THE MYSTIC AND THE COLONEL

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1716, 18 January 1905, Page 8

THE MYSTIC AND THE COLONEL

BY “RITA,” Author of “Good Mrs Hypocrite,” “Comma,” “Reg the RaKe,” “Vanity,” “Tne Sinner,” “Dame Duroen,” “Souls,” “The Jesters,” etc. “L am certainly surprised,” said the Colonel, sticly—“surprised, my dear Mrs Conningsby, that you should have asKed such a person Here to meet —Me.” Tie pronounced “Me” as though he were commancier-in-Giiief of all tne armies, bur lie was merely a retired Indian otticer who had seen a little active service and eaten a great many curries and bullied native loroes and native servants for more years than a man with a dawning desire for matrimony cares to remember. At sixty such a desire has attendant disadvantages. But Mrs Conningsby, was an old. flame, and now a rich widow, childless, well preserved, and hospitable, inclined somewhat to eccentricities in the shape of new sects and geniuses, and more reckless in expenditure than the Colonel quite approved of, he having a keen eye for sate investments. Perhaps tliese circumstances first put into his head the idea of taking Cynthia Connmgsby s affairs into his own charge, and of including herself in the bargain.

When she invited him on a Saturday-to-Monday visit at her pretty bungalow on the Thames, the hour was ripe for his venture. She had been so sweet and gracious when they had last met —so interested in his the ones Cto which the War Office had turned a deaf ear), and her invitation had been so pressing, that he told himself he was quite safe'—• as safe as any man can be where a woman's choice is concerned-

Saturday had arrived, and he was at the bungalow, taking tea with venous pretty and pleasant personages the cool, shady verandah, while the ripple of the river shone through a belt of shrubbery beyond, and its splashing music tell pleasantly on tired London cal’s.

And amidst it all Cynthia Conningsby had announced that she was expecting Baboo Tattahjee, an Eastern professor —a man half mystic, half charlatan, about whom a certain section of English culture had gone quite mad during the past, season.

The Colonel was one of those AngloIndian magnates who abhor native talent. and could never tolerate its appointment to positions of trust, honour and independence. To meet a Baboo on equal Gerais seemed a positive indignity, offered to the service and himself. How could Cynthia Conningsby have been guilty of such tactless behaviour. In answer to his remark and his offended voice she merely laughed. “My dear Colonel, what a pity you did not tell me of your prejudice 1 I should have left vour invite over to next week.”

His invite 1 This was adding insult to injury with a vengeance. His yellow complexion took on a hue of deeper saffron. Offended dignity enthroned, itself on his high brow and thin, spare form. He devoted his attention to little Lady Chester, who sat near him in a low basket chair exhibiting highheeled “twos's” and lace and silk frilleries for the benefit of all and sundry. Lady Chester, whom her friends called “Toppie,” was a greac flirt, and never objected to any man’s admiration, were he old or young. She was also Cynthia’s greatest friend, by her own showing. Therefore she tried her most subtle arts of fascination on Cynthia’s admirer.

Mrs Oonnmgsby betrayed only perfect indifference. Bul the Colonel had not studied women for more than two score years for nothing, and he told himself that such indifference could only hide an aching heart. The reflection added sprightliness to his voice and manner, and gave a touch of intimacy to the confidences exchanged between himself and his pretty companion.

In the midst of his apparent absorption a figure stalked through the open windows of the drawing-room and bent courteously (the Colonel called it obsequiously) over the hand the hostess extended.

“Ah. Baboo!” she said. “So here you are at last- Sit down. What will you have ? I know you don’t drink tea. Iced water ? Well, there’s no accounting for tastes.” She gave the order, and then weait on talking to the new arrival in low, confidential tones. The Colonel was annoyed. He hated to see chat fair, graceful head bent towards the dark face and silk turban of the Oriental processor. The racial contrast disgusted him. The

fellow had no business to sit even in her presence, still less to converse as an equal. Cynthia was happily indifferent to his opinions, and pursued her conversation with a seriousness born of purpose.

“We are all so interested,” she wa,= saying. “I think there are no adverse influences. Those who don’t believe are anxious inquirers—open to conviction. You will show us something to-night, will you not ?”

, The dark, strange eyes swept the circle slowly. They rested on the Colonel. “An officer,” lie observed. “Indian service.”

