Page:Indira and Other Stories.pdf/173

 the respected president happened to see a fawn in the distance, and leaving the chair with a bound, started in pursuit. (I ought to explain that he had been chosen to preside precisely on account of his sharpness of vision.) The lecturer was somewhat annoyed at this proof of the president's want of interest in his exposition. Observing this, one of the most intelligent of the audience remarked:—

"Pray, sir, do not be offended by the sudden departure of our respected president. He has left us on pressing 'business'. A herd of deer approaches. I can smell them!"

On hearing these words, the audience, with tails high in air, rapidly dispersed 'on business', and the learned lecturer followed their example. Thus was it that the Congress came to an untimely end, for that day. When they next met, it was after taking the precaution of partaking of a copious meal. On that occasion, the remainder of the lecture was delivered without impediment. But perhaps a full and accurate