Part 25 (2/2)
”Then I and old,” the Kurd said h ”For then you would fight ether!” said the Kurd
”True,” said Ranjoor Singh, ”therefore trustof Sikhs, or of India,” said the Kurd ”Gold I know in the dark, by its jingle and weight, but who knows the heart of a h ”If you and your old, you eance, you will hang But if I stay and take the gold, who shall knoho I am? You will be able to prove with the aid of Wassmuss that neither you nor your men were anywhere near when, the attack took place”
”Then you will make an ambush?” said the Kurd
”I will set a trap,” said Ranjoor Singh ”Moreover, consider this: You think Itaken it from the Turks, should I ride back toward Turkey? Whither else, then? Shall I escape through Persia, with you and your Kurds to prevent? Nay, we ain as friend with friend-and keep it!”
”If I do as you say,” said the Kurd, ”if I take this letter to Wassree with him to escort those Gerold? What if the Turks get the better of you?”
”Dead h ”I shall succeed or die But consider again: I have led theseand outdistancing Turkish regi co, ”If God wills”
”Since when did God take sides against the brave?” Ranjoor Singh asked hireatly because they seeuold had been in the balance against hih he did not knohat Sikhs ht be, he knew us for no Mussel treachery, not only to Wassh detected that quicker than I did
”Let us neglect no points,” he said, and the Kurd brought his ainst us ”It would be possible for old, and for other Kurds-not you or your men, of course, but other Kurds-to waylay reees, of whom two shall be your blood relations”
The Kurd winced He was a little keen , but extremely acquisitive, I should say
”Wassriht of it
”I have a Gerh, with the nearest approach to a smile that he had perlad to exchange hiainst your brother when the time comes”
”Ah!” said the Kurd, and-
”Ah!” said Ranjoor Singh He sahich way the wind blew, and, like all born cavalry leaders, he pressed his advantage
”Do the Turks hold any of your men prisoner?” he asked
”Aye!” said the Kurd ”They hold an uncle of mine, and my half-brother, and seven of my best men They keep them in jail in fetters”
”I have five Turkish prisoners, all officers, one a biold The Turks will gladly trade your h assured him ”You shall have them and the German to make your trade with”
It was plain the Kurd was more than half-convinced Hishim in whispers Doubtless they kneould keep old for himself, but the safety of their friends made lect that opportunity for fear of losing their allegiance Nevertheless, he bargained to the end
”Give reed!” he urged
”Nay, nay!” said Ranjoor Singh ”It is old Shall I weaken ive you one-to be exchanged against your ten at the tiold in Persia”
”Ten!” said the Kurd ”Ten against ten!”
”One!” said Ranjoor Singh, and I thought they would quarrel and the whole plan would coave in