“Do you know him?” asked Cynthia quickly. “•Not of Mr Guru has told me I should him meet; and I should not his honourableness like.” “Oh, how strange! Your—what did you say, Mr Tattahjee?” “Guru—Master. He who instructs me in the divine mysteries.” "And he told you you would meet Colonel Neftleton here ? How singular !”

“Not at all,” said the Baboo calmly. “I do not pronounce any circumstance singular. It is but that people do> not themselves give the trouble to think, to consider. They aggsept without pausing to ask why they aggsept. Nothings is too wonderful tor comprehension when we think it out.”

“Oh—l suppose so,” said Cynthia Conningsby vaguely. “Still, you must allow that thinking about a subject doesn't explain it. Ear instance, materialisation and transmission of bodies, and all those things you lectured about.” “I did not them explain. I will rather that 1 demonstrate-”

“Oh—will you, and nere? How awfully kind. And—when ?” He shrugged indifferent shoulders. ‘Who knows? Perhaps to-night. I shall my directions await. It is with reverence and great humility that I my Guru’s instructions receive- It would to people's advantage be if so they awaited and received mine.” Again his eyes swept tne ’circle and rested on the yellow 7 skm and grey, scanty hair of Colonel Nettle ton.

“I could resolve your friend into gon■stitutional elements and transport him from hei’e,” he observed casually. “No one would know wny or where.” Mrs Conningsby shivered in the warm Juiy air. There was a grim ferocity in the voice and words or the Baboo that terrified her with hints of occult- power. “Oh! please don't,” she entreated. “He is a very old friend of mine. I should not like anything to happen to him.”

“Happen!” A quick gleam that might have been mirth or hatred shot from the Eastern face. “What shall be to happen that shall happen.. My Guru is a wonderful master. It to lain rest®. I but obey.” “Did the —the Guru tell you to come ■here?” asked Cynthia, with another little shiver.

“Yes. And to show you by demonstration of tlie will power how the forces of nature be to control possible.”

“Oh!” she said. “But isn’t it dangerous?” “Not to the disciple. To you—yes. To tiie yellow-faced Indian officer also, yes. He wish to make proposals to you.”

“Baboo!” exclaimed Mrs Conningsby, shocked and blushing. “Your guilty conscience tells you so,” be went on calmly. “Yes —proposals of marriage. Do not listen.” “I—l am sure you are mistaken.”

“'To say that is my Guru to insult. He has gommunicated -he matter since I have arrived. Wait’ and you will see.”

Mrs Conningsby turned her attention to her other guests, and the Bat>oo> was seized upon by an elderly lady who was a profound believer in occult, science, and very anxious to make his acquaintance.

He told her brusquely the W T est was unripe for the knowledge of the Fast, and recommended a journey to Thibet, after which he retired to his room, and did not appear till dessert was on the table. He explained to his hostess that he lived chiefly on fruits, rice, and iced water, so as to cultivate his higher nature. The Colonel, who had relegated to the lower end of the table, was more wratful than ever at the appearance of the Oriental “trickster.” as lie called him. He told Lady Chester that nothing would induce him to be a witness of the fellow’s preposterous nonsense. He had seen enough of Indian jugglery in his owii home. He had no fancy for its introduo ion into English drawing-rooms. Somewhat to his disgust, however, ho found that all the rest of the party were quite keen on the forthcoming performance. He would cm her have to be a witness, or enjoy his own company in the solitude of the verandah after dinner

The drawing-room of the bungalow was very charming—a long, low room, simply furnished with an abundance of comfortable basket chairs, flowers, revolving book-stands, and some good etchings and engravings. It was essentially comfortable and homelike. Mrs Conningsby always declared that country or riverside houses should he an exact contrast, to London mansions or flats. She had carried out her scheme very successfully. • The only light in the room was that of a large standard lamp with a pale

yellow shade. It stood in one corner, and threw a mellow glow as oi August moonlight over every •iniig. The shadowy twilight without f-cii softly on the verandah and lawn. Ail the windows were open. The shepy murmur of die river was the only sound. The party seated themselves m various chairs. Mrs (jonnmgsb> was hovering about tlie Baboo. He looked a weird being in the tain, light. He wore a black robe girdled with a scarlet sash; a curiously vivid turban contrasted with hi® oiivo skm and flashing eyes. At Cynthia's request he seated niinseif on one of the lo w cushioned cnairs. bhe took another close beside him. Tne Colonel was by the most, distant window, a figure of protest and disapprobation. No one heeded him. They were all too intent on the demonstration of “parlour magic.” The occuhirt leant back in his chair and covered his eyes with one lean, brown hand. The other Jay on his black caftin. On one finger sparkled a magnificent moonstone ring. It seemed to gather all the light into its opaline heart*, and send it forth m flashing rays, and drew it back again to send it forth. Gradually it attracted tlie eyes of the circle. There seemed a fascination about it. These who looked away instinctively glanced back, and found their gaze concentrated on the mystic jewel despite their efforts to avoid itOnly that obstinate figure in the window refused to look—ret used to be, as it were, hypnotised.

