A FEW VOLCANIC DOG-BISCUIT
be left to notify the Vermont papers. There's no danger if we don't fuss or get frolicsome with it.'
"Later we decided that Danby wanted it for road building, as in his letter he had mentioned that he was laying a highway and that the rock bothered him quite a deal.
"Well, to arrive at Danby's plantation we had to make the last forty miles in a small boat rowed by coolies, as the little river-craft had broken down. We met Danby, baked to a fine chocolate color, several miles down-stream on the watch for us, and he was overjoyed to behold us. But beneath it all I thought I detected an air of restraint,
"Tib also noticed this, and at last asked him if our visit was inopportune, if he had lots of company, or if his wife were ill.
"‘Nothing like that, old chap,' he replied, gravely. 'But, to be thoroughly honest, some of the Dacoits are acting nasty up here and may make a raid from the hills at any time. If my coolies stick by me it's of no consequence, as I've sent a runner to Bhamo for the troops there, and the Shan robbers will be cleaned out of this district in short order. To be more honest, I'm selfish enough to be glad to have you here, as you can help me stand 'em off if they come ahead of the troops. And it will calm Alice's fears. She's the only English lady in sixty miles of the valley.'
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