This page has been validated.
CHAPTER THREE
THE LURKER IN THE RUINS
The barefoot guards saluted the lordly foreign bust framed in the window of a first-class compartment; Borkman, graciously returning the salute, raised a heavy black tamarind stick, tipped with kerbau horn; and as if at the great man's signal, the little train rolled out from the station, out from the bush and palm environs of Bangkok, into the cool, fragrant, dazzled morning on the open plain. With a parting tally of tiffin-baskets, he modestly retired to the next compartment, and left his employers with Scarlett.
"Hello, Chao Phya," said the young man. "I didn't expect you'd be coming." He falsely patted the beast, which lay on the leather cush-
[ 61 ]
