I suppose you
have horses? But I would rather die than think that a man was put
to the torture to save me! Life isn't worth that price!"
She spoke rapidly, urging him with every argument she knew; but
the grim old Mohammedan shook his head.
"Better die here," he answered her, "than on the road! No, memsahib.
With thirteen blades behind me, I could reach Jundhra, or at least
make a bold attempt; but single-handed, and with you to guard, the
feat is impossible. This dog of a Hindu here knows of some hiding-place.
Let him speak!"
His hand went to his sword again, arid his eyes flashed.
"Listen, heavenborn! I am no torturer of priests by trade! It is
not my life that I would save!"
"I know that, Mahommed Khan! I respect your motive. It's the method
that I can't tolerate."
The Risaldar drew his arm away from her and began to pace the room.
The High Priest instantly began to speak to Ruth, whispering to her
hurriedly in Hindustanee, but she was too little acquainted with
the language to understand him.
"And I," said the Risaldar's half-brother suddenly, "am I of no
further use?"
"I had forgotten thee!" exclaimed the Risaldar.
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