his rage'll add to it!"

"Nonsense! Gungadhura and the guard ran from the elephant like dust
before the wind. The guards are the better men, and will be back at
their post before this; but Gungadhura must find a discreet physician
to bind a slit face for him! Visit the guard now, and get their ear first.
Tell them Gungadhura wants no talk about tonight's work. Then come
to Blaine sahib's house and search the cellar by lamplight, letting Chalmu
the butler see you do it, but taking care not to let him see what you see.
What you do see, leave where it lies! Then see Gungadhura early in
the morning--"

"Lordy me, Your Ladyship, he'll--"

"No, he won't. He'll want to know how much you know about his behavior
at the gate. Tell him you know everything, and that you've compelled
the guard to keep silence. That ought to reconcile the coward! But if
he threatens you, then threaten him! Threaten to go to Samson sahib
with the whole story. (But if you do dare really go to Samson sahib,
never look me in the face again!) Then tell Gungadhura that you searched
the cellar, and what you saw there under a stone, adding that Blaine
sahib was suspicious, and watched you, and afterward sealed the
cellar door. Have you understood me?"

"I understand there's precious little sleep for me tonight, and hell in
the morning!"

"Pouf! Are you a soldier?"

"I'm your ladyship's most thorough-paced admirer and obedient slave!"