human
I am no brawler, Meerza Sahib, he exclaimed, in reply.
gpt
Astagh-fur-oolla!--nor drunkard either. Peace, father! sit quiet; let me answer for myself--I am not afraid, he added, as the Khan attempted to rise, and was evidently provoked beyond endurance.
human
Ask the Duffadar who accompanied me, and the man in whose house it happened, whether I am to blame. Their statements will suffice.
gpt
There are two matters to answer for, Meah Sahib, said the Kótwal.
human
Were you not in the dress of a Gosai last night, and another with you? Nay; no denial!
gpt
I have nothing to deny, Meerza Sahib, returned Fazil.
human
My father knew of it, and I went by his permission.
gpt
Good. Now, Peer Sahib, what happened to you?
human
My lord, it was just before midnight, he replied,
gpt
He was murdered, then, thought Fazil;
human
And the man who was brought in, what of him?
gpt
He moaned and groaned, my lord, worse than a woman; said he had been robbed at the temple; spoke of Pahar Singh who had wounded him, Maun Singh who had throttled him, then of the Shah's secretary--may his name be honoured!--and some ten thousand rupees. In short, noble sir, we could make nothing of the matter, for he began to weep if we spoke to him, and told us to take him to the King without delay. So we brought him here, and must speak for himself. It appeared to me like the dream of some opium-smoker, continued the speaker to those about him;
human
Shouldst thou know the men who brought him?
gpt
Well, my lord, I can't say for certain, replied the officer,
human
I was the other, Meerza Sahib,
gpt
I thought as much, said the Kótwal, drily.
human
Were they armed, Peer Sahib?
gpt
Yes, to be sure, my lord, he replied;
human
Where are the weapons?
gpt
Here, my lord, replied the other Duffadar, who now interposed,
human
Yes, there is blood on the blade, and here are cuts, fresh ones, on the shield, said Jehándar Beg, examining Fazil's weapons.
gpt
How, young sir, do you account for these?
human
I will reserve what I have to say; it is no use speaking now,
gpt
Bring in the wounded man, cried the Kótwal; and the bed on which our poor friend the Lalla lay, was carried in and set down;
human
Get up, good man, said an attendant Mutsuddee;
gpt
Ah, protect me, befriend me. I have been robbed and murdered.... I cannot get up.... I am a poor man and a stranger. Look at my blood,
human
Who did it? and who art thou? cried the Kótwal.
gpt
Where hast thou come from?