United States or Nigeria ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Bungalows and pine-woods seemed to be its main characteristics, and there was about it none of the languorous Eastern charm that had so haunted the forbidden paradise. Bhulwana was a cheerful place, and though perched fairly high among the hills of Markestan it was possible to get very hot there.
"This murder trial is going to be sensational," he said, "I've just got back from giving evidence as to the cause of death and I have it on good authority that a certain august personage in Markestan is shaking in his shoes as to the result of the business." "I have heard that too," said Lady Harriet.
An ominous calm prevailed at Khanmulla during the week that followed the conviction of Ermsted's murderer and the disappearance of the Rajah. All Markestan seemed to be waiting with bated breath. But, save for the departure of the women from Kurrumpore, no sign was given by the Government of any expectation of a disturbance.
"That?" said Sir Reginald. "That was a mere flash in the pan. But we were prepared even for that. My men were all in Markestan by daybreak, thanks to the promptitude of young Denvers." "If all our throats had been slit the previous night, that wouldn't have helped us much," Bernard pointed out. Sir Reginald broke into a laugh. "Well, dash it, man! We did our best.
Markestan, though outwardly calm and well-behaved, was not regarded with any great confidence by the Government, so it was said, though, officially, no one had the smallest suspicion of danger. It was with mixed feelings that Stella returned at length to The Green Bungalow, nearly three months after her baby's birth.
Markestan had the reputation in the Indian Army for being one of the hottest corners in the Empire in more senses than one, and Kurrumpore, the military centre, had not been chosen for any especial advantages of climate. So few indeed did it possess in the eyes of Europeans that none ever went there save those whom an inexorable fate compelled.
The Rajah of Markestan is too wily a beast to go for the large game at the outset, though probably the large game is the only stuff he cares about. He knows too well that there are eyes that watch perpetually, and he won't expose himself if he can help it. The trouble is he doesn't always know where to look for the eyes that watch."
She had never seen it, but had heard it described as the most romantic spot in Markestan. It had been the site of a fierce battle in some bye-gone age, and its glories had departed. For centuries it had lain deserted and crumbling. Yet some of its ancient beauty remained.
And anyway they weren't, so you haven't much cause for complaint." "You see, I was one of the casualties," explained Bernard. "That accounts for my being a bit critical. So you expected something worse than this?" "I did." Sir Reginald spoke soberly again. "If we hadn't been prepared, the whole of Markestan would have been ablaze by now from end to end."
Tessa had a great deal to say in disparagement of the Rajah of Markestan, and said it so often and with such emphasis that at last Captain Ermsted's patience gave way and he forbade all mention of the man under penalty of a severe slapping. When Tessa had ignored the threat for the third time he carried it out with such thoroughness that even Netta was startled into remonstrance.
Word Of The Day