gentlemanly bearing, that had so quickly opened the usually very
exclusive officers' circle to the young German, with his clever,
energetic features, and his honest blue eyes.

Judged by his profession he did not, perhaps, belong to their society,
according to the ideas of some of these gentlemen. It was known that he
was travelling for a large commercial house in Hamburg. His uncle,
the head of the house, imported indigo. And since the Maharajah of
Chanidigot was the owner of very extensive indigo fields, young Heideck
had been detained here a whole fortnight by commercial negotiations with
the prince. He had succeeded, during this time, in gaining the lively
sympathies of all, but particularly of the older British officers. In
Indian garrisons every European is welcome. Heideck was also invited to
those social functions at which the ladies of the regiment were present.

He had always refused an invitation to cards with polite firmness, and
to-day also he was at most an uninterested and unconcerned spectator.

Presently the door of the tent opened and a tall, but extremely slim
officer joined the circle of his comrades, jingling his spurs with a
self-conscious, almost haughty attitude. He was in undress uniform and
talked to one of the gentlemen, who addressed him as Captain Irwin,
about just returning from a fatiguing ride for the inspection of
an outpost. He demanded from one of the orderlies in attendance a
refreshing drink, the favourite whisky-and-soda, then he drew close to
the gaming-table.

"Room for a little one?" he asked. And place was readily made for him.

For a little while the game of poker went on in the same quiet way as