Part 27 (2/2)
”What is thy desire?” the ht ask what a la Yas did not doubt she would be glad to have hiained access to her, nobody could reasonably charge her with his safety If he had been done to death in the Khyber, the sirkar would have known it in a ht never know it
”Answer!” said the mullah ”What is thy desire?”
”Audience with her!” he answered, and showed the gold bracelet on his wrist
The red eye-rih he did not salute the bracelet, as others had invariably done, his e
”That is proof that she knows thee What is thy name”
”Kurram Khan”
”And thy business?”
”Hakim”
”We need thee in Khinjan Caves! But none enter who have not earned right to enter! There is but one key Na drew in his breath He had hoped Yash The nails his left hand nearly pierced the palm, but he smiled pleasantly
”He ould enter must slay a man before witnesses in the teeth of written law!” he said
”And thou?”
”I slew an Englishman!” The boast made his blood run cold, but his expression was one of sinful pride
”Who-a British arrficer-sent on his way to these 'Hills' to spy!”
It was like having spells cast on himself to order!
”Where is his body?”
”Ask the vultures! Ask the kites!”
”And thy witnesses?”
Hoping against hope, King turned and waved his hand As he did so, being quick-eyed, he saw Isht a quick interchange of whispers
”These ht to enter here They have right to testify Did ye see him slay his man?”
”Aye!” lied Ismail, prompt as friend can be