But he had no power to get the man imprisoned?
CARLYON.
None in the world of course! In a few days down came the money-lender to cut the corn, and the policeman with him to see no resistance was made. Natthu reproached him; the policeman laughed, and said he could now have the girl back if he liked! Thank you! [_Receiving tea, from_ VERA.
ADENE.
The brute!
CARLYON.
Next day but one the brute was found in a ditch with his head off. And I don"t mind telling you I smuggled Natthu and his wife out of the country.
ADENE.
He could hardly have been hanged.
CARLYON.
Possibly not.
[VERA _offers_ ELIZABETH _tea; she comes and takes it and retires again_.
ADENE.
Then why couldn"t you let him take his trial?
CARLYON.
He"d have been murdered by the policeman"s relations, and his wife with him. They had a shot at me as it was. Now are you going to attack me?
ADENE.
I"m not sure. Couldn"t you have had him tried first and then sent him off?
CARLYON.
Too dangerous! And there were other reasons too. Anyhow I thought of it, and determined I had better not.
ADENE.
I"m not clear that you were right.
CARLYON.
Well, they"ll finish your education in Rajpoor.
ADENE.
I don"t mean to stay in Rajpoor, it is too English. I want to get into Upper Bhojal among the hills.
CARLYON.
[_Looking hard at him, then turning a little towards_ ELIZABETH.]
Capital! Capital! My pet tribes! Yes, I wondered if you meant that in your letter.
ELIZABETH.
[_Calmly, as though to herself and stating a fact._] You will never be able to get there.
VERA.
Have you met my Aunt Elizabeth, Mr. Adene. [_To_ ELIZABETH.] Or am I to say "Cousin"?
ELIZABETH.
Well, I"m only a second or third cousin at the best, dear.
[_Comes down and shakes hands with_ ADENE _who rises_.
ADENE.
[_To_ ELIZABETH.] I have a Bhojali acquaintance who will go with me.
CARLYON.
You realise the geography, do you? Lower Bhojal of course, is British, and part of the province of Rajpoor.
ADENE.
Annexed by you! Yes, that is where my man comes from.
CARLYON.
The Upper Country is almost inaccessible, and quite cut off from communication. Koreb"s rebels fled there.
ADENE.
My man has relations in the Upper Country.
CARLYON.
I shouldn"t depend much on that. However, if you"re only well disguised and avoid speaking----
ADENE.
I must _speak_! It is information I go for!
CARLYON.