"The day went with us," said Owen gently.
"Scindia's hosts were broken, as will be those of Holkar, for who can strive against such men as yours are? I fell, pierced by a lance, and I am now your prisoner, and very near the grave. Forgive me! Let a dying man who has wronged you hear that you can forgive and forget."
The unhappy Colonel sat up on his elbow with a huge effort and stared at Owen with bloodshot eyes. There was a look of desperate earnestness on his pallid features. Deep lines of pain marked his face, while his cheeks were pale and sunken.
"Forgive and forget!"
"I do. I forgive freely, and will forget. Calm yourself, and tell me what little there is left. There, lie down again and be calm. You have had your punishment. It is not for me to add to it. We are none of us perfect, and if you have made a sad mistake, so may I on some future occasion. There! Lie down!"
Very gently and tenderly Owen lowered him back into his position, and seeing that he was extremely weak pressed more spirit upon him, causing a little colour to return to his wan cheeks. Then he took the poor fellow's hand again and pressed it.
"Who were these relatives to whom I was sent?" he asked, placing his lips to the Colonel's ear, for the[Pg 338] wounded man seemed to be almost unconscious. "One more effort I beg of you. Who were these people?"
At the sound of his voice the Colonel turned his eyes in his direction and groped with his hand.
"It is dark, and I cannot see you. Get a light, and I will speak. Quick! There is little time left to me."
A minute later a smoking torch was brought and placed in Mulha's hand, whereupon the officer opened his eyes again and smiled at Owen.