Page:Edgar Jepson--the four philanthropists.djvu/27

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE FOUR PHILANTHROPISTS
21

"What about gun accidents?" said Bottiger, breaking from the gloom into which our philanthropic discussion had plunged him, and speaking with all the keen animation of a sportsman.

"Gun accidents are good," I said in an encouraging tone.

"And accidents in railway trains, and motor-car accidents—all accidents are good. And there is a good deal to be said for the sand-bag; and I learnt in Singapore the thug dodge of strangling a man with a handkerchief. It's very cute," said Chelubai, warming to the subject.

"I have a rough idea for a portable lethal chamber," I said.

"Oh, we shall have no trouble about the actual working of the enterprise," said Chelubai cheerfully. "It's only the financial side of it—the subscriptions—that is going to give trouble; but, as I've said, we're brainy, and we shall get over that. The thing is, are we going into it in an earnest, whole-souled way! I'm ready to, for I believe it'll get up on it's heels and prance into success."

"I'm ready to," I said. "I'm all for practical philanthropy; and this is practical."

We looked at Bottiger.

"If you fellows are really keen on it, I suppose I am. We must hang together," said Bottiger gloomily.