A native officer came out of the throng and caressed "The Padre".
"Mind you win, Ensign Sahib," laughed Subadar Pir Baksh, "for the honour of the corps."
"I will try my best, Subadar," Ted assured him; and Pir Baksh showed his even white teeth as he playfully threatened the ensign should he lose.
"Now, old boy," was Ethel's greeting, "never speak to me again if our 'Padre' loses--he's the horse of the regiment, you must remember. Whatever you do don't let that horrid Guide man win. An upstart corps like that, recruited from Thugs and Dacoits, must never get the better of the old-established 193rd."
"'Horrid Guide man' indeed!" laughed Jim. "Spencer's one of the best men I know; and remember, my lady, that you will be a Guide woman very soon."
Changing the subject he added: "You're only fifth favourite, Ted."
"Didn't know I was so high as that. Who's favourite?"
"The 'horrible Guide' horse and the 'Duck's' mount, 'Flying Fox', are equal, the Ahmednuggur comes next, and you are fifth."
"Never mind, Ted," said Ethel encouragingly. "'The Padre' was second favourite when it was thought that Markham would be up, and you're lighter than he."
"But that won't make any difference; I shall have to carry the extra weight."
Jim laughed. "Go and talk to the handicapper, Ethel; use your wiles on the innocent man and explain the unfairness! I intended to put a couple of rupees, young 'un, on Spencer's 'Cabul' for the sake of the corps, but this tyrant has forbidden the transaction. Never get engaged, lad; you see what it's brought me to--I have to obey. She says that she objects to betting, but in reality she objects to my sticking up for my own regiment."
"I'm ashamed of your relative, Ted," the girl asserted. "He's no brotherly feeling. Fancy wanting to bet against your mount!"
"It's just like him!" the ensign feelingly declared. "I don't understand how anyone so dainty as you, Ethel, could stoop to such an Orson."
"Here, drop that, young 'un; you mustn't trespass on my preserves. Fancy the kid paying a compliment of that kind! Why, little woman, he told me about ten days ago that you were 'a very ordinary sort of girl', and that 'he didn't see much in you'."
"Well, he's made up for it now. It was a very pretty compliment, Ted, and I thank you.... I often wonder myself."