The magician suddenly raised his hand.. immediately a peal of bells, silver, sweet and musical, rang in various coiners of the room.

The audience were astonished, and a little alarmed. Tat.ahjee merely remarked that it was a sign the conditions were favourable. He then rose and lowered tlie light of the lamp, so that only a faint gl>eam relieved the shadowed darkness. Standing erect, he looked at the circle of attentive faces, then wheeled round and directed his gaze to the stiff and indifferent figure of the Colonel.

“Sir, you must not -there remain,” be said slowly. “Either you to the circle come, or go your ways from it.” “I’m blessed if I’ll clo either!” exclaimed the irate officer. “We that shall see —-wait just a little moment till I my Guru quest ionise.”

-He bent his head. Af.er a moment lie raised it. To the astonishment of the watching circle a faint mist began to creep m di.ough the window. Slow ly, and yet with swift-increasing density, it fell above and' around the obdura.e figure in tlie chair and shut him out from sight. A shudder ran through the sensitives. This was really uncanny, and tending to the super natural. The dark form of the Oriental stood silent and solitary; behind him, like a. cur ain, the mist fell and closed. Tile Colonel was invisible.

“I will now to you show how 1 can a tree make spring up irom the seed I sow,” announced the magician. He took a flowerpot and set it on the ground. Then from his pocket he produced a paper filled with earth. He slowly sifted it through Ins fingers into the pot., and when it. was full covered it over with a silk handk renief. The watching eyes became conscious of a movement beneath the handkerchief. It fluttered, spread, was lifted higher and higher. The Easern sorcerer took it gently between his fingers- and lifted it from the centre, higher, higher, and yet higher. Finally lie whisped it off altogether. There, at least a couple of feet above the pot, was a complete shrub —leaf, stem, all perfect.

A murmur of astonishment ran through the loom. Tins was really marvellous. La ay Chester, however, suddenly exclaimed on the absence of the Colonel. She could, see through the mist curtain, bu J the chair was empty. “He haf disappeared,” said Tart all j ee coolly. “Perhaps my Guru has trans planted him into the garden or somewhores into space. l.e not alarmed, ladies; he will quite safe be. It is but a lesson that, my e uru desire to teach. The high houourableness was rue to me; my Guru likes not that I am not well treated. But lie no malice hears. The military commander-in-crief will be returned when his lesson learnt has been. There is a brother out on the haboekra yonder, visible only as an astral orm, I gonclude he has you friend in charge of himself.”

Mrs Conning-ty began to- toel uncomfortable. It did nut seem quite hospitable to invite an elJeily gentleman on a visit and .lien allow- occult experiments to bo played on him. She strained her eyes in the direction of the verandah, but all was shadowy and indistinct. Only-—the chair by the window was certainly empty. Her attention was distracted by this occurrence. But the Baboo certainly performed wonders, and kept the circle in a state of entranced amazement. \\ lien he pronounced the performance over, however, there was still no sign of the Colonel. Mrs Oonnmgsby went out to the verandah, from thence to the garden, but she saw nothing of her guest. In twos and threes the others followed, the men smoking, the women chattering to them or to each other of the events of the evening. Lady Chester came up to Cynthia and linked ail arm in hers. “Where has your friend vanished to?’* she exclaimed. “He has certainly mark-

ed his disapprobation of your entertain - hasn't he?” “1 can't majve it out,” said Cynthia uneasily. “He was sitting in that cnair by tn© window, and quite suddenly he disappeared/’ “Do you mean to say he did’t walk away?”. “No. X was watching him attentively. He j use. seemed, to faue into tnat mist, and—vanish.” Lady Chester laughed. “My deal', that sounds rather too tragic for our friend’s departuie. Probatny ne is taking a stroll by the side of cue river.” “1 m sure i hop© so/' Cynthia fervently. “It woulu he so dreadful if—if anything happened.” “But wh&o should happen?” “Oti! I don't know. Perhaps I’m nervous. He lias been absent an hour. “Well, my dear Cynthia, if you think a man who has seen so much service can’t be trusted out of leading strings, yon must —’’ She paused. Cynthia queried pettishly, “Must what?” A shrug of pretty shoulders answereu her. .Echoing it there fell suddenly on the still night air a iow r , waiimg cry. The two women started. Cynthia’s face grew white. “Gracious! Wfiat’s that ?” she exclaimed. “I’m sure I don t know. It sounded rather —weird. ”

“It sounded over there, by the river bank,” said Cyn-hia, beginning to run in that direction.

