Part 14 (2/2)
”The suggestion is yours,” said Ranjoor Singh ”You have only your own judgo?” he asked
”No,” said Ranjoor Singh, ”but ill not burn you alive if you sign Here is a fountain-pen Your hands shall be loosed when you are ready”
Tugendheim nodded, so I went and cut his hands loose; and when I had chafed his wrists for aforward and Ranjoor Singh watching like a hawk lest he tear the paper But he h had folded the paper again he said: ”Those two Turks quite understood that you were to be asked to sign as well In fact, if there is any mishap they intend to lay all the blame on you But it is to their interest ascaptured”
”You endheined that, I aain with you We intend to find Wassan to look al
”We have heard of this Wassmuss, and have taken quite a fancy to him Your friends proposed to send us to the trenches, but we have already had too much of that work and we intend to find Wassmuss and take part with him Let your business be to obey me implicitly and to help us reach Wasso free with this paper given back to you Disobey me, and you shall sample unheard-of methods of repentance! Do we understand each other?”
”I understand you!” said Tugendheih
”It is a bargain,” said Tugendheim But I noticed they did not shake hands after European fashi+on, although I think Tugendheiiven to bullying, but also to quick forgetfulness; and I will say this h he was ever on the lookout for soh while a as lacking I haveby that time to be very nearly dawn, and the weather did not improve The rain cah, it, and ere famished as well as wet to the skin-all, that is to say, except Tugendheim, who had enjoyed the shelter of the hut The teeth ofYet we stood about for an hour erous to h did not dare squander what little spirit thetheether
But at last there grew a little cold color in the sky and the sea took on a shade of gray Then Ranjoor Singh told off the sauard our prisoner by day and night, taking turns to pretend to be his servant, with orders to give instant alarendhei found on hiiven back
”Had he no pistol?” asked Ranjoor Singh
”Yes,” said I, ”but I took it e bound and gagged hi proud, never having had such a weapon-for the law of British India is strict
”Why did you not tell me?” he asked, and I was silent ”Give it here!” said he, and I gave it up He exaendheih It was three days before he spoke to Tugendheiive me the pistol back I think the h at the tih hiuard of twenty men and put me in co toabout northeast and southwest; turn to the left along it Halt if you see armed men, and send back word Keep a lookout for food, for thewithout my order! March!” said he
”May I ask a question, sahib,” said I, still lingering
”Ask,” said he
”Would you truly have burned the Gerhed
”That would have been a big fire,” said he ”Do you think none would have co,” said I