“What can I do, sahib? It is an order,” the Waziri answered in troubled tones.
Then the stranger spoke again.
“Ensign, you are on duty here, and here you had better remain. I relieve you of the prisoner.” Turning to the Waziri subadar he continued: “Ahmed Khan is thy name?”
The subadar fell on his knees. “It is thy servant’s name, O Hakim[1]!”
[1] Lord.
“Ahmed Khan, I see that thou dost know me, and therefore thou wilt obey. I charge thee to escort this officer—thine officer no longer, whose commands thou must not obey—to the tent of General Wilson, and there say who sent thee. Also, see that this bhisti is carried gently to the hospital, and treat him well. It is my command.”
The Waziri salaamed.
A shell whistled overhead and burst some way in front. A second quickly followed, and splinters flew around.
“This is becoming warm, youngster,” remarked the tall man, smiling. “Ahmed Khan, begone quickly!”
The subadar whispered to his men, who thereupon glanced hurriedly, with awe-stricken eyes, at the bearded Englishman, placed two on each side of the prisoner, with bayonets fixed, and gave the word to march. The escort moved rapidly away, the major too dazed and cowed to attempt resistance.