"There, you see, Doctor," Bathurst, who had not opened his lips
from the time he had remonstrated with the Doctor for firing, said;
"you see it is of no use. I was not afraid of the tiger, for I knew
that you were not likely to miss, and that in any case it could
not reach me on the elephant. I can declare that I had not a shadow
of fear of the beast, and yet, directly that row began, my nerves
gave way altogether. It was hideous, and yet, the moment the tiger
charged, I felt perfectly cool again, for the row ceased as you
fired your first shot. I struck it full in the chest, and was about
to thrust the spear right down, and should, I believe, have killed
it, if you had not fired again and startled me so that I fell from
the elephant."
"I saw that the shouting and noise unnerved you, Bathurst, but I
saw too that you were perfectly cool and steady when you planted
your spear into him. If it had not got hold of the mahout's leg I
should not have fired."
"Is there nothing to be done, Doctor? You know now what it is likely
we shall have to face with the Sepoys and what it will be with me
if they rise. Is there nothing you can do for me?"
The Doctor shook his head. "I don't believe in Dutch courage in
any case, Bathurst; certainly not in yours. There is no saying what
the effect of spirits might be. I should not recommend them, lad.
Of course, I can understand your feelings, but I still believe
that, even if you do badly to begin with, you will pull round in
the end.
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