They had thought that it was to be
a decoity of treasure, perhaps of British treasure, and in their
proficient hands such an affair did not run into much danger generally.
The jamadars drew to one side and discussed the matter; then Ajeet
said: "Dewan Sahib, what is asked of us should have been in the written
message to our Raja. We be decoits, that is true, it is our
profession, but the mission that is spoken of is not thus. Hunsa has
ridden with Amir Khan upon a foray into Hyderabad, and he knows that
the Chief is always well guarded, and that to try for his head in the
midst of his troops would be like the folly of children."
The Dewan's fat neck swelled with indignation; his big ox-like eyes
bulged from their holding in anger:
"Phut-t-t!" he spat in derision. "Bagrees!" he sneered; "descendants
of Rajputs--bah! Have you brought women with you that will lead this
force? And danger!" he snarled--he turned on Sookdee: "You are
Sookdee, son of Bhart, so it was signed."
"Yes, Dewan, it is true."
"_You_ are the son of your mother, not Bhart," the Dewan raved; "he was
a brave man, but _you_ speak of danger--bah!"
The Dewan's teeth, stained red at the edges from the chewing of _pan_,
showed in a sneering grin like a hyena's as he added: "Bah! Ye are but
thieves who steal from those who are helpless.
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