XXXII. 

 THE BABU. 



VV7E stretched ourselves stiffly in the first 

 VV gray of dawn, wondering where we could 

 get a mouthful of breakfast. On emerging from 

 the station a strange and gladsome sight met our 

 eyes namely, chop boxes and gun cases belonging 

 to some sportsman not yet arrived. Necessity 

 knows no law ; so we promptly helped ourselves 

 to food and gun-cleaning implements. Much re- 

 freshed, we lit our pipes and settled ourselves 

 to wait for our delinquents. 



Shortly after sunrise an Indian track inspector 

 trundled in on a handcar propelled by two natives. 

 He was a suave and corpulent person with a very 

 large umbrella and beautiful silken garments. 

 The natives upset the handcar off the track, and 

 the newcomer settled himself for an enjoyable 

 morning. He and the babu discussed ethics and 



