Dermot reflected. He felt that if these men were really Bengali Brahmins, their coming to the district to labour as coolies demanded investigation. Their race furnishes the extremist and disloyal element in India, and any of them residing on these gardens would be conveniently placed to act as channels of communication between enemies without and traitors within. He felt that it would be advisable for him to talk the matter over with some of the older planters. "Who is your manager here?" he enquired. "A Welshman named Parry." "Are you far from Salchini?" "You mean Payne's garden? Yes; a good way. He's a friend of yours, isn't he?" "Yes; I should like to see him again. I must pay him a visit." "Oh, look here, Major," said Daleham eagerly. I've got an idea. Tomorrow is the day of our weekly meeting at the club. Will you let me put you up for the night, and we'll take you tomorrow to the club, where you will meet Payne?" "Thank you; it's very kind of you; but--" began Dermot dubiously. Noreen joined in. "Oh, do stay, Major Dermot. We'd be delighted to have you." Dermot needed but little pressing, for the plan suited him well. "Excellent," said Daleham. "You'll meet Chunerbutty at dinner then. You'll find him quite a good fellow." "I'd like to meet him," answered the soldier truthfully. He felt that the Bengali engineer might interest him more than his host imagined. "I'll tell the boy to get your room ready," said Noreen. "Oh, what will you do with your elephant?" "Badshah will be all right. I'll send him back to the herd." "What, will he go by himself?" exclaimed Daleham. "How will you get him again?" "I think he'll wait for me," replied Dermot. They had finished breakfast by now and rose from the table. The Major went to Badshah, touched him and made him turn round to face in the direction whence they had come. "Go now, and wait for me there," he said pointing to the forest. The elephant seemed to understand, and, touching his master with his trunk, started off at once towards the jungle. Daleham and his sister watched the animal's departure with surprise. "Well, I'm blessed, Major. You certainly have him well trained," said Fred. "Now, will you excuse me, sir? I must go to the factory. Noreen will look after you." He rose and took up his sun-hat. "Oh, by the way, there is one of the fellows I told you of," he continued. "He is the B.A."