Only a few said yes.

Many preferred to keep their money against contingencies, and some thought the question was a trick and refused to answer it at all.

I returned to Ranjoor Singh and told him what they answered.
"Go and ask them again!" said he.
So I went among them again as they lay on the cots after dinner, and most of them jeered at me for my pains.

I went and found Ranjoor Singh in the officers' mess and told him.
"Ask them once more!" said he.
This third time, being in no mood to endure mockery, I put the question with an air of mystery.

They asked what the hidden meaning might be, but I shook my head and repeated the question with a smile, as if I knew indeed but would not tell.
"Says Ranjoor Singh," said I, "would the men like opportunity to spend their money ?" "No!" said most of them, and Gooja Singh asked how long it well might be before we should see money again.
"Shall I bear him, a third time, such an answer ?" I asked, looking more mysterious than ever.