But he was not so late as Ralston, who replied by keeping him waiting for an hour.

When Ralston entered the room he saw that Futteh Ali Shah had dressed himself for the occasion.

His tall high-shouldered frame was buttoned up in a grey frock coat, grey trousers clothed his legs, and he wore patent-leather shoes upon his feet.
"I hope you have not been waiting very long.

They should have told me you were here," said Ralston, and though he spoke politely, there was just a suggestion that it was not really of importance whether Futteh Ali Shah was kept waiting or not.
"I have brought you here that together we may put an end to your dispute with Rahat Mian," said Ralston, and, taking no notice of the exclamation of surprise which broke from the Pathan's lips, he rang the bell and ordered Rahat Mian to be shown in.
"Now let us see if we cannot come to an understanding," said Ralston, and he seated himself between the two antagonists.
But though they talked for an hour, they came no nearer to a settlement.
Futteh Ali Shah was obdurate; Rahat Mian's temper and pride rose in their turn.

At the sight of each other the old grievance became fresh as a thing of yesterday in both their minds.