came promptly and waited at the foot of the steps, smirking and changing
attitudes to draw attention to their rags. Chamu tossed the bread to
them with expressions of disgust. If they had cared to pretend they
were holy men he would have been respectful, in degree at least, but
these were professionals so hardened that they dared ignore the
religious apology, which implies throughout the length and breadth of
India the right to beg from place to place. These were not even true
vagabonds, but rogues contented with one victim in one place as long
as benevolence should last.

"Where is the third one?" Tess demanded. "Where is Pinga?"

They professed not to know, but she had seen all three squatting together
close to the little gate five minutes before. She ordered Chamu to go
and find the missing man and he waddled off, grumbling. At the end
of five minutes he returned without him.

"One comes on horseback," he announced, "who gave the third beggar
money, so that he now waits outside."

"What for?"

"Who knows? Perhaps to keep watch."

"To watch for what?"

"Who knows?"

"Who is it on horseback? A caller? Some one coming for breakfast?
You'd better hurry."