Lady Chester was about to follow her when the cry sounded again, this time close to herself. Sue sta x .-eel, ana gazod in alarm at a belt of sin uos opposite to where she was standing. Then sue rushed forward. Nothing, and no one was concealed there. Sue retreated to the' path. The moon was clear and brilliant, enough to reveal every flower and shrub and leat. She saw Oyntiiia coming swiftly towards ner. “There's no one on the river, far as I can see.” she said. “But i heard that cry again in this direonon.” “Bo ah 1,” said Lady Chester. “And I searened bemnd tnat beit of shrubbery, but there wasn’t a thing, not even a kitten. Yet—” She cluvcned her friend’s arm. This time the cry was over their heads—so distanct and piteous that involuntarily both glanced upwards to wrier© a large chestnut tree overshadowed the gravel walk. But nothing was visible. The moon-rays filtered Juough the fan-like leaves, silvering them till they shone like diamonds. The spreading brandies were innocent of any concealment. The two women looked ji each other s white face with real consternation. “What can it mean ?” “Perhaps Baboo Tattahj.ee is playing tricks!”

“I’m sure lie isn’t. Why, look! There he sits in the verandah smoking, and old Mrs St. John with him.’’ “Well, let us go and ask them it they" have heard anything?” But the Orieiuai and his companion (the enthusiastic follower cf mysticism) declared they had not heaid a sound. Cynthia was now really alarmed. ft was past eleven o'clock, and there was so sign of *.he Colonel. However, she ordered iced drinks and whisky-and-soda to he* brought into the verandah, and they sat on chatting and smoking and discussing things mystical unfil close on midnight. The Baboo was enjoying himself mightily. He was now the person of consequence in the party. His hostess was rich and credulous. He foresaw a future of much benefit to himself if rivals could be kept out of the way. For he had scented animosity and dislike in the whole attitude and appearance of the old military man. He knew that the traditions of India and of “caste made it repugnant for him even to sit in the room with a native, much less at table. He chuckled over this. He had many a score on behalf of himself and his fellows of Bengal and Madras to pay off against these pompous, selfsufficient conquerors. His knowledge of magic arts and Eastern trickery would serve him well in this instance. The credulous fools around him were ready to believe all lie told them, and he did not spare art and demonstration.

But as twelve struck Mrs Conningsby rose and reminded them of Sunday morning. They all dispersed, to their several rooms. Still no sign of the Colonel. The man-servant declared he •was not in his bedroom. He certainly was not in any of the reception rooms. Puzzled and distressed. Mrs Conningsby retired to rest, leaving orders shat the butler should sit up for the absentee in case he returned. Everyone seemed to think he had gone for a walk, perhaps lost his way, in which case he would probably stay at some hotel for the night. A military man who had seen thirty years of service in India was surely able to take care of himself! Cynthia had her evening gown removed and her hair brushed, and then dismissed her maid. She felt strangely restless and ill at ease. The strange disappearance of her old friend puzzled her more than she had acknowledged. She felt as if sleep were impossible under such conditions. Could anything have happened —any accident P A gentle movement of the blind attracted her notice. The window was open. She extinguished her light and went over to it and leant out, looking

