308 THE EASTERN HUNTERS. 



kenzie's observing that it was very hot ; a self- 

 evident fact there was no gainsaying, and which 

 was politely assented to by the strangers. The heat 

 of the weather naturally led Norman to remark that 

 it caused great thirst, another fact which met with 

 no contradiction. On this, Mackenzie thought the 

 occasion might be improved by ordering in a little 

 brandy-and- water, but before doing so, asked Norman 

 in English " if these sort of coves drank brandy \ " 



" Well, I fancy so," was the reply. " They have 

 awfully potent liquids of their own, I know. Fiery 

 spirits combined with essence of quails and other 

 strength-giving meat, and they take them freely." 



The natives, of course, did not understand this 

 brief aside, but catching the word " brandy " a 

 term with which they were perfectly familiar they 

 pricked up their ears, looked at each other meaningly, 

 and smiled. 



" Sahib," said the leader, " I will on my return 

 send to you a bottle of liquor which we drink ; it 

 is doubtless not so good as what the Sahibs are 

 accustomed to, but I hope it will be approved of." 



" Much kindness on your part," replied Mackenzie. 

 " Would you like to see some of ours ? It is called 

 ' brandy.' We all drink it." 



" Berandy S I have heard of it," the old fellow 

 observed. " It is dark-coloured, is it not ? " 



