To this remark came the astounding declaration on the part of Wana that he knew one of the Feringhees had been engaged for some time in Calcutta studying the native language.
"How in the name of the seven wonders does he know anything about me?" asked the amazed surgeon; "true, I did try to master this barbarous speech, but the intervals between the lessons were so long that I regularly forgot all I had learned, and I can't hold the briefest conversation, if my life were depending upon it."
"He has seen you, sahib, and knows you."
"He is a shrewder rascal than I imagined; but I can overcome his scruples by withdrawing beyond hearing."
"Though you may be out of sight, sahib, he will believe you are listening."
Wana Affghar insisted, but Luchman in refusing did not hesitate to say that he was such a villain that he would not trust him.
Showing no offense because of the insult, the brigand repeated that he had a communication which was one of life and death, and which must be heard by the ears of Luchman alone. But inasmuch as Luchman would not listen to him he would send Buktar Sing, his intimate friend, to impart the important message.
The guide assured Wana that such a proceeding was useless, since one of them was as bad as the other. But the chieftain galloped back, describing several fanciful circles on the way, as if seeking to display his horsemanship.
He was seen to converse with his friends a short time, and then one of them walked forth toward the temple. He advanced with a firm step, while he fixed his black eyes upon the native standing in the archway.
"Luchman," said Avery, "I advise you to go out and talk with that fellow."