Are ye
all agreed that it is acceptable to our people?"
"In the name of Allah we are," came as a sonorous chorus from one and
all.
"And are ye agreed that it shall be said to the Captain Sahib, who is
envoy from the Englay, that we ride in peace to his people, or ride not
at all in war?"
"Allah! it is agreed," came the response.
He turned to Barlow. "Captain Sahib, thou hast heard. The word of a
Pindari, taken in the name of Allah, is inviolate. That is our answer
to the message from the Englay Chief. There is no writing to be given,
for a Pindari deals in yea and nay. Is it to be considered. Captain
Sahib; is it a message to send that is worthy of men to men?"
"It is, Commander Kassim," Barlow answered.
"Then wait thou for the seal."
He raised his _tulwar_ aloft,--and as he did so the steel of every
jamadar and hazari flashed upward,--saying, "We Pindaris and Bundoolas
who rode for Amir Khan, and now ride for Kassim, swear in the name of
Allah, and on the Beard of Mahomet, who is his Prophet, friendship to
the Englay Raj."
"By Allah and the Beard of Mahomet, who is his Prophet, we make oath!"
the deep voices boomed solemnly.
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