When he returned to the hotel Kemp remarked that he looked as if he needed a drink, and suggested that Lister go with him and get one.
"I need three or four drinks, but mean to go without," said Lister grimly.

"I begin to understand how some men get the tanking habit." He started off across the plain, and coming back too late for lunch, found Kemp on the veranda.

Kemp looked as if he were trying to be philosophical, but found it hard.
"The secretary arrived not long since," he said.

"A polite man! He didn't want to let us down too heavily." "Ah!" said Lister.

"The Irrigation people have no use for us ?" Kemp nodded.