He was grumbling still about the honor of a Rangar, when Alwa called a halt in the shelter of a deserted side street in order to question Ali Partab further.
Ali Partab protested that he did not know what to say or think about the missionaries.

He explained his orders and vowed that his honor held him there in Howrah until Miss McClean should consent to come away.

He did not mention the father; he was a mere side issue--it was Alwa who asked after him.
"A tick on the belly of an ox rides with the ox," said Ali Partab.
"Lead on, then, to the mission house," commanded Alwa, and the ten-man troop proceeded to obey.

They had reached the main street again, and were wheeling into it, when Joanna sprang from gutter darkness and intercepted them.

She was all but ridden down before Ali Partab recognized her.
"The mohurs, sahib!" she demanded.