"My name is Sanford Hantee," Skag deprecated gently.
"But you will always be known to Indians of India as Son-of-Power!" Kudrat Sharif protested. "It is a lofty title, yet you have established it before many."
Just then a great elephant came near, playfully reaching for Kudrat
Sharif with his trunk.
"And this is Neela Deo, the leader of the caravan!" laughed Horace.
"It is my shame that there is no howdah on him to carry you; we came like flight, when Nut Kut's escape was known," Kudrat Sharif apologised. "But after some days, when Nut Kut's excitement sleeps, we shall be distinguished if Son-of-Power chooses to come to the stockades and consider him.
"I heard your judgment of his nature, Sahib; and I say with humility that I shall remember it, in what I have to do with the most strange elephant I have ever met. Truly we are not sure of Nut Kut, whether he is a mighty being of extreme exaltation, above others of his kind in the world, or—a prince from the pit!"
Kudrat Sharif salaamed again; and Neela Deo lifted him to his great neck and carried him away.
Walking home, Horace expressed himself to his friend—as the heart of a boy may be expressed; and Skag dropped his arm about the slender shoulders, speaking softly:
"Remember, son, a little more—would have been too much."
"All right, Skag Sahib, because now you understand; but—isn't he interesting?"