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 pick up the bits, but the squirrel was not hurt, and ran into a drain under the house. He came out the next morning, and ran into the house and was caught. I told Giles to give a rupee to the man who brought him back, and he said there were rather more than a hundred of them watching for him, and it was quite impossible to say who had the merit of finding him. They are very good-natured about that sort of thing. I often think if I were they I should connive at the escape of my missus’s pets.

Barrackpore, Friday, 21st. We have had three such pouring days. Fanny came up by water yesterday in a storm of rain. George and I came up in the evening, when it was dry for two hours, but now it is pouring worse than ever.

I have been so stung by a hornet—never was stung before, and had no idea it was so bad. However, I killed the hornet; there was some pleasure in that.

Sunday, 23rd That sting was shocking for two days; I should like to kill another hornet.