I spent the next three months in getting up their language, which I can now speak fluently enough for all purposes.
"All this time, a vigilant watch had been kept against another attack and, as soon as the snow began to melt, we returned to the mountains.

There we remained until the passes were open; and then the chief sent me down, with an escort of four, and I arrived here a quarter of an hour before I reported myself.
"I believe that I owe my life, in the first place, to the Afridi's surprise at my sending off Colonel Houghton on my horse." "No wonder he was surprised, Mr.Bullen.It was a splendid action; and in reporting your death, I spoke of it in the warmest terms; and said that, had you returned alive, I should have recommended you for the V.C.
"I shall, of course renew the recommendation, now that you have returned." Turning to Colonel Houghton, he said: "You no doubt wish to have a further chat with Lieutenant Bullen and, as there is no special work here today, pray consider yourself at liberty to take him down to your quarters." "Thank you, sir! I shall certainly be glad to learn further about the affair." "If you please, General," Lisle said, "I have a message to give you, from the chief.

He says that, henceforth, he will be friends with the British; and that if you ever enter his country again, he will do all in his power to aid you.

He hopes that you will allow them to retain their rifles and, as they only amount to some three or four and twenty fighting men, I was tempted to promise him that you would." "You were quite right, Mr.Bullen.I suppose the men who accompanied you are still here ?" "Yes." "Tell them not to go away.

I will myself send a message to their chief." "We will write him a letter, Colonel Houghton, thanking him for his kindness to his prisoner; sending him a permit to retain his arms, and a present which will enable his tribe to increase their flocks and herds." "Thank you very much, sir! I shall myself, of course, send a present of some sort, in return for his kindness." "You talk the Pathan language with facility ?" "Yes, sir.