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He and his troops and the Khan were now closely besieged by Wafadar Nazim. The work of mobilisation was pressed on; a great force was gathered at Nowshera; Brigadier Appleton was appointed to command it. "Luffe will hold out," said official India, trying to be cheerful. Perhaps the only man who distrusted Luffe's ability to hold out was Brigadier Appleton, who had personal reasons for his views.
"Sahib, there is a man who claims that he comes with a message from Wafadar Nazim." "Tell him that we receive no messages at night, as Wafadar Nazim knows well. Let him come in the morning and he shall be admitted. Tell him that if he does not go back at once the sentinels will fire." And Luffe nodded to one of the younger officers. "Do you see to it, Haslewood."
The troops will come up and trample down Wafadar Nazim and Abdulla Mahommed. They are not the danger. The road will go on again, even though Linforth's dead. No, the man whom I am afraid of is the son of the Khan." Dewes stared, and then said in a soothing voice: "He will be looked after." "You think my mind's wandering," continued Luffe. "It never was clearer in my life.
But his soldiers are justly provoked by the violation of treaties by the British, and it is impossible to stay their hands. Therefore, before Abdulla Mahommed joins hands with my master, Wafadar Nazim, before this fort, it will be well for the Colonel Sahib and his troops to be safely out of reach." Luffe was doubtful whether to believe the words or no.
He bowed himself out of the room and stalked through the alleys to the gates. "Wafadar Nazim must be very sure of victory," said Luffe. "He would hardly have given us that unfinished letter had he a fear we should escape him in the end." "He could not read what was written," said Dewes. "But he could fear what was written," replied Luffe.
There was no doubt in Luffe's mind, at all events, as to the boy's destiny. He turned to the Diwan. "Tell Wafadar Nazim that I will open the gates of this fort and march down to British territory after he has made submission," he said. The Diwan smiled in a melancholy way. He had done his best, but the British were, of course, all mad.
There were guards to protect him, but it seems they did not watch well. Huzoor, all have been punished, but punishment will not bring Sahib Linforth to life again. Therefore hear the words of Wafadar Nazim, spoken now for the last time. He himself will escort you and your soldiers and officers to the borders of British territory, so that he may rejoice to know that you are safe.
Haslewood rose and went out from the courtyard with the orderly. He returned in a few minutes, saying that the man had returned to Wafadar Nazim's camp. The six men resumed their meal, and just as they ended it a Pathan glided in white flowing garments into the courtyard and bowed low. "Huzoor," he said, "His Highness the Khan sends you greeting. God has been very good to him.
"Yes, news which his Highness Wafadar Nazim thinks it good for you to know"; and the voice in the darkness rose to insolence. Luffe strained his eyes downwards. He could see nothing. He listened, but he could hear no whispering voices. He hesitated. He was very anxious to hear news of Linforth. "I will let you in," he cried; "but if there be more than one the lives of all shall be the price."
His gesture and his attitude suggested that it was not in the best of taste to raise so unpleasant a question. But he did not reply in words. "You will tell Wafadar Nazim that we will know how to protect his Highness the Khan, and that we will teach Abdulla Mahommed a lesson in that respect before many moons have passed," Luffe said sternly.
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