He would go back to India when Halbert did,
supposing that his father could be tempted to buy him a commission.
Surely he might manage to join some regiment in India, he thought.
India was the only place worth living in just now.
"I hope, Halbert," he said, "that the Governor will consent. I wouldn't
care when I went; the sooner the better. I am tired of being a
cattle-dealer on a large scale; I want to get at some MAN'S work. If one
thing were settled I would go to-morrow."
"And what is that?" said Halbert.
Jim said nothing, but looked at the couple among the flower-beds.
"Is that all?" said Halbert. "What will you bet me that that affair is
not concluded to-night?"
"I'll bet you five pounds to one it ain't," said Jim; "nor any time
this twelvemonth. They'll go on shillyshallying half their lives, I
believe."
"Nevertheless I'll bet with you. Five to one it comes off to-night!
Now! There goes your sister into the house; just go in after her."
Jim sauntered off, and Sam came and laid his great length down by the
side of Halbert.
They talked on indifferent matters for a few minutes, till the latter
said,--
"You are a lucky fellow, Sam.
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