"I told him, sahib," the servant said, "that you cared not for
such entertainments, and that he had better go elsewhere; but he
insisted that you yourself had told him to come, and so I let him
wait."
"Has he a girl with him, Jafur?"
"Yes, sahib."
Bathurst strolled round to the other side of the bungalow, where
Rujub was sitting patiently, with Rabda wrapped in her blue cloth
beside him. They rose to their feet.
"I am glad to see your daughter is better again, Rujub."
"She is better, sahib; she has had fever, but is restored."
"I cannot see your juggling tonight, Rujub. I have had a heavy
day's work, and am worn out, and have still much to do. You had
better go round to some of the other bungalows; though I don't think
you will do much this evening, for there is a dinner party at the
Collector's, and almost everyone will be there. My servants will
give you food, and I shall be off at seven o'clock in the morning,
but shall be glad to see you before I start. Are you in want of
money?" and he put his hand in his pocket.
"No, sahib," the juggler said. "We have money sufficient for all
our wants; we are not thinking of performing tonight, for Rabda
is not equal to it. Before sunrise we shall be on our way again;
I must be at Cawnpore, and we have delayed too long already. Could
you give us but half an hour tonight, sahib; we will come at any
hour you like. I would show you things that few Englishmen have seen.
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