But a man's sandals
well strapped on are removed but after he is dead."
"Bismillah!" The Pindari had the paper spread flat upon the black
table and saw the seal of the British Raj. He seemed to ponder over
the document as if the writing were not within his interpretation.
Then he said: "We men of the sword have not given much thought to the
pen, employing scribblers for that purpose, but to-morrow a _mullah_
will make this all plain."
Barlow interrupted the Chief. "Shall I read the written word?"
"What would it avail? Hereon is the seal of the _Englay_ Raj, but as
you read the thumb of the Raj would not be upon your lip in the way of
a seal. The _mullah_ will interpret this to me. Is it of an
alliance?" he asked suddenly.
"It is, Chief."
The Pindari laughed: "Holker would give me a camel-load of gold rupees
for this and thy head: Sindhia might add a province for the same."
"True, Chief. And has Amir Khan heard a whisper of reward and a dress
of honour from Sindhia's Dewan for his head?"
"Afghan, there is always a reward for the head of Amir Khan; but a gift
is of little value to a man who has lost his life in the trying.
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