Cunningham nodded acquiescence
and followed him, turning to stare again at Miss McClean before he
strode away with long, even strides that had a reassuring effect on any
one who watched him. She bridled again, and blushed. But she experienced
the weird sensation of being read right through before Mahommed Gunga
contrived adroitly to step into the line of view and so let Cunningham's
attention fix itself on something else. The Risaldar had made up his
mind that love was inopportune just then; and he was a man who left no
stone unturned--no point unwatched--when he had sensed a danger. This
might be danger and it might not be; so he watched. Cunningham was
conscious of the sudden interruption of a train of thought, but he was
not conscious of deliberate interference.

"That very young man is an old man," said Duncan McClean, wiping his
spectacles as he walked beside his daughter to the deep veranda where
their chairs were side by side. "He is a grown man. He has come to man's
estate. Look at the set of that pair of shoulders. Mark his strength!"

"I expect any one of those Rajputs is physically stronger," answered
Rosemary, in no mood to praise any one.

"I was thinking of the strength of character he expresses rather than of
his actual muscles," said McClean.

"Bismillah!" Alwa was swearing behind the thick teak door that closed
behind him and Cunningham and Mahommed Gunga. "We have made a good
beginning! With the wolf in a trap, what has the goat to dread? Howrah
may chuckle himself to sleep! And I--I, too, by the beard of God's
prophet!--I, too, may laugh, for, with Jaimihr under lock and key, what
need is there to ride to the aid of a Hindoo Rajah? I am free again!"

"Alwa-sahib!"

Cunningham had fixed him with those calm gray eyes of his, and Mahommed
Gunga sat down on the nearest bench contented. He could wait for what
was coming now. He recognized the blossoming of the plant that he had
nursed through its growth so long.

"I listen," answered Alwa.

"I represent the British Government. I am the only servant of the
Company within reach. Do you realize that?"

"Yes, sahib."

"I have no orders which entitle me to deal with any crisis such as this.
But, when my orders were given me, no such crisis was contemplated.
Therefore, on behalf of the Company, I assume full authority until such
time as some one senior to me turns up to relieve me. Is all that clear
to you?"

"Yes, sahib."

Mahommed Gunga went t