“Where have you dropped from?” she inquired. “I thought you had left India for ever and ever. What has brought you back?” “The remembrance of happier days,” he answered, with a sentimental air, “and a P. and O. steamer.” “But you have left the service, surely?” “Yes, three years ago; it was too much of a grind at home. Formerly I was in India on duty, now I am out here for pleasure. No bother about over-staying my leave--no fear of brass hats.” “Meanwhile, is there any fear of our being run into by another train?” inquired the second lady nervously, a lady who sat at the opposite side of the compartment with her head muffled up in a pink shawl. “Not the smallest; we are perfectly safe.” “Captain Waring, this is my sister, Mrs. Coote,” explained Mrs. Bellett. “And now perhaps you can tell us where we are, and what is to become of us?” “As to where you are, you are about three miles from Okara Junction; as to what will happen to you, I am afraid that you will have to walk there under my escort--if I may be permitted that honour.” “Walk three miles!” she repeated shrilly. “Why, I have not done such a thing for years, and I have on thin shoes. Could we not go on the engine?” “Yes, if the engine could fly over nearly a hundred luggage waggons. It is a fine starlight night; we will get a lamp, and can keep along the line. They have sent for a break-down gang, and we shall catch another train at Okara. We will only have about an hour or two to wait.” “Well, I suppose we must make the best of it!” said Mrs. Coote, “like others,” as numbers of natives flocked past, chattering volubly, and carrying their bedding and bundles. “I wish we could get supper at Okara,” said her sister. “I am sure we shall want it after our tramp; but I know we need not build on anything better than a goat chop, and the day before yesterday’s curry. However, I have a tea-basket.” “I can go one better,” said Captain Waring. “I have a tiffin-basket, well supplied with ice, champagne, cold tongue, potted grouse--cake--fruit----” “You are making me quite ravenous,” cried Mrs. Bellett. “But how are you to get all these delicacies to Okara?” “By a coolie, I hope. If the worst comes to the worst, I will carry them on my head, sooner than leave them behind. However, rupees work wonders, and I expect I shall get hold of as many as will carry the basket, and also your baggage; I suppose fifty will do?” and with a grin, he climbed down out of sight. “What a stroke of luck, Nettie!” exclaimed Mrs. Bellett. “He used to be such a friend of mine at Mussouri, and imagine coming across him in this way! He seems to be rolling in money; he must have come in for a fortune, for he used to be frightfully hard up. I’m so glad to meet him.” “Yes, it’s all very fine for _you_, who are dressed,” rejoined the other in a peevish voice; “but just look at me in an old tea-jacket, with my hair in curling-pins!”