Futteh Ali Shah, however, could not refuse.

Regretfully he signalled to his own groom who stood apart in charge of a fine dark bay stallion from the Kirghiz Steppes.

The two men walked out from the garden and down the road towards Peshawur city, with their horses following behind them.
"We will go this way," said Ralston, and he turned to the left and walked along a mud-walled lane between rich orchards heavy with fruit.

For a mile they thus walked, and then Futteh Ali Shah stopped and said: "I am very anxious to have your Excellency's opinion of my horse.

I am very proud of it." "Later on," said Ralston, carelessly.