with a revolver in each pocket in case of accidents, and eyes and ears
skinned until I come out again."

"Oh, I'm not too tired for that."

"Come along then. I'll put up a hamper with my own hands. You get
wine from the cellar, and make sure the corks have not been pulled
and replaced. Then get the dog-cart to the door. I'll keep it waiting
there while you run up-stairs and change. Hurry, Dick, hurry--it's growing dark!
I'll put some sandwiches under the seat for you to eat while you're waiting
in the dark for me."





Chapter Six




An Audit by the Gods

(2)

Loud laughed the gods (and their irony was pestilence;
Pain was in their mockery, affliction in their scorn.
The ryotwari cried
On a stricken countryside,
For the scab fell on the sheepfold and the mildew on the corn).