human
I trust my honoured guests have been fittingly attended to? he asked, as he subsided on his heels at a respectful distance from the old Khan, joining his hands after the most deferential and most elegant of Persian customs.
gpt
I trust the repast was served hot. My lords must excuse my absence, and my being taken unawares. Had I expected the honour of their company, then, indeed, Zoolficar's skill should have been put forth.
human
The kabobs and kichéri were excellent, Meerza Sahib, replied Afzool Khan, politely.
gpt
I was to have had the same at my own house; and there were other dishes, too. Verily, your cook must be a treasure; there is not such another in the city.
human
My lord, a poor slave, who followed me from my own dear country, and has remained here with me. Yes, he has a pretty skill in the art, and ... but you have yet to know what he can do.... If I might send him one day----
gpt
Shookr, shookr! (thanks), Meerza Sahib. Yes, we will see about it. Inshalla! inshalla! replied the Khan, cheerily,
human
After all, there was nothing in the murder matter that you need care about, Meah Sahib, he continued blandly, to Fazil Khan.
gpt
Pardon me if I was rude this morning, but when we are at business, you know, there can be no distinction of persons.
human
None, said Fazil, gravely;
gpt
O, only a Kafir Hindu; some son of a burnt father, who is gone to burn with him, laughed the Kótwal.
human
I don't know; the body is not yet claimed. By the way, Meah, it was strange enough that you should have been just in time to save that Lalla.
gpt
Ah, yes; what has become of him? asked Fazil innocently.
human
You promised he should be seen to.
gpt
And I have done as I promised, Meah. Habeeb has dressed the wound, which is but a scratch, and the man has eaten heartily; perhaps he was not much hurt, after all.
human
Perhaps not, said Fazil, significantly,
gpt
Yes, returned the Kótwal, musingly,
human
To meet Pahar Singh? I should hardly say it was likely,
gpt
Nay, more, that the Asylum of the Faith--the King himself--was there also. At least--at least----
human
A good joke, Meerza Sahib; perhaps they say I was with him!
gpt
Well, returned the Kótwal, wagging his head,
human
Yes, continued the Kótwal,
gpt
I have before said that Bulwunt Rao was my companion, not the King; and the rest you know of,
human
Not all, Meah; but we are out of court now, and I am quite sure of my young friend's good faith to let me know anything that concerns the state interests, the King, or the Wuzeer; and so, Meah Sahib, if we could examine those papers together----
gpt
Ah, yes! the papers, Meerza, you would not understand them--they were Mahratta.
human
But we could find a Karkoon to read them, and you are known to speak that language, Meah?
gpt
True, Meerza Sahib, I do; but the papers are not here----
human
Not here, sir! cried Jehándar Beg, with an ominous scowl passing over his face, at which Afzool Khan involuntarily allowed his hand to steal to his sword hilt, as it lay on the ground.
gpt
Not here?
human
Not here,
gpt
But they were here when you came this morning?
human
Certainly they were; and one of our people took them home for me.
gpt
Yet you promised they should be forthcoming whenever I required them? Beware, Fazil Khan, how you entangle yourself in this matter,
human
I do not think I made any promise, Meerza Sahib, replied Fazil;
gpt
By Alla! exclaimed the Kótwal;