"Me no say, Dick sahib," answered Tippoo, dodging the question.
"You can tell me whether he's dead or alive, can't you?" roared Ferral.
"Me no say, Dick sahib," persisted Tippoo. "You come 'long La Vita Place—come 'long with Tippoo."
"I was ordered away from there by Sercomb. If I go any place, it will be to Lamy after an officer. I'll raise a jolly big row with that gang at La Vita Place, scuttle 'em!"
Tippoo stared blankly at Ferral.
"Ralph sahib order Dick sahib away?" repeated the Hindu, as though he scarcely believed his ears.
"He said he had found Uncle Jack's remains, and the will, and that the will left everything to him, and he ordered me and my mates away."
Tippoo bent forward and gripped his forehead.
"Joot baht, joot baht!" he mumbled.
"Blast his lingo!" growled Ferral. "It takes Uncle Jack to get the lay of him."