human
Didst thou know that lad, Pahar Singh--that Gosai? asked his companion.
gpt
Methinks he was more than he seemed. I know most of that old robber Amrut Geer's cheylas, too, but not him; he may be a new one perhaps. Only I wish I had not seen him; there was an evil eye in his head;
human
What dost thou care about evil eyes, Maun Singh? replied the Jogi, laughing.
gpt
I know not the man, and why should he trouble thee, brother? Depend upon it he was no more than he seemed, else why should he have named Amrut Geer of Tooljapoor? Why art thou thus suspicious?
human
Nay, it does not signify, only one does not like to be intruded upon, that's all. I had as well shut the door of the temple, brother.
gpt
Do not bolt it, cried the Jogi;
human
Pahar Singh! whispered Bulwunt to the young Khan;
gpt
Hush! said Fazil;
human
Where did you get those papers, O Toolsee Das? asked Pahar Singh of the man who had been lying down.
gpt
What, hast thou been asleep? Tell me again, lest I make a mistake.
human
Not I, please your Highness, replied the person addressed, raising himself upon his arm;
gpt
Ha, ha, ha! laughed Pahar Singh;
human
My lord, replied the Lalla, sitting up;
gpt
True, Lalla, said Pahar Singh, interrupting him;
human
When the honour of great houses is at stake we Mutsuddees have to be proportionably careful, returned the Lalla pompously;
gpt
You mean you stole them, Lalla? Out with the truth, good fellow.
human
Well, sir, if you don't like my words. Yes, I stole them, and it was a blessed chance which has enabled me to turn them to such good account, said the Lalla, smiling blandly.
gpt
Excellent indeed, my lord; and I, continued the Lalla, rubbing his hands,
human
Ha! ha! ha! responded Pahar Singh, interrupting him with a coarse laugh.
gpt
We shall see. No blood in that robbery, Maun Singh. Ours are seldom so neatly done, I think; but the Lalla is a master of his craft. Well, and if they are genuine, you will have a rich reward. O, much money; gold perhaps, who knows? and half is mine for not cutting that lying coward throat of yours, or hanging you like a dog, Lallajee.
human
Noble prince, I have not forgotten the agreement, nor my lord's hospitality,
gpt
Ah, that is well, returned Pahar Singh grimly.
human
One should not forget obligations, and they are only five days old. By your child's head, Maun Singh, he had a narrow escape, only for the boy and thee. Ah, it was rare fun. A coward--a peculiar coward! He did not think he should live, and he told us of the papers; only for that, they would have gone into the river with his carcase. Ah, yes; it was well done. What if they are false, O Lalla, and we have been brought so far in vain! O man, think of that.
gpt
Yes, think of that, Lallajee, returned Maun Singh, turning himself lazily round to speak.
human
There are few like thee who are made guests of, and fed instead of becoming food. Ha, ha, ha! art thou not afraid?
gpt
My lords, I can say no more. I have told you all I can, and the rest is in their hands who come,