Of course it was too late; the others, at the first alarm, had slipped
away.
When the confession was finished Kassim commanded the _Mullah_ to rub
his cube of India ink over the thumb of the decoit and the mark was
imprinted on the paper. Then he was taken to one of the cave cells cut
out of the solid rock beneath the palace, and imprisoned for the night.
"Come, Jamadars," Kassim said--and his voice that had been so coarse
and rough now broke, and sobs floated the words scarce articulate--"and
reverently let us lay Amir Khan upon his bed. Then, though there be no
call of the _muezzin_, we will kneel here; even without our prayer
carpets, and pray to Allah for the repose of the soul of a true
Musselman and a great warrior. May his rest be one of peace!"
He passed his hand lovingly over the face of the Chief and down his
beard, and his strong fearless eyes were wet.
Then Amir Khan was lifted by the Jamadars and carried to a bed in the
room that adjoined the _surya mahal_.
When they had risen from their silent prayer, Kassim said: "Go ye to
your tents.
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