"Oh, Sir Reginald," he said, entering the drawing-room, "my wife tells me there are bears about. Why not have a go at them to-morrow?"
"I hardly think it worth while, Graeme," said the Resident, "I don’t suppose there’s a bear near the place."
"Surely, the fellow wouldn’t dare bring you false khubber?"[#] said Hector. "Why, I’d fine his village a hundred rupees if he did, were I the Resident."
"Oh, please let’s go, Sir Reginald," said Lucy. "It would be a day out whether we shot anything or not. Lady Wilford will come too, and we’ll have a ripping time. I should love it."
The Resident hesitated. He knew perfectly well that what Graeme had said was true, and that no Kashmiri would have dared to bring him false information, but he had secret and most important reasons for not wishing to leave his post at the time. That morning’s mail had brought in news of serious trouble on the North West Frontier, hinting, moreover, at the possibility of its being necessary to recall to their regiments all officers now on leave in Shiraz. This information, being confidential, could not be given as a reason for refusing Graeme and his wife. The latter continued to press the attack.
"I have never seen a bear except in the Zoo," she pleaded, "and I promise to be very good and quiet, and not get in the way. Oh, do go."
"I have never had a chance with that new .303 of mine," said Hector, "and I badly want to give that lazy devil of a shikari of mine something to do, and see if he’s the wonder he makes himself out to be, simply eating and smoking his head off in idleness, the brute."
"My dear fellow, I should like it as much as you do, but we’re rather busy in the office just now, and..."
"Why not go, Reginald?" said Lady Wilford. "It would be a day out, as Mrs. Graeme says, and anything urgent could be sent after you by a peon;[#] it’s only twelve miles."
The Resident capitulated straightway, as was his habit with his wife. After all, she was right, he thought, and most likely no letter of importance would come. If it did, well, his secretary could give out the necessary orders to the officers. He would chance it and go.
"Very well, my dear," he said, "if you’re set upon it; only don’t blame me if the bears fail to appear, that’s all. I’ll go now, and start off the servants with the tents, etc. You’d better go to bed at once, young lady," turning to Lucy; "we’ll have to leave here by five at latest, you too, Graeme, you must be tired after your exertions to-day. By the way, Latimer," to his secretary, "you might give me a few minutes in my study, there are one or two things I want to see you about," and Sir Reginald went off to make his preparations for the morrow.