However, we will talk about that
when we have more time on our hands. There is no special duty you
can give me at present?"
"Yes, there is. You are in some respects the most disengaged man in
the station, and can come and go without attracting any attention.
I propose, therefore, that you shall take charge of the arrangement
of matters in the courthouse. I think that it will be an advantage
if you move from your tent in there at once. There is plenty of
room for us all: No one can say at what time there may be trouble
with the Sepoys, and it would be a great advantage to have someone
in the courthouse who could take the lead if the women, with the
servants and so on, come flocking in while we were still absent on
the parade ground. Besides, with your rifle, you could drive any
small party off who attempted to seize it by surprise. If you were
there we would call it the hospital, which would be an excuse for
sending in stores, bedding, and so on.
"You might mention in the orderly room that it is getting so hot
now that you think it would be as well to have a room or two fitted
up under a roof, instead of having the sick in tents, in case there
should be an outbreak of cholera or anything of that sort this
year. I will say that I think the idea is a very good one, and that
as the courthouse is very little used, you had better establish
yourself there. The native officers who hear what we say will
spread the news. I don't say it will be believed, but at least it
will serve as an explanation.
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