Page:In Black and White - Kipling (1890).djvu/22

 break—when the bones are sore for lack of sleep, and the skin of the temples twitches with weariness, and yet there is no sleep—there is no sleep? ''Dray wara yow dee! Dray wara yow dee!'' The eye of the Sun, the eye of the Moon and my own unrestful eyes—all three are one—all three are one!

There was a city the name whereof I have forgotten, and there the Voice called all night. That was ten days ago. It has cheated me afresh.

I have come hither from a place called Hamipur, and behold it is my Fate that I should meet with thee to my comfort and the increase of friendship. This is a good omen. By the joy of looking upon thy face the weariness has gone from my feet, and the sorrow of my so long travel is forgotten. Also my heart is peaceful; for I know that the end is near.

It may be, that I shall find Daoud Shah in this city going northward, since a Hillman will ever head back to his Hills when the Spring warns. And shall he see those hills of our country? Surely I shall overtake him! Surely my vengeance is safe! Surely God hath him in the hollow of His hand against my claiming! There shall no harm befall Daoud Shah till I come; for I would fain kill him quick and whole with the life sticking firm in his body. A pomegranate is sweetest when the cloves break away unwilling from the rind. Let it be in the daytime, that I may see his face and my delight may be crowned.

And when I have accomplished the matter and my Honour is made clean, I shall return thanks unto God the Holder of the Scale of the Law and I shall sleep. From the night, through the day, and into the night again, I shall sleep; and no dream shall trouble me.

And now, my brother, the tale is all told. ''Ahi! Ahi! Alghias! Ahi!''