But with true Oriental distrust of
women he had thought fit to make no confidence to them. I
promised and asked Olesen if he knew them.
"Slightly. Canadians of Danish blood like my own. Their name is
Ingmar. Some people think the daughter good-looking. The mother
is supposed to be clever; keen on occult subjects which she came
back to India to study. The husband was a great naturalist and
the kindest of men. He almost lived in the jungle and the natives
had all sorts of rumours about his powers. You know what they
are. They said the birds and beasts followed him about. Any old
thing starts a legend."
"What was the connection with Rup Singh?"
"He was in difficulties and undeservedly, and Ingmar generously
lent him money at a critical time, trusting to his honour for
repayment. Like most Orientals he never forgets a good turn and
would do anything for any of the family - except trust the women
with any secret he valued. The father is long dead. By the way
Rup Singh gave me a queer message for you. He said; 'Tell the
Sahib these words - "Let him who finds water in the desert share
his cup with him who dies of thirst.
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