"The lion got clear away the first time, but last night I was roused by the commotion among the animals, and managed to get a shot as he was slinking off: it was bright moonlight. I’m afraid I missed: my right arm isn’t fit for much even yet. I wanted Bill to go and hunt him with me; but he wouldn’t. I suppose he won’t visit us again now you’ve come back: Coja said he’s sure the lion’s an afreet, which is devil, I suppose, and knows when the coast is clear." "I rather fancy he finds other game scarce in this rainy weather. It’s much easier to break into the boma than to hunt game in the open, and I expect now that he’s tasted blood again and got back his confidence we shall have some more trouble. We shall have to tackle him." "If you excuse me, sir," put in Said Mohammed, so respectfully that John could not resent the indiscretion, "I will tell you of the machinations of my prophetic soul my uncle. He has a small property in the Sunderbunds; choice site, excellent amenities, et cetera. There lurks the tiger, tiger burning bright. In my childhood innocence I resided with my avuncular relative, and he being a great shikari I saw some A1 sport. I should esteem it a privilege to be allowed to give you a leg up in hunting the abominable creature. The sahibs in general have derogatory opinion of us Bengalis; but I am a Socialist, gentlemen, in so far as believing in equality of chances, and I am cocksure that if only I get a look in I shall prove to demonstration that I am full of both grit and beans." "All right, khansaman, I’ll give you a rifle and you shall come with us when we go after the beast. It may be rather exciting." "A regular beano," said Ferrier, sotto voce. "But I want to hear all about your droving, Halliday." John gave him a running account of his experiences, which were more amusing in retrospect than in actuality. They spent the rest of the day in going over the farm together. John was very well pleased with the signs of progress he saw everywhere. The sheep and cattle looked healthy; the second crops were in good condition; and the only failures among all the vegetables he had planted were the onions and artichokes, which had produced too much stalk and gave no indication of fruiting.