United States or São Tomé and Príncipe ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
"If the sahib is to be there I am not afraid." "Good. You can go aft. We shall tell you later what is to be done. And remember, on this boat I am no sahib. I am a khalasi from Gujarat." "I shall remember sahib." Desmond told the serang that the help of the man was assured, and discussed with him the enterprise upon which he was bent.
Hubbo was silent for a moment, then he said: "Have I the huzur's leave to speak?" "There is a mistri on board the serang's boat who is used to working in ships a khalasi from Gujarat. He might do something on board your Excellency's ship. If this vessel sank, according to the plan, the Firangi would not be able to get aboard the others, and they would have time to sink slowly."
"Hold, khalasi!" panted the khansaman; "I will do what you wish. Believe me, you are the first khalasi from Gujarat I have seen " "Or you would not have delayed so long. Quick, man!" With a downcast air the man set off. The sun was getting high; being fat and soft, the khansaman was soon in distress. But Desmond allowed him no respite. In about two hours they arrived at the house he had mentioned.
Desmond, who had been squatting in the oriental manner an accomplishment he had learned with some pains at Gheria rose to leave. The khansaman's florid cheeks again put on a sickly hue, and when the seeming lascar had gone a few paces he called him back. "Ahi, excellent khalasi. I think I remember I am almost sure I can discover where the two bibis are concealed."
"No doubt; but so enraged is the khalasi I speak of that unless I can explain to him fully he will not heed me. Never shall I dissuade him from his purpose." "It is the will of Allah!" said the khansaman resignedly. "I will tell you. It was not Sinfray Sahib at all. He was at the Nawab's court at Murshidabad. He had lent his house to a friend while he was absent.
But I marvel at this, khansaman: that on one day, this day of my speaking to you, I should meet the sahib's most trusty servant, as I doubt not you are, and also the man who has sworn revenge upon the owner of this house ay, and on all the household." He was thoroughly interested, but as yet unconcerned. "What do you mean, khalasi?"
The khansaman, beaming in acknowledgment of the implied compliment to his own importance, replied: "To Sinfray Sahib, worthy khalasi." "The great Sinfray Sahib of Chandernagore? Surely that is a strange thing!" "Strange! What is strange? That Sinfray Sahib should own so fine a house? You should see his other house in Chandernagore: then indeed you might lift your eyes in wonder."
He was quick witted, and had not been long on board before he felt that the khalasi was not quite what he appeared to be. His suspicion was strengthened by the deference, slight but unmistakable, paid by the serang to the lascar; for though Desmond had warned Hossain to be on his guard, the man had been unable to preserve thoroughly the attitude of a superior to an inferior.
Word Of The Day