"Placed it where no thief can find it," was the daring answer of Luchman, who looked straight in the eye of the leading brigand.
"Is there plenty of loot left in the city?" asked the latter, his eyes flickering like those of a serpent.
"Enough to make tens of thousands rich, but the people from the country are flocking in so fast that it will soon be gone."
This remark of the guide, I need hardly say, was intended to increase the eagerness of the Ghoojurs to reach the city.
"Where are the Feringhees?"
"They are all killed; the Mogul Empire is restored; the Emperor has issued his proclamation giving all good wages, and not one Feringhee shall be left in Hindostan."
Luchman seemed to feel no compunction in drawing a lengthy bow.
"A great deal of the loot must be gone," continued the leading Ghoojur, who, it was evident, had some suspicion respecting the tall sinewy native who stood so defiantly in the path before him; "many of the Feringhees and wealthy sahibs are fleeing from the city; they are hiding in the groves; they have money and jewels with them; 'tis better that we should find them."
This was an alarming declaration, and the fugitives who heard and understood it believed the brigands knew they were hiding near. Luchman himself was suspicious, but he did not let it be seen.
"There are many," he said in his ordinary voice, "but they are harder to find than those in Delhi, and they fight better."