down into the dew-steeped garden, and away to where the quiet river gleamed between its banks. Everything was very still; scarce a leaf moved. The cold, unearthly radiance made all tilings distinct. As she watched she saw a shadow stealing over the grass —a short-, humped up figure, that croucned in.o any space of darkness. Alarmed, and yet curious, she withdrew into the shelter of the window hangings and watched it. Her first hope That it- might be the Colonel was disappointed. It was a short, rather squat figure, very different from her friend's spare, tall frame. Taking advantage of every bit of darkness, it at last reached the river’s banis, and she could see no more. Alert now, and with her presentiments quickened into living force, Cynthia snatched a cloak from her wardrobe and stole swiitly along the corridor, down the stairs, and so into the library. Its windows opened on to the verandah. Deftly and quickly she unfastened one, and stood there gazing ! eagerly across the lawn and shrubbery beyond. Minutes passed. A clock struck the three quarters, each stroke sounding abnormally loud and distinct in the hushed silence of the house. She glided out of the verandah, down the steps, across the lawn, and reached the spot where the figure had disappeared. She paused by the river and looked around. At a short distance- from where she stood was the boathouse and land-ing-stage. Standing on the stage was a man. He seemed to be gazing far out over the water, and making rapid motions with his arm. Suddenly a little Doat shot into view. It held a solitary occupant. It floated nearer and nearer, the drops from the lifted oars failing m glittering showers as it moved. Within a shore distance of the landing place it stopped, lying motionless on the river’s breast as if at anenor. The figure on the shore held one arm oiustretcned as if in command. His voice reached Cynthia. “No nearer. Stay, and answer me.” “Let me land first/’ said a voice. Its cone was entreating, pitiful, meek. And yet Oyntiiia/s heart leaped in glad recognition. It was the Colonel’s voice. “No, you shall land never. Me you must obey. You hat been to and fro to-night some hundred of times. You are tired—-yes? Then think, if I so will yo-u shall continue to go vo and fro nine hundred thousand million of times! I haf but to say ‘Jao' you must obey. You yourself cannot help!” A faint cry of despair thrilled Cynthia's ear. It also enlightened her as to the situation. “Oh, let me land! I’m tired, cold, deadbeat. 1 give in. 11l not say a word. Only let me land !” (C Y on shall to me swear that the beautiful lady you make no attempt to win.” “No !” came a fierce shout. “Then —Jao! Make your tour of the river once more. I command it.” “Stop !” cried Cynthia, impulsively, as she dashed forward. “Baboo! how dare you behave like this? After accepting my hospitality you insult and persecute one of my guests! I—l don t. quite understand but I suppose it s one of your hypnotic tricks. Blit I Avon t haA-© it. It’s more than a joke!” She aimed to the boat straying gently with the current. “Come, Colonel, bring it in!’’ she cried. “Why, how tired and cold you must be! I’ve been so dreadfully anxious.” A low, chuckling iaugli fell on her ear. “He do not hear, and he cannot speak unless I so choose,” announced Tattahjee. “'And so, my loteiy lady, it is no manner of use that you so scream and excite yourself. I haf piay'"ed on him a ieerl© trick —uhat is ail. He so proud and arrogant was, I think it do him good.” “Oh, Baboo!” entreated Cynthia, “do be merciful! Let him land. This may be funny to you, but think tvhat it means to him.”. “Yes, I tto think. It is not perhaps quite so funny. But why then he insult? Why he Jtnock my powers? Why lie say I a black nigger am—l who am high caste; I Avho the lof-ely high-born English ladies do invite on terms of Intimacy? Tell me that —why?” “Perhaps he did not understand your feelings/’ faltered Cynthia, her eyes on the motionless figure in its white shirt and evening trousers, each hand holding an oar in forlorn clasp. The Baboo drew himself up proudly“No he did not. For that most he learn what to have feelings is. Ho haf now to beseech to me; also to my terms come.” “I’m sure ho will agree,” pleaded Cynthia, shivering herself now in the chill air- “Oh! do unhypnotise him, or whatever it is you’ve done. I’ll promise you whatever you Avisli.” “You —that is to say you will his surety be?” There Avas eagerness, excitement m the Baboo’s voice “Yes, indeed I will.” ‘The promise I exact is that you will nev r er Avith him commit the indiscretion of matrimony,” said the Baboo sternly. Cvnthia began to laugh in stencally. “What an ideal Why, I vo known him since I was a little child. I’d as soon ma* rv my father or my grandfather.” “That is so?” excxlaimed Tattahjee. “T haf then on no account troubled 1 To • think I so foolish was l But stay. Let

me reconsider. You are sure, mem sahib, that you play me no tricks?” _ “I gi A r e you my Avord of honour. Now, won't you take off your spell? The poor man will catch his death cf cold. He hasn’t even liis coat on.” the Oriental folded his arms, and looked steadfastly at the silent figuie with its downcast head.

“Mem sahib,” he suddenly said, “if I haf played one occult joke for you and for him. I haf played it so that you shall belieA r © there is something in Eastern magic. He made of me a mock. But you —you haf very kind been. Ido nob bear ror you a grudge. And u tnis old fool is not to marry you, neither do Ito him bear one. So lie shall bo release. But first, to convince you lam wonderful —tell me, mem sahib; avlio do you say to yourself you see in that boat there ? ’

“Who? Why, Colonel Nettleton, of course.”

