moved. The pretty birds also moved and probably groaned in spirit--but
they didn't move far.

What was that Miss Smellie had been so fond of saying? "There is no
such thing as 'luck,' Damocles. All is ordered for the best by an
all-seeing and merciful Providence." Yes. No doubt.

What was that remark of his old friend, "Holy Bill"?

"What do you mean by 'luck,' Damocles? All that happens is ordained by
God in His infinite mercy." Yes.

Holy Bill had never done a day's work in his life nor missed a
meal--save when bilious from overeating....

A pity the infinite mercy didn't run to a little water! It would have
been easy for the all-seeing and merciful Providence to move him to
retain his water-bottle when starting the stalk--if it were necessary
to the schemes of the Deity to have him smashed like a dropped egg....
What agony a human being could endure!...

Not even his rifle at hand with its means of speedy death. He might
live for days and then be torn alive by those accursed vultures. One
mighty effort to turn on his back and he would breathe easier--but
that would bring his eyes to the sun--and the vultures.... Had he
slept or fainted? How long had he lain there?... Chance of being
found? Absolutely none. Shikarri would have visited the dak-bungalow a
week ago. Camel left below on the plain--and it would wander miles
from where he left it when it grew hungry. Even if Abdul and an
organized search-party were after him _now_ they might as well be