He says that his word is given!" "Does he mean that he would like me and the missionaries to leave his home at once--do we embarrass him ?" Again Mahommed Gunga--this time with a grin--saw fit to ask before he answered.
"He says, 'God forbid,' sahib; 'a guest is guest!'" Cunningham reflected for a moment, then leaned forward.
"Tell him this!" he said slowly.

"I am glad to be his guest, but, if this story of rebellion is true--" "It is true, sahib! More than true! There is much more to be told!" "Then, I can only accept his hospitality as the representative of my government! I stay here officially, or not at all.

It is for him to answer!" "Now, Allah be praised!" swore Mahommed Gunga.

"I knew we had a man! That is well said, sahib!" "The son of Cunnigan-bahadur is welcome here on any terms at all!" growled Alwa when Mahommed Gunga had translated.

"All the rebels in all India, all trying at once, would fail to take this fort of mine, had I a larger garrison.