A large bungalow, used as the Officers' Mess, a copse, and a hillock completely screened the spot used as the battalion parade-ground, from the view of one approaching the Camp, and the magnificent sight of the Gungapur Fusiliers under arms would burst upon him only when he rounded the corner of a wall of palms, cactus, and bamboos, and entered by a narrow gap between it and a clump of dense jungle.
* * * * *
General Murger was feeling distinctly bad as he sat on the edge of his bed and viewed with the eye of disfavour the choti hazri[51] set forth for his delectation.
[51] "Little presence," early breakfast, petit déjeuner.
As he intended to inspect the Volunteers in the early morning and return to a mid-day breakfast, the choti hazri was substantial, though served on a tray in his bedroom.
The General yawned, rubbed his eyes and grunted.
"Eggs be demmed," said he.
"Toast be demmed," he said.
"Tea be demmed," he shouted.
"Paté de fois gras be demmed," shouted he.