delay. Has the Sahib forgotten last autumn's flood, when the
stoneboats were sunk without warning - or only a half-day's
warning? "

"Yes, but nothing save a big flood could hurt us now. The spurs are
holding well on the west bank."

"Mother Gunga eats great allowances. There is always room for more
stone on the revetments. I tell this to the Chota Sahib" - he meant
Hitchcock-" and he laughs."

"No matter, Peroo. Another year thou wilt be able to build a bridge
in thine own fashion."

The Lascar grinned. "Then it will not be in this way - with
stonework sunk under water, as the Quetta was sunk. I like
sus-suspen-sheen bridges that fly from bank to bank, with one big
step, like a gang-plank. Then no water can hurt. When does the
Lord Sahib come to open the bridge?"

"In three months, when the weather is cooler."

"Ho! ho! He is like the Burra Malum. He sleeps below while the
work is being done. Then he comes upon the quarter-deck and touches
with his finger, and says: 'This is not clean! Dam jibboonwallah!'"

"But the Lord Sahib does not call me a dam jibboonwallah, Peroo."

"No, Sahib; but he does not come on deck till the work is all
finished. Even the Burra Malum of the Nerbudda said once at