moment strangely bewitched, sister, Stella."

Tommy put down the letter and lay still, peering forth under frowning
brows. He could hear Monck's footsteps coming through the gate of the
compound, but he was not paying any attention to Monck for once. His
troubled mind scarcely even registered the coming of his friend.

Only when the latter mounted the steps on to the verandah and began to
move along it, did he turn his head and realize his presence. Monck came
to a stand beside him.

"Well, Tommy," he said, "isn't it time to turn in?"

Tommy sat up. "Oh, I suppose so. Infernally hot, isn't it? I've been
reading Stella's letter."

Monck lodged his shoulder against the window-frame. "I hope she is all
right," he said formally.

His voice sounded pre-occupied. It did not convey to Tommy the idea that
he was greatly interested in his reply.

He answered with something of an effort. "I believe she is. She doesn't
really say. I wish they had been content to stay at Bhulwana. I could
have got leave to go over and see her there."

"Where exactly are they now?" asked Monck.

Tommy explained to the best of his ability. "Srinagar seems their
nearest point of civilization. They are camping in the wilderness, but