Page:The Days Work (1899).djvu/240

 "He 's much too good to waste on canals," said Jimmy. "Any one can oversee coolies. You need n't be angry, William; he can—but I need my pearl among bullock-drivers, and I ' ve transferred him to the Khanda district, where he 'll have it all to do over again. He should be marching now."

"He 's not a coolie," said William, furiously. "He ought to be doing his regulation work."

"He 's the best man in his service, and that ’s saying a good deal; but if you must use razors to cut grindstones, why, I prefer the best cutlery."

"Is n't it almost time we saw him again?" said Mrs. Jim. "I 'm sure the poor boy has n't had a respectable meal for a month. He probably sits on a cart and eats sardines with his fingers."

"All in good time, dear. Duty before decency—was n't it Mr. Chucks said that?"

"No; it was Midshipman Easy," William laughed. "I sometimes wonder how it will feel to dance or listen to a band again, or sit under a roof. I can't believe I ever wore a ball-frock in my life."

"One minute," said Mrs. Jim, who was thinking. "If he goes to Khanda, he passes within five miles of us. Of course he 'll ride in."

"Oh, no, he won't," said William.

"How do you know, dear?"

"It will take him off his work. He won't have time. "He 'll make it," said Mrs. Jim, with a twinkle.

"It depends on his own judgment. There 's absolutely no reason why he should n't, if he thinks fit," said Jim.