The Doctor cross questioned the mahouts and told off the elephants for the party; then there was a talk with the native shikaris and arrangements made for the beat, and at an early hour all retired to rest.

The morning was just breaking when they were called.

Twenty minutes later they assembled to take a cup of coffee before starting.

The elephants were arranged in front of the tents, and they were just about to mount when a horse was heard coming at a gallop.
"Wait a moment," the Major said; "it may be a message of some sort from the station." A minute later Bathurst rode in and reined up his horse in front of the tent.
"Why, Bathurst, what brings you here?
Changed your mind at the last moment, and found you could get away?
That's right; you shall come on the pad with me." "No, I have not come for that, Major; I have brought a dispatch that arrived at two o'clock this morning.

Doolan opened it and came to me, and asked me to bring it on to you, as I knew the way and where your camp was to be pitched." "Nothing serious, I hope, Bathurst," the Major said, struck with the gravity with which Bathurst spoke.