“You are sure—positive?” - “As sure as that I stand here talking to you.” He nodded, and a faint smile of satisfaction stole OA'er liis dark features. ••Well, then, 1 go to prove to you lion Avonderful a man I am. r Jhat figure that you see is not the Colonel calico. iNettleton at all.”

Cynthia rubbed her eyes, locked at the figure in the boat then at the figure of the Eastern magician at her side. “Not? But I tell you it is. I could swear to it.”

He gave a little satisfied chuckle. “Your friend, the old Commander-m-Cluef, is at pres-ent asleep m your bungalow. 1 put him so for punishment of bis disbelieving my poAvers. Tins that is in the boat is his astral body—his inner spirit m his outer envelope, what I have explained to your friends tonight! Now if I but command back to him it goes and the boat is empty.” “But I heard him speak!” exclaimed Cynthia. “His astral A-oice you heard by my directions. I saw you at your AvindoAV. I kneAV you would me folloAV. The Comtnander-in-Chief a bad dream has bad. He thinko he haf been condemned to roAV up and down this river for a hundred of million times.” “Whatcued Cynthia incredulously. “Do you mean to tell me that’s not the Colonel —tnat he didn’t speak. It’s impossible. Where is he then?” 'lb© JBaboo chuckled maliciously. ‘That you shall knoAV to-morrow morning- It Avill very funny be. My Guru will noi tnat I insulted am for notings. Now see, Avatcli— l do but my hand Avave. So! Jao! He haf gone!” It was quite true. Boat and figure disappeared as if the river had swallowed them up. Cynthia gave a little cry. “If I kneAA r that he Ava,s safe —that this was really only a trick!” “A trick!” exclaimed the Oriental angrily. “It is high superior occultism, the Avhite magic that he, you;’ Colonel Nettleton, did scoff at- Tomorrow you Avill find he do not scoff .uy more. I have the honour to wish you a very goocHnght. He salaamed and left her.

Cynthia Avas really very much perturbed. Whatever the Colonel’s intentions might have been, it AA-as not to bo expected that he Avould appreciate such a specimen of Oriental revenge. Hoavever, she Avas powerless in the matter The hypnotist had disappeared, and she thought it best to return to the house also, and aAvait the morning and its results.

There seemed to be a good deal of commotion and talking in the corridor on Avhich the bedrooms opened. Cynthia started up, confused by sleep and Av-eird dreams, and listened. The babel increased. Anger and laughter joined in the discord. She rang for her maid. After some Little delay the girl appeared. She seemed struggling between a sense of propriety and a desire for unbounded mirth. “What is the matter? What’s all that noise about?” demanded her mistress. “Weil, ma’am, it’s the gentlemen. They couldn’t none of them get into the bath-room this morning. And Pearson, he said as someone Avas there and the gas burning all night. He knocked and knocked, and at last forced the lock. And —” She paused to laugh again. “Beggin’ your pardon, ma’am, but it Avas really so funny. There, in the bath, just lying asleep as if he were in his own bed, Avas Colonel Nettleton!” “Gracious heavens!” “Oh, don’t be alarmed, ma’am, he’s quite safe. There Avasn’t a drop of water in the bath ! And that’s what all the gentlemen are laughing at. For the poor gentleman must have thought he was in bed, and bis coat and waistcoat folded up on the chair beside him, and he —he couldn t —couldn’t' —’ “Couldn’t Avhat? For goodness’ sake, Watson, don’t go on giggling like that!” “Couldn’t tell koAv he got there, ma’am, nor why he should have spent the night in a bath with his OAvn bedroom aAvaiting him at the coiner of the passage!” Cynthia remembered the Baboo’s Avords. She thought she coidd give a

pretty good guess as to li./AV the Colonel i had got in o the batli, and why. I But no opportuni y Ava-s a ft' irded for explanation. The colonel left the i bungalow before anyone Avas down for

breakfast, and his matrimonial indentions AA'ere apparently abandoned. At least, in the cola, curt note of fareAvell lelt for liis hostess there Avas no hint of any de-ire to become a permanent resident of die bungaioAV. Cynthia Gonningsby Avas Lss enthusiastic about occuit entertainments tor her week-end parties after this experiment.