"I can tell you after I have inspected the place. I'm afraid I must be off to-morrow. I shall have a heap of things to get and do." He paused to summon a servant, and give an order in fluent Hindustani; "it's a God-forsaken spot, where there are no supplies," he resumed. "Can't I go with you? Do take me for once," pleaded Angel. "I don't mind roughing it—I should enjoy it." "You don't know what you are talking about," he interrupted. "There is scarcely a goat track; there will be little or no food—I'll sleep in a native hut and be out all day. It is a wild, lonely spot—impossible for a lady." "You never take me," remonstrated Angel; "you volunteer, too—you _like_ going." "I do—it's my work," he answered coolly, now standing up and rapidly collecting his letters. Then he glanced over at his wife. "Look here, old lady, I'll try and get back in three weeks. You must not take it to heart." "I won't—if you will promise me one thing." "Very well, I'll do my best, only"—now beckoning to his syce—"look sharp." "Take me, the next time you go out in camp—promise?" "All right, I will—if it is possible," he assented briskly. "Warn Hassan—he has to come with me and order in stores—usual thing. I must be off—I shall not be back to tiffin," and he hurried out. "How keen he is to go, John, isn't he?" said Angel, leaning back in her chair, and bending her head so as to catch a glimpse of a rider and a bright bay horse dashing off from under the porch. "Now I wonder what is to become of you, and me, and Sam?" Their fate was speedily arranged. Angel went once more on tour with the Gordons; she was too young and attractive to be left at home alone, and since it was impossible for her husband to take her with him into Garhwal, Mrs. Gordon, who was extremely fond of Angel, and keenly enjoyed her companionship, carried her off into camp. On the present occasion they were a party of four, which included Mr. Lindsay, collector of the district through which they were moving. As the Commissioner was obliged to consult with him for the purpose of inquiries into the loss of crops in these parts, owing to great floods, and hailstones, and the consequent required reduction of the demand for revenue. It was a serious business; the district had suffered heavily, the tax-gatherer must withhold his hand, and Mr. Lindsay's presence and assistance were essential. He had been a month in the camp, but he was an old friend of the Gordons—years ago Mrs. Gordon had nursed him through a dangerous attack of enteric, and they had been intimate ever since.