside on rainy nights.... We will not have to go hungry! No! we shall live in comfort, well-paid, and fed by the kind Mr. John Hardwick.... Good Fortune has found us at last!" And thereupon he told me of his interview.
"I went to the Hotel Victoria," said he; "I asked for Mr. John Hardwick, and was shown into the presence of a man, still young, but of so serious and grave an appearance that I felt timid and embarrassed—I who had never before felt fear! (For, what says the Sage? 'In the forest, in the jungle, on perilous roads, in fierce encounters, and in troubles, under the threatenings of swords—Virtuous men feel no fear!) Mr. Hardwick had with him the young man who spoke to me the other day, whom he called Mr. Oldham. On seeing me this young man said:
"'Ah! this is the man I spoke to you about, who has the clever elephant,' And he began at once to sound your praises, talking about something which I could not quite understand; he spoke continually of an 'iron ring' with which he had seen you playing....
"Mr. Hardwick then asked if I would sell you.
"'I?—Sell an elephant sent to me by the Gods ... who perhaps is a God himself?... Never!—Never!' said I.
"'That is a pity,' said Mr. Oldham: 'for this elephant would undoubtedly be a great addition to the attractions of our company.'
"'Well, it cannot be helped,' said Mr. Hardwick.
"I was about to retire when Mr. Oldham signed to me to remain, and addressing Mr. Hardwick, said: