"No! They are my terms! I name them! You must spare them--spare the Rangars--spare every man on this hill, and theirs, and all they have!" "Truly are those thy terms, sahiba ?" "Truly! What others can I ask ?" "They are granted, sahiba!" "Oh, thank God!" She knew that he was speaking at least half the truth.

She knew his power.

She knew enough of Howrah City's politics to be convinced that he would not be left at the mercy of a little band of Rangars.

She knew that there were not enough Rangars on the whole countryside to oppose the army that would surely come to his rescue.

And whether he were dead or living, she knew well enough that the vengeance would be wreaked on every living body on the hill.