Like all of his people, he was a craven when cornered, and he began begging in the most abject manner for mercy. His actions were so pitiful that Dr. Avery easily understood his prayer was that no violence should be done him.
The faint of Marian was not serious. She quickly revived, and now hastened to the side of her escort.
"Who is he?" she asked.
"He is the owner of the grounds, I suppose, and he has done what the others could not do,—he has found us."
"But he has no thought of harming us; he is begging for his life."
"So I supposed, but I see no reason for granting it."
"O Baird, do not be so cruel! He has done us no harm; wait till I speak to him."
Thereupon she addressed him in Hindustani:
"We are fleeing from an angry crowd; we wish you no harm; we want only our own safety."
"What fools," exclaimed the nawab; "they should all be hanged! They have ruined my grounds, and now they seek the lives of the English. I am their enemy and your friend."