I am angry because the standard of rebellion is
raised, and because of what it means to me!"
"Are you drunk, Juggut Khan?"
"Your honor is pleased to be humorous? No, I am not drunk. Nor have
I eaten opium. I have eaten of the bread of bitterness this day,
and drunk of the cup of gall. I have seen British officers--good,
brave fools, some of whom I knew and loved--killed by the men they
were supposed to lead. I have seen a barracks burning, and a city
given over to be looted. I have seen white women--nay, sahib, steady!--
I have seen them run before a howling mob, and I have seen certain
of them shot by their own husbands!"
"Quietly!" ordered Brown. "Don't let the men hear!"
"One of them I slew myself, because her husband, who was wounded,
sent me to her and bade me kill her. She died bravely. And certain
others I have hidden where the mutineers are not likely to discover
them at present. I ride now for succor--or, I rode, rather, until
your expert marksman interfered with me! I now need another horse."
"You mean that the native troops have mutinied?" "I mean rather more
than that, sahib.
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