"In fact, it was through Mr. Chunerbutty that we came here," said Noreen.
"He gave Fred an introduction to this company."

Dermot reflected. He felt that if these men were really Bengali Brahmins,
their coming to the district to labour as coolies demanded investigation.
Their race furnishes the extremist and disloyal element in India, and any
of them residing on these gardens would be conveniently placed to act as
channels of communication between enemies without and traitors within. He
felt that it would be advisable for him to talk the matter over with some
of the older planters.

"Who is your manager here?" he enquired.

"A Welshman named Parry."

"Are you far from Salchini?"

"You mean Payne's garden? Yes; a good way. He's a friend of yours, isn't
he?"

"Yes; I should like to see him again. I must pay him a visit."

"Oh, look here, Major," said Daleham eagerly. I've got an idea. Tomorrow is
the day of our weekly meeting at the club. Will you let me put you up for
the night, and we'll take you tomorrow to the club, where you will meet
Payne?"

"Thank you; it's very kind of you; but--" began Dermot dubiously.

Noreen joined in.