"It's great luck," murmured Findlayson, but he was none the less
afraid, wondering what news might be of the bridge.

The gaudy blue and white funnel came down-stream swiftly. They
could see Hitchcock in the bows, with a pair of opera-glasses, and
his face was unusually white. Then Peroo hailed, and the launch
made for the tail of the island. The Rao Sahib, in tweed
shooting-suit and a seven-hued turban, waved his royal hand, and
Hitchcock shouted. But he need have asked no questions, for
Findlayson's first demand was for his bridge.

"All serene! Gad, I never expected to see you again, Findlayson.
You're seven koss down-stream. Yes; there's not a stone shifted
anywhere; but how are you? I borrowed the Rao Sahib's launch, and
he was good enough to come along. Jump in."

"Ah, Finlinson, you are very well, eh? That was most unprecedented
calamity last night, eh? My royal palace, too, it leaks like the
devil, and the crops will also be short all about my country. Now
you shall back her out, Hitchcock. I - I do not understand
steam engines. You are wet? You are cold, Finlinson? I have some
things to eat here, and you will take a good drink."

"I'm immensely grateful, Rao Sahib. I believe you've saved my life.
How did Hitchcock -"

"Oho! His hair was upon end. He rode to me in the middle of the
night and woke me up in the arms of Morpheus. I was most truly
concerned, Finlinson, so I came too. My head-priest he is very
angry just now. We will go quick, Mister Hitchcock. I am due to