Then he and the Risaldar drew rein.
There were twenty who raced toward them, but no Alwa.
"It is as I thought!" declared Mahommed Gunga.

"It is war, sahib! He has summoned men from his estates.

As a rule, he can afford but ten men for that fort of his, and he would not send all his men to meet us--he has a garrison up yonder!" Like blown dust-devils the twenty raced to them, and drew up thundering within a lance-length.

A sword-armed Rangar with a little gold lace on his sleeve laughed loud as he saluted, greeting Mahommed Gunga first.
The Risaldar accepted his salute with iron dignity.
"Forgive him, sahib!" he whispered to Cunningham.

"The jungli knows no better! He will learn whom to salute first when Alwa has said his say!" But Cunningham was in no mood just then to stand on military ceremony or right of precedence.