Part 30 (1/2)

The Germans, who were cl.u.s.tered all about their chief, kept straight faces, but their eyes popped round and their mouths grew stiff with the effort to suppress emotion.

”This, Your Highness, is the last new invention,” said the German chief.

”Then my engineers shall look at it,” said the amir, ”for we wish to keep abreast of the inventions. As you remarked just now, we are a little shut off from the world. We must not let slip such opportunities for education.” And then and there he made his engineers go forward to inspect everything, he scarce concealing his merriment; and the Germans stood aside, looking like thieves caught in the act while the workings were disclosed of such a wireless apparatus as might serve to teach beginners.

”It might serve perhaps between one village and the next, while the batteries persisted,” they said, reporting to the amir presently. The amir laughed, but I thought he looked puzzled-perplexed, rather than displeased. He turned to Ranjoor Singh:

”And you are a liar, too?” he asked.

”Nay, Your Royal Highness, I speak truth,” said Ranjoor Singh, saluting him in military manner.

”Then what do you wish?” asked the amir. ”Do you wish to be interned, seeing this is neutral soil on which you trespa.s.s?”

”Nay, Your Royal Highness,” answered Ranjoor Singh, with a curt laugh, ”we have had enough of prison camps.”

”Then what shall be done with you?” the amir asked. ”Here are men from both sides, and how shall I be neutral?”

The German chief stepped forward and saluted.

”Your Royal Highness, we desire to be interned,” he said. But the amir glowered savagely.

”Peace!” said he. ”I asked you nothing, one string of lies was enough! I asked thee a question,” he said, turning again to Ranjoor Singh.