Well,
if things are quiet we will organize another hunt, Wilson. I have
heard of a tiger fifteen miles away from where we killed our last,
and you and Richards shall go with me if you like."
"I should like it of all things, Doctor, provided it comes off by
day. I don't think I care about sitting through another night on a
tree, and then not getting anything like a fair shot at the beast
after all."
"We will go by day," the Doctor said. "Bathurst has promised to get
some elephants from one of the Zemindars; we will have a regular
party this time. I have half promised Miss Hannay she shall have a
seat in a howdah with me if the Major will give her leave, and in
that case we will send out tents and make a regular party of it.
What do you say, Major?"
"I am perfectly willing, Doctor, and have certainly no objection
to trusting Isobel to your care. I know you are not likely to miss."
"No, I am not likely to miss, certainly; and besides, there will
be Wilson and Richards to give him the coup de grace if I don't
finish him."
There was a general laugh, for the two subalterns had been chaffed
a good deal at both missing the tiger on the previous occasion.
"Well, when shall it be, Major?"
"Not just at present, at any rate," the Major said. "We must see
how things are going on. I certainly should not think of going
outside the station now, nor could I give leave to any officer
to do so; but if things settle down, and we hear no more of this
cartridge business for the next ten days or a fortnight, we will
see about it.
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