I 56 TALES OF A NOMAD. 



" To look for those elephants." 



" And the kit inspection, sahib? " 



" Will be next Monday." 



" And musketry ? " 



" Oh, next Tuesday." 



" And when will sahib interview the native chiefs ? " 



" Catch them and keep them until I return, but feed 

 them in the meantime." 



" And when will sahib go on circuit?" 



" Oh, when circumstances admit of it. This case is 

 adjourned sine die. Clear the court, sergeant, and go 

 away yourself and get those boats ready. By the way, 

 give a dollar each to those men who brought in the 

 information about elephants. They have performed a 

 public duty, and deserve well of their country." 



An hour later I was all ready for a start. Coming 

 out on the verandah I saw a crowd of tame Dyaks (t.e. t 

 not constabulary but civilian Dyaks), all armed with 

 their parangs or short heavy swords, awaiting me. 



As I approached them their faces brightened up like 

 those of schoolboys on the announcement of an extra 

 half-holiday. 



Their spokesman said : " We hear that the tuan is 

 going on a journey ". 



" Well, what if I am ? " 



" We should like to go with the tuan." 



" But I don't want you." 



" Oh, but we should like to go." 



" I tell you I don't want you." 



" We shall not be in the way." 



" I will not give you anything to eat." 



" We don't want anything to eat, we can carry our own 

 food, and when that is done we can eat the wild fruit." 



