Go and summon the officers from below and we will decide upon
this."
Soon a dozen officers were in the room, and the sowars were sent away.
Then Kassim explained the situation saying: "A confession brought forth
by torture is often but a lie, the concoction of a mind crazed with
pain. If this dog, who has more courage than feeling, sees the chance
of his life he will tell us the truth."
But they expostulated; saying that if they let him go free it would be
a blot upon their name.
"The necessity is great," Kassim declared, "and this I am convinced is
the only way. We may leave his punishment to Allah, for Allah is
great. He will not let live one so vile."
Finally the others agreed with Kassim who said that he would take the
full onus upon himself for not slaying the murderer, that if there were
blame let it be upon his head. Then he spoke to Hunsa: "This has been
decided upon, dog, that if thou confess, reveal to us information that
is of value to our people, the torture shall cease, and no man's head
in the whole Pindari camp shall be raised against thee either to wound
or take thy life.
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