Since they are not on my side, they must be for Howrah.

How much does he pay?
I might offer more." "I know not," said Ali Partab, perfectly ready to admit anything that was not true.
"It is true, then, that Howrah has designs on the missionary's daughter?
Alwa is to keep her prisoner until the great blow is struck, and Howrah dare take possession of her ?" "That is not my business," answered Ali Partab, with the air of a man who knew all of the secret details but would not admit it.

Jaimihr began to think that he had lit at random on the answer to the riddle.
"Where is Mahommed Gunga ?" "I know not." "At Alwa's place ?" "Am I God that I should know where any man is whom I cannot see ?" "Oh! So he is at Alwa's, eh ?" That overdose of opium had rendered Jaimihr's brain very dull indeed; he considered himself clever, and overlooked the fact that Ali Partab would be almost surely lying to him.
In India men never tell the truth to chance-met strangers or to their enemies; the truth is a valuable thing, to be shared cautiously among friends.
"If Mahommed Gunga is at Alwa's," reasoned Jaimihr, "then he is much too close at hand to take any chances with.

I must keep this man close confined." He raised his voice in a high-pitched command, and the guards opened the door instantly; at a sign from the Prince they seized Ali Partab by the wrists.
"I will send a message to Mahommed Gunga for thee," said Jaimihr.

"On his answer will depend your release or otherwise." He nodded.