Page:Ballantyne--The Battery and the Boiler.djvu/335

 "I 've just been relating your electrical experiences to my friends," said the master,

"Ah! now, it 's drawin' the long bow you 've been," returned the man; "I see it in their faces."

"I have rather diluted the dose than otherwise," returned Redpath. "Let me introduce Mr. Slagg. He wishes to see Indian life in the 'servants' hall.' Let him see it, and treat him well."

"Yours to command," said Flinn, with a nod as he led the horses away. "This way, Mr. Slug."

"Slagg, if you please, Mr. Flinn," said Jim, "The difference between a a an' a u ain't much, but the results is powerful sometimes."

While Slagg was led away to the region of the bungalow appropriated to the domestics, his friends were introduced to pretty little Mrs. Redpath, and immediately found themselves thoroughly at home under the powerful influence of Indian hospitality. Although, being in the immediate neighbourhood of a veritable Indian jungle, it was natural that both Sam and Robin should wish to see a little sport among large game, their professional enthusiasm rose superior to their sporting tendencies, and they decided next day to accompany their host on a short trip of inspection to a neighbouring telegraph station, Letta being made over to the care of the hostess, was forthwith installed as assistant nurse to the white baby, whom she already regarded