"What is that?"

"I have already referred to it. It will take us weeks to reach
Calcutta on the east or Bombay on the west, and between us and each of
these points the hell fire will rage for months to come. To go south
is equally suicidal, since it would take us into the heart of the
insurrection. I repeat that there is but one thing to be done: that is
to push northward, as I said, until we reach a people too far removed
to be affected by this deviltry."

"To find a simple people where our knowledge of medicine will cause us
to be looked upon as superior beings. I have discovered a remedy for
the bite of a cobra which will stand one in good stead, should a native
be bitten. They believe, you know, as does the rest of the world, that
the bite of this serpent is certain death. But I have discovered a
remedy, the necessary drugs of which I carry in this case," touching
the leather case strapped to his back.

"Beyond all doubt. You have tested this remedy of yours?"

"I have, twice."

"Upon man or brute?"

"Upon both."