human
Salaam, Amir Khan, and may the Peace of Allah be upon thy spirit.
gpt
Now, brothers, Kassim said, when the curtain entrance had ceased to be thrust to one side,
human
This is the message of brotherhood from the English Raj. Are ye all agreed that it is acceptable to our people?
gpt
In the name of Allah we are,
human
And are ye agreed that it shall be said to the Captain Sahib, who is envoy from the Englay, that we ride in peace to his people, or ride not at all in war?
gpt
Allah! it is agreed,
human
Captain Sahib, thou hast heard. The word of a Pindari, taken in the name of Allah, is inviolate. That is our answer to the message from the Englay Chief. There is no writing to be given, for a Pindari deals in yea and nay. Is it to be considered. Captain Sahib; is it a message to send that is worthy of men to men?
gpt
It is, Commander Kassim,
human
Then wait thou for the seal.
gpt
We Pindaris and Bundoolas who rode for Amir Khan, and now ride for Kassim, swear in the name of Allah, and on the Beard of Mahomet, who is his Prophet, friendship to the Englay Raj.
human
By Allah and the Beard of Mahomet, who is his Prophet, we make oath!
gpt
It is all, Kassim said quietly.
human
I would make speech for a little with the Captain.
gpt
Go thou back, Sahib, to the one who is to receive our answer, and let our promise be sent to the one who commands the Englay army and is even now at Tonk, in Mewar, for the purpose of putting the Mahrattas to the sword. Tell the Sahib to strike and drive the accursed dogs from Mewar, and have no fear that the Pindaris will fall upon his flank. Even also our tulwars and our spears are ready for service so be it there is a reward in lands and gold.
human
Captain Sahib, it is of an affair of feeling I would speak now. It relates to the woman who has done us all a service, which but shows what a perception Amir Khan had; a glance and he knew a man for what he was. Therein was his power over the Pindaris. And it seems, which is rarer, that he knew what was in the heart of a woman, for the Gulab is one to rouse in a man desire. And I, myself, years of hard riding and combat having taken me out of my colt-days, wondered why the Chief, being busy otherwise, and a man of short temper, should entail labour in the way of claiming her regard. I may say, Sahib, that a Pindari seizes upon what he wants and backs the claiming with his sword. But now it is all explained--the wise gentleness that really was in the heart of one so fierce as the Chief--Allah rest his soul! What say thou, Captain Sahib?
gpt
Bootea is wonderful, Barlow answered fervidly;