"Where did you learn it?"
"In Herat, where I fought during the siege, against the Persians."
"And now you come hither as a spy?"
"Not as a spy. I came here only to view the fortress from a distance."
"Is it true that the kafirs are bringing no big guns with them?"
As the governor was doubtless well informed as to the strength of the British army and the number of its guns, Angus felt that there could be no harm in answering the question.
"They are not," he said.
"How do they intend to take Ghuznee? Will they fly over the walls or burrow through the rock?" the governor said scoffingly. "Are they madmen, who think they can tear down the walls of Ghuznee with their finger-nails?"
"I know nothing of the plans of the general," Angus replied. "But the British have taken many strong places in India when it seemed that it could not be done."
"They will not take Ghuznee. When the first shot is fired at its walls we will throw over to them your head and your limbs, to show that we despise them and mock their foolish effort. Take him away, Yakoob. Do you see him safely bestowed."