Grim satisfied him on that point.

Narayan Singh should clean the rifles.
But that started him off on a new trail.

He tried to see how much more he could impose on the Sikh, and suggested such matters as pitching tents, cooking, gathering firewood, cleaning pots and pans, leading the pack-camels, and a host of other necessary evils.
"I shall issue all needful orders to each man," Grim told him bluntly at last.
"And what is to be done to Ali Higg ?" "That remains to be seen." "He is a devil with a cold face." "So I'm told." "He has more than a hundred armed men." "I heard twice that number." "And we shall be twenty ?" "Twenty." "Oh, well, Allah makes all things easy!" But that was not the last word.

There was still a custom of the country to be met and overcome.
"Are the camels watered ?" Grim asked.
"Surely." "Packs all ready ?" "All tied up-everything." "You're all ready to start, then ?" _"Inshallah bukra."_ * [* Tomorrow, if God is willing.] "Tomorrow won't help me," said Grim.

"We start tonight, at sundown.