India 2001 books

Montenegrins crowded in, and discussed
the probable end of the war. There was little enthusiasm shown, most of
the talk was of the hardships, and a little grumbling that the farms
were going to pieces because of the lack of men.
Before leaving Plevlie, Dr. Clemow had presented Jan with a box of Red
Cross cigars, and he handed one to the captain. The official received it
gratefully.
"Ah!" he said. "Cigars, eh! One does not often see those nowadays."
The cigar was a Trichinopoli. Jan said nothing, but watched. The captain
lit the cigar manfully, and for some minutes puffed, looking the
apotheosis of aristocracy. Presently his puffing ceased, he looked
thoughtful, and then saying that he had forgotten an important paper
which he had not signed, he fled. We found the cigars most useful
afterwards, as a sort of spiritual disinfector, infallible against
bores.
Into the cracks of the ceiling were stuck white and yellow flowers,
thyme and other plants, till the roof looked like an inverted
flower-bed.


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