It really seems ridiculous having
everything like this."
"There is nothing like making yourself comfortable," the Doctor
said; "and as the servants have an easy time of it generally, it
does them good to bestir themselves now and then. The expense of
one or two extra bullock carts is nothing, and it makes all the
difference in comfort."
"How far is the nullah from here, Doctor?" Wilson, who could think
of nothing else but the tiger, asked.
"About two miles. It is just as well not to go any nearer. Not that
he would be likely to pay us a visit, but he might take the alarm
and shift his quarters. No, no more wine, Major; we shall want
our blood cool in the morning. Now we will go out to look at the
elephants and have a talk with the mahouts, and find out which of
the animals can be most trusted to stand steady. It is astonishing
what a dread most elephants have of tigers. I was on one once that
I was assured would face anything, and the brute bolted and went
through some trees, and I was swept off the pad and was half an hour
before I opened my eyes. It was a mercy I had not every rib broken.
Fortunately I was a lightweight, or I might have been killed. And
I have seen the same sort of thing happen a dozen times, so we must
choose a couple of steady ones, anyhow, for the ladies."
For the next hour they strolled about outside. The Doctor cross
questioned the mahouts and told off the elephants for the party;
then there was a talk with the native shikaris and arrangements
made for the beat, and at an early hour all retired to rest.
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