Tom answered gallantly, his mutton-chop whiskers fairly bristling with a grin.

"Prove it, then, this night!"

"As if I hadn't! Well--all's well, Your Ladyship, I'm on the job! Crib,
crupper and breakfast-time, yours truly!"

"When you have finished interviewing Gungadhura, find for Blaine sahib
a new cook and a new butler, who can be trusted not to poison him!"

"If I can!"

"Of course you can find them! Tell Sita Ram, Samson sahib's babu,
what is wanted. He will find men in one hour who have too much honor,
and too little brains, and too great fear to poison any one! Say that I
require it of him. Have your understood? Then go! Go swiftly to the
guard and stop their tongues!"

Tom whistled his dog and rode off at a canter. Dick gave the horse
his head and drove home as fast as the steepness of the hill permitted,
Yasmini talking to him nearly all the way.

"You must dismiss Chamu," she insisted. "He is Gungadhura's man,
and the cook is under the heel of Chamu. Either man would poison his
own mother for a day's pay! Send them both about their business the
first thing in the morning if you value your life! Before they go, let them
see you put a great lock on the cellar door, and nail it as well, and put
weights on it! If men come at any time to pry about the house, ask
Samson sahib for a special policeman to guard the place!"