Page:In Black and White - Kipling (1890).djvu/36

 was well done, and the Havildar was proud. But the Dipty Sahib was angry with the Stunt for lack of zeal, and said "Dam-Dam" after the custom of the Sahibs, and extolled the Havildar. Yunkum Sahib lay still in his long chair. "Have the men sworn?" said Yunkum Sahib. "Ay, and captured ten evil-doers," said the Dipty Sahib. "There be more abroad in your charge. Take horse—ride and go in the name of the Sirkar!" "Truly there be more evil-doers abroad," said Yunkum Sahib, "but there is no need of a horse. Come all men with me."

I saw the mark of a string, on the temples of Imam Baksh. Does the Presence know the torture of the Cold Draw? I saw also the face of The Tiger of Gokral-Seetarun, the evil smile was upon it, and I stood back ready for what might befal. "Well it was, Sahib, that I did this thing. Yunkum Sahib unlocked the door of his bathroom and smiled anew. Within, lay the six rifles and the big Police book of the Thana of Howli! He had come by night in the devil-carriage that is noiseless as a ghoul, and moving among us asleep, had taken away both the guns and the book! Twice had he come to the Thana, taking each time three rifles. The liver of the Havildar was turned to water, and he fell scrambling in the dirt about the boots of Yunkum Sahib, crying, "Have mercy!"

And I? Sahib, I am a Delhi Pathan, and a young man with little children. The Havildar's mare was in the compound. I ran to her and rode: the black wrath of the Government was behind me and I knew not whither to go. Till she dropped and died I rode the red mare; and by the blessing of God, who is without doubt on the side of all just men, I escaped. But the Havildar and the rest are now in jail

I am a scamp! It is as the Presence pleases. God will make the Presence a Lord, and give him a rich memsahib as fair as a Peri to wife and many strong sons if he makes me his orderly. The Mercy of Heaven be upon the Sahib! Yes, I will only go to the bazar and bring my children to these so-palace-like quarters, and then the Presence is my Father and my Mother, and I, Afzal Khan, am his slave.

Ohé, Kadir Baksh! I also am of the household of the Sahib.