“But Ted did not deny it,” said Munro, “and he ought to have done so. But when asked, he did state implicitly that the suggestion was wholly his. Either he or Tynan is lying. We must have a full enquiry, and meanwhile Tynan must be treated as ‘not guilty’ of cowardice.”
“My humble opinion,” said Leigh thoughtfully, “is that I’d believe Ted Russell’s word against Tynan’s oath. I don’t understand it.”
Had he seen Dwarika Rai’s cheerful nod, as, returning to the men’s quarters, he passed Ensign Tynan, he might have understood it better.
The havildar was a brave and loyal fellow, but he was a Hindu with a Hindu’s respect for truth. Tynan, returning after the first interview with his superior officers, had almost run into Dwarika Rai as he entered the men’s quarters. The surprise was great on both sides.
“I’m done for,” was the first thought of our unscrupulous ensign. “This fellow will knock my tale on the head.” His next was: “Why not bribe him to confirm what I have said?”
No one was looking on; he drew the Rajput aside into the orderly-room from which he had just emerged, and offered him a big bribe to bear false witness. The sepoy was greatly in want of money. In common with so many others of his class, the fields owned and tilled by many generations of his forbears were hopelessly mortgaged to the money-lending parasites, the curse of Hindustan. Here a sum was offered that might redeem them, and save his family from disgrace and ruin.
He hesitated. Would his evidence injure Russell Sahib? Tynan assured him it would not, he simply wanted a share of the credit for himself; and the Rajput consented. Tynan warned him what questions would be asked, and coached him to give suitable replies. He cunningly advised him not to appear too eager, and not to pretend to know too much, the chief points being that Pir Baksh was to be absolved, and that he, Tynan, was to have a share of the credit attached to the destruction of the magazine. The sharp-witted Hindu quickly understood his part, and improved upon his teacher’s suggestions.
“It will do Russell Sahib no harm,” he reflected.
Tynan then warned him that when they should meet in the room they were both to express the utmost amazement, and Dwarika Rai nodded in acquiescence.
He thoroughly earned his pay, as Tynan discovered when he rejoined his comrades.