But the woman had fled through a door, and on the paper
was written: "This is to certify that I, The Worm, have
paid in full my debts to the Senior Subaltern, and, further,
that the Senior Subaltern is my debtor, by agreement on the
23d of February, as by the Mess attested, to the extent of
one month's Captain's pay, in the lawful currency of the
India Empire."

Then a deputation set off for The Worm's quarters and
found him, betwixt and between, unlacing his stays, with
the hat, wig, serge dress, etc., on the bed. He came over
as he was, and the "Shikarris" shouted till the Gunners'
Mess sent over to know if they might have a share of the
fun. I think we were all, except the Colonel and the Senior
Subaltern, a little disappointed that the scandal had come
to nothing. But that is human nature. There could be
no two words about The Worm's acting. It leaned as near
to a nasty tragedy as anything this side of a joke can.
When most of the Subalterns sat upon him with sofa cush-
ions to find out why he had not said that acting was his
strong point, he answered very quietly: "I don't think you
ever asked me. I used to act at Home with my sisters."
But no acting with girls could account for The Worm's
display that night. Personally, I think it was in bad taste.
Besides being dangerous. There is no sort of use in play-
ing with fire, even for fun.

The "Shikarris" made him President of the Regimental
Dramatic Club; and, when the Senior Subaltern paid up
his debt, which he did at once, The Worm sank the money
in scenery and dresses. He was a good Worm; and the
"Shikarris" are proud of him. The only drawback is that
he has been christened "Mrs. Senior Subaltern"; and, as
there are now two Mrs. Senior Subalterns in the Station,
this is sometimes confusing to strangers.

Later on, I will tell you of a case something like this, but
with all the jest left out and nothing in it but real trouble.

-41-