GOOD PAY-MASTERS APPRECIATED. 357 



they stood there ready for their night march, and 

 merely girt about the head, waist, and middle. 



" Well, well, Mauajee," said Mackenzie, " I sup- 

 pose you must have your ' rooksut ' ( leave to 

 depart). You have done good service, and your 

 men have worked well. If we come again to this 

 country next year, you must be ready for our 

 service." 



. " Without doubt certainly we are ready when- 

 ever the Sahibs come" the party murmured, gene- 

 rally. "Our houses everything are the Sahibs'. 

 The faces of such shikarees will bring gladness to 

 the village." 



"Ay, ay, of course you say so. There is no 

 difficulty in speaking. But I shall expect a mes- 

 senger to come to me in Jehangeerpore if many 

 tigers come about." 



" Sahib, what word I say is true," replied Mana- 

 jee. " I will myself bring khubber. Where the 

 Sahibs are, there is no lack of food in the houses of 

 the village. We hope the gentlemen will come to 

 us next year. What can I say more ? " 



" Very good ; remember your promise," Mackenzie 

 answered. " Now I shall give each of you an extra 

 day's pay, and a drink before you start." 



Uttering murmurs of approval, the men ranged 

 themselves round, received each his small donation 



