"The pluck of your action, in getting Colonel Houghton off and staying yourself, appealed strongly to the Afridis; and caused their chief to decide to retain you as a hostage, instead of killing you at once.

I do not suppose that he really thought that he would gain much, by saving you; for he must have known that we are in a hurry to get down through the passes, and must consider it very doubtful whether we should ever return.

Still, no doubt he would have detained you and, in the spring, sent down to say that you were in his hands; and in that way would have endeavoured to make terms for your release.

But your assistance when he was attacked, and your readiness to take part with his people, entirely changed his attitude towards you.
"However, I don't suppose he will lose by it.

The general is sure to send back a handsome present to him, for his conduct towards you.
"Have you seen Houghton yet ?" "Yes, sir; I have been with him for the past hour.