Go back to them," I directed, "and let them all come and speak with me at dawn." "Is my word not enough ?" said he.
"Was Ranjoor Singh's enough ?" said I, and he went, muttering to himself.
I slept until dawn--the first night I had slept in three--and before breakfast they all clustered about me, urging me to be the one to keep close watch on Ranjoor Singh.
"God forbid that I should be stool pigeon!" said I."Nay, God forbid! Ranjoor Singh need but give an order that ye have no liking for and ye will shoot me in the back for it!" They were very earnest in their protestations, urging me more and more; but the more they urged the more I hung back, and we ate before I gave them any answer.

"This is a plot," said I, "to get me in trouble.

What did I ever do that ye should combine against me ?" "Nay!" said they.

"By our Sikh oath, we be true men and your friends.

Why do you doubt us ?" Then said I at last, as it were reluctantly, "If ye demand it--if ye insist--I will be the go-between.