to
his silvered head to fight. The Rajput, that respects decision above all
other virtues, perhaps because it is the one that he most lacks, could
sense firm, unshakable, quick-seized determination on the instant.

Duncan McClean acknowledged the fierce-seeming stare with a salute,
and Ali Partab dismounted instantly. He who holds a trust from such as
Mahommed Gunga is polite in recognition of the trust. He leaned,
then, against the horse's withers, wondering how far he ought to let
politeness go and whether his honor bade him show contempt for the
Christian's creed.

"Is there any way, I wonder," asked the Scotsman, the clean-clipped
suspicion of Scots dialect betraying itself even through the Hindustanee
that he used, "of getting letters through to some small station?"

"I know not," said the Rajput.

"You are a Mohammedan?" The Scotsman peered at him, adjusting his
viewpoint to the moon's rays. "I see you are. A Rajput, too, I think."

"Ha, sahib."

"There was a Rangar here not very long ago." This man evidently knew the
proper title to give a he true believer of the proudest race there is.
Ali Partab's heart began to go out to him--"an officer, I think, once
of the Rajput Horse, who very kindly carried letters for me. Perhaps you
know of some other gentleman of your race about to travel northward? He
could earn, at least, gratitude."

"So-ho!" thought Ali Partab to himself. "I have known men of his race
who would have offered money, to be spat on!--Not now, sahib," he
answered aloud.

"Mahommed Gunga was the officer's name. Do you know him, or know of him,
by any chance?"

"Ha, sahib, I know him well. It is an honor."

The Scotsman smiled. "He must be very far away by this time. How many
are there, I wonder, in India who have such things said of them when
their backs are turned?"

"More than a few, sahib! I would draw steel for the good name of more
than a hundred men whom I know, and there be many others!"

"Men of your own race?"

"And yours, sahib."

There was no bombast in the man's voice; it was said good-naturedly, as
a man might say, "There are some friends to whom I would lend money."
No man with any insight could mistake the truth that underlay the boast.
The Scotsman bowed.

"I am glad, indeed, to have met you. Will you sit down a little while?"

"Nay, sahib. The hour is late. I was but keeping the blood moving in
this horse of mine."

"Well, tell me, since you won't stay, have you a