I cannot speak against the Maharajah, burra sahib.' There came a light into the Colonel's eyes which was not kindled by anger.

He found himself liking this slip of a ragged urchin with fair hair, who defied him--liking him tremendously.

But the crisis was grave; he could not sacrifice his men to a child's scruple; he could not let himself be defied.

He took out his watch, and made his face hard.
'Then,' said he coldly, 'you are either the Maharajah's deserter or his spy.

If you have deserted, I am disposed to send you back to him, since you are of no use to us.