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There we will make great show of ferocity and bravery, so that they will send us to the foremost trenches. It should be easy to steal across by night to the British trenches, dragging Ranjoor Singh with us, and when we are among friends again let him give what account of himself he may! What new shame is this, to tell the Germans we will make trouble because we have a little money at last!
Nevertheless, I said nothing, having learned it is not wise to draw too swift conclusions when Ranjoor Singh directs the strategy. But the German evidently thought so, too, for his eyes looked startled, and I took comfort from that. "I understand you wish to reach Afghanistan?" asked Ranjoor Singh. "That is our eventual destination," said the German. "Very well," said Ranjoor Singh.
"If you are neutral, ride on then!" he laughed. I saw his eye teeth. It was a mean laugh. "What are you doing here?" asked Ranjoor Singh. "Minding my business," said the German pointedly. "Then I will mind mine and investigate," said Ranjoor Singh, and he turned to me as if to give an order, at which the German changed his tactics in a hurry. "My business is simple," said the German.
D Squadron rode behind Ranjoor Singh like a storm in the night swung into line beside the other squadrons and spurred forward as in a dream. There was no shouting; no war-cry. We rode into the Germans as I have seen wind cut into a forest in the hills downward into them, for once we had leapt the trench the ground sloped their way.
I thought it a foolish answer, given by a fool, but the men were in the mood to relish it and began to laugh exceedingly. "Shall I take that answer?" said I, and they answered "Yes!" redoubling their emphasis when I objected. "The Germans do Ranjoor Singh's thinking for him these days," said one man; "take that answer and let us see what the Germans have to say to it through his mouth!"
We'll send a man down this morning to take charge of whatever any of you want kept, and you'd better tell him to sell the rest and pay the money to your bankers; he'll be a responsible officer. That's all. Good-by, Kirby, and good luck!" The general held out his hand. "One more minute, sir," said Kirby. "About Ranjoor Singh!" "What about him?" "Well, sir what about him?" "What have you heard?"
It was expressly mentioned, I remember, that we made this petition of our own initiative and of our own free will, no pressure having been brought to bear on us, and nothing but kindness having been offered us since we were taken prisoners. "That is what we are all required to sign," said Ranjoor Singh, when he had finished reading, and he licked his lips in a manner I had never seen before.
Risaldar-Major Ranjoor Singh, who is legal owner of ring, same being his property, gave it into my hand." "When?" Both men demanded to know that in one voice. "Sahibs, having no means of telling time, how can I guess?" "How long ago? About how long ago?" "Being elderly person of advancing years and much, adipose tissue, I am not able to observe more than one thing at a time.
He was told to come here and meet them; and these were sent for from the caravanserais. Is it not so?" "Art thou thyself for the Raj?" asked Yasmini. "I lead a squadron of Sikh cavalry," said Ranjoor Singh, "and you ask me am I for the Raj?" "The buffalo that carries water for the office lawn is for the Raj!" said Yasmini. "Then he and I are brothers." "And he, yonder what of him?"
There's been foul play, Warrington. I happen to know that Ranjoor Singh has been suspected in a certain quarter. Incidentally, I staked my own reputation on his honesty this afternoon. And besides, we can't afford to lose a wing commander such as he is on the eve of the real thing. We've got to find him!"
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