From the top, you will be able
to see us as we emerge, and can cover our retreat, and follow."
"That sounds like a roundabout sort of plan to me!" said Brown.
"Why not go straight in by the lower route, and gather up the women,
and carry 'em out, and make a bolt for it?"
"Because, sahib, we will be at the fakir's mercy."
"Nonsense! He's at our mercy."
"Think, sahib! There, he will be in his own bat's nest, so to speak.
These fakirs are the only men who know the windings of all the secret
passages. They are the rats of religion and intrigue. At any step
he might lead us into an ambush, and we might be overwhelmed before
we knew that we were attacked. If we go the other way, though, I
can lead the way myself, and we need only take the fakir to show us
how to open the door."
"Very well," said Brown. "Let's get a move on, though! I'm beginning
to think that you're a better talker than a fighter, Juggut Khan!"
"Yes, sahib? I trust there will be no fighting!" But the Rajput
smiled as he said it, and thought of a certain lance-shaft which
had been broken in the streets of Jailpore.
Pages:
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138