The Dewan was angry and would not give
us food or pay. Through Hunsa the Dewan sent word that we must obtain
our living in the way of our profession, which is decoity."
"I wonder," Barlow queried.
But Hodson, nodding his head said: "Quite possible; and also quite
probable that the dear avaricious Dewan would claim a share of the loot
if it were of value, jewels especially." He addressed Ajeet, "I have
nothing to do with this; I am not Sindhia."
"True, Sahib Bahadur, but a decoity was made upon a merchant on the
road and he and his men were killed, but also two English _sowars_ were
slain."
"By heavens!" The cool, trained, bloodless machine, that was a British
Resident at a court of intrigue, was startled out of his composure; his
eyes flashed to those of Barlow.
But the Captain, knowing all this beforehand, had an advantage, and he
showed no sign of trepidation.
Then the thin drawn face of the Resident was flattened out by control,
and he commanded the decoit to talk on.
"I tried to save the two sepoys, and one was a sergeant, but I was
stricken down with a wound and it was in the way of treachery.
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