AFTER THE STORM. 173 



As each wore a light cap as a protective measure, 

 the whiskerless Hawkes had, on the whole, rather 

 the best of the joke. 



In consequence of this nuisance, dinner was 

 hurried over; and, sending away the lights, the 

 hunters inhaled the fragrant manilla a measure 

 both pleasant and protective. As a treat after their 

 ducking, Mackenzie ordered a bottle of mulled port. 



The air was delightfully fresh its dust-laden 

 oppressiveness removed ; and when, some time later, 

 they sought their respective charpoys (beds), they 

 luxuriated in a continuity of repose which the 

 intense heat of the few preceding nights had ren- 

 dered unobtainable. 



