Page:Edgar Jepson--the four philanthropists.djvu/27

Rh "What about gun accidents?" said Bottiger, breaking from the gloom into which our philanthropic discussion had plunged him, and speaking with all the keen animation of a sportsman.

"Gun accidents are good," I said in an encouraging tone.

"And accidents in railway trains, and motor-car accidents—all accidents are good. And there is a good deal to be said for the sand-bag; and I learnt in Singapore the thug dodge of strangling a man with a handkerchief. It's very cute," said Chelubai, warming to the subject.

"I have a rough idea for a portable lethal chamber," I said.

"Oh, we shall have no trouble about the actual working of the enterprise," said Chelubai cheerfully. "It's only the financial side of it—the subscriptions—that is going to give trouble; but, as I've said, we're brainy, and we shall get over that. The thing is, are we going into it in an earnest, whole-souled way! I'm ready to, for I believe it'll get up on it's heels and prance into success."

"I'm ready to," I said. "I'm all for practical philanthropy; and this is practical."

We looked at Bottiger.

"If you fellows are really keen on it, I suppose I am. We must hang together," said Bottiger gloomily.