An hour later they were in the plain, and that night they halted at some wells distant about ten miles. Here Ali Kumar came to Jim to announce that a messenger wished to have speech with him.
"He comes from the tribe who suffered defeat at our hands," he said, "and has news of importance."
"Bring him along, then," said Jim, "and tell off a man to keep an eye upon him. He might become unpleasant."
A few moments later Ali ushered forward a native, whose head-gear proclaimed him to be one of the tribe who had received such a defeat on the previous evening. Coming up to Jim, he salaamed deeply and most humbly, and even trembled, so great was his fear.
"What do you want?" asked Jim sharply, Tom interpreting his words. "Have you been told to ask for mercy from us?"
"That is the case," answered the man. "The sheik bade me come hither and say that he regrets deeply that his men attacked you, and that they would never have done so had it not been for the words of one who was in your service, and who has now fled. He asks for forgiveness, and will promise never to molest you again."
"That is not enough," replied Jim sternly. "Why should we not march on his camp and loot it?"
"We are in your hands," the man said trembling; "but if you will overlook our fault, we shall give you news which will help you."
"What is it, then?"
"The man who betrayed you told us that you were in search of a white prisoner of the Mullah's. I am charged to tell you that he is now some thirty miles to the south of the Hoad, and that if you press through, you may rescue him, for many of the fighting men are away."