He had a message for the Chief from the god Bhyroo who galloped at
night on a black horse, and the message had to do with the decoits, for
if they were successful they could make offering to the priests at the
temple of Bhowanee, for in her service decoity was an honourable
occupation and of great antiquity.
Hunsa and Sookdee had come to sit on their heels, and as they listened
they knew that the wily old Dewan had sent the _yogi_ so that it could
not be said that he, the Minister, had told them this thing.
A rich jewel merchant of Delhi was then at Poona on his way to the
Nizam's court. He had a wealth of jewels--pearls the size of a bird's
egg, emeralds the size of a betel nut, and diamonds that were like
stars. This was true for the merchant had paid the duty as he passed
the border into Mahrattaland.
Ajeet gave the yogi two rupees for food, though, viewing the animated
skeleton, it seemed a touch of irony.
Then the jamadars considered the message so deeply wrapped in
mysticism. Hunsa unhesitatingly declared that the yogi was a messenger
from the Dewan, and if they did not take advantage of it they would
perhaps have to fare forth on lean stomachs and in disgrace--perhaps
would be beaten by the Mahratta sepoys--undoubtedly they would.
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