"
"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.
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