“Then do I quite understand, uncle, that all I have got to do is to make a round of calls to say goodby to everyone?” “That is all. You will find a lot of my cards in one of those pigeon holes; you may as well drop one wherever you go. Shall I order a carriage from Framjee’s for today?” “No, I think not, uncle; I will go round to our own bungalows first, and hear what Mrs. Doolan and the others think about it.” At Mrs. Doolan’s Isobel found quite an assembly. Mrs. Rintoul had come in almost in tears, and the two young lieutenants had dropped in with Captain Doolan, while one or two other officers had come round to commiserate with Mrs. Doolan. “Another victim,” the latter said, as Isobel entered. “You look too cheerful, Miss Hannay. I find that we are expected to wear sad countenances at our approaching banishment.” “Are we, Mrs. Doolan? It seems to me that it won’t make very much difference to us.” “Not make any difference, Miss Hannay!” Captain Doolan said. “Why, Deennugghur is one of the dullest little stations on this side of India!” “What do you mean by dull, Captain Doolan?” “Why, there are only about six white residents there besides the troops. Of course, as four companies are going instead of one, it will make a difference; but there will be no gayety, no excitement, and really nothing to do.” “As for the gayety, I am sure I shall not regret it, Captain Doolan; besides, our gayeties are pretty well over, except, of course, dinner parties, and it is getting very hot for them. We shall get off having to go out in the heat of the day to make calls, which seem to me terrible afflictions, and I think with a small party it ought to be very sociable and pleasant. As for excitement, I hear that there is much better shooting there than there is here. Mrs. Hunter was telling me that they have had some tigers that have been very troublesome round there, and you will all have an opportunity of showing your skill and bravery. I know that Mr. Richards and Mr. Wilson are burning to distinguish themselves.” “It would be great fun to shoot a tiger,” Richards said. “When I came out to India I thought there was going to be lots of tiger shooting, and I bought a rifle on purpose, but I have never had a chance yet. Yes, we will certainly get up a tiger hunt, won’t we, Wilson? You will tell us how to set about it, won’t you, Doolan?” “I don’t shoot,” Captain Doolan said; “and if I wanted to, I am not sure that my wife would give me leave.” “Certainly I would not,” Mrs. Doolan said promptly. “Married men have no right to run into unnecessary danger.” “Dr. Wade will be able to put you in the way, Mr. Richards,” Isobel said. “Dr. Wade!” Mrs. Rintoul exclaimed. “You don’t mean to say, Miss Hannay, that he is going with us?” “Yes, he is going for a time, Mrs. Rintoul. My uncle told me that he had applied to go with the detachment, and that the surgeon there would come back to the regiment while he is away.”