Then you shall leave this camp within a week." That, sahib, was like a shell bursting in the midst of men asleep.
What did it mean?
Eyes glanced to left and right, looking for understanding and finding none, and no man spoke because none could think of anything to say.

It was on my tongue to ask him to explain when he gave us his final word on the matter--and little enough it was, yet sufficient if we obeyed.
"Remember the oath of a Sikh!" said he.

"Remember that he who is true in his heart to his oath has Truth to fight for him! Treachery begets treason, treason begets confusion; and who are ye to stay the course of things?
Faith begets faith; courage gives birth to opportunity!" He paused, but we knew he had not finished yet, and he kept us waiting full three minutes wondering what would come.

Then: "As for your doubts," said he.

"If the head aches, shall the body cut it off that it may think more clearly?
Consider that!" said he.
"Dismiss!" We fell out and he marched away like a king with thoughts of state in mind.