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 countrymen who take up service away from home. His dirty coat of Assam silk was greasy and open at the front. He appeared to be just returning from his day’s work, and to be taking a walk by the side of the river at a time when he should have been eating his evening meal.

The new-comer sat beside me on the steps. I said in answer to his question: ‘I come from Ranchi.’

‘What occupation?’

‘I am a merchant.’

‘What sort?’

‘A dealer in cocoons and timber.’

‘What name?’

After a moment’s hesitation I gave a name, but it was not my own.

Still the stranger’s curiosity was not satisfied. Again he questioned me: ‘What have you come here for?’ I replied: ‘For a change of air.’

My cross-examiner seemed a little astonished. He said: ‘Well, sir, I have been enjoying the air of this place for nearly six years, and with it I have taken a daily average of fifteen grains of quinine, but I have not noticed that I have benefited much.’

I replied: ‘Still, you must acknowledge that,