At first it was very convenient. I always used to project it to chapel instead of going myself. It did capitally there, because it had only to behave itself and hold its tongue. At lectures it was a failure; it was such an inattentive beggar that its notes were worth nothing. And it was no sort of use in the Torpid; I was told that I should be turned out if I went on "sugaring" like that--there's no pluck or endurance in these Orientals. On the whole, however, I was very well satisfied with it, and came to rely upon it more and more for all the unpleasant duties of life. "Well, how do you like it?" asked the rajah one day in Quad. "My dear fellow, it's splendid," I answered. "It's up in town, being measured for trousers, now. You can't think how much trouble it saves." The rajah smiled and shook his head. "Be moderate," he said. "You mustn't use it too much, or it'll presume on it." "Will it? What will it do?" "Why, if it's always being projected, it's as likely as not it'll learn the trick of it, and take to projecting itself. Then you'll be left in the lurch." "What shall I do then?" "I don't see what you can do," said the rajah, scratching his head. "Of course, I should merely report it at headquarters; but you can't, because you've no business with it at all." "Well, I shan't grudge it a holiday now and then," I said magnanimously. The rajah was right. It did begin to take French leave. Several times when I wanted it I found it had, without a word of apology, projected itself off to Iffley or somewhere, and was not available. I spoke very severely to it. It said nothing, but listened with an unpleasant sort of smile. "We all have our duties," I remarked, "and yours is to be here"--and I pointed to my chest--"when you are wanted. You're as bad as a scout." "I ought to have a little relaxation," it answered sulkily. "I never heard of such a thing in connection with you. Isn't it enough for you to meditate in four dimensions when you're not at work? That would satisfy most people." "It's all very well in Thibet," it grumbled; "but a fellow doesn't come to Oxford to do that." "One would think you had nothing to do with me. You seem to forget that you are simply a projection of mine." We had some high words and parted--I mean, united--in very bad temper with one another. It was in the middle of a most impertinent and positively threatening speech, when I terminated the interview by resuming it. It was very unreasonable and irritating, and I made up my mind to ask the rajah to speak to it the next morning. I had an engagement that evening, or I would have done it then. How I wish I had!