"Do you know a man named Tripe—Tom Tripe—drill-instructor to the
Maharajah's Guard?"
"Yes, sahib."
"Could you find him, do you think?"
"Tonight, sahib?"
"Yes, tonight."
"Sahib, he is usually drunk at night, and very rough! Nevertheless, I could find him."
"Please do. And give him this letter. Say it is from me. He will know what to do with it. Oh, and Sita Ram—"
"Yes, sahib."
"You will receive two days' extra pay from me, over and above your salary, for tonight's extra work."
"Thank you, sahib. You are most kind—always most generous."