"No, it would not do at all," Angus said. "It would appear strange indeed to the natives if you were to so honour a travelling merchant. I can do very well without a room, for I have a tent that I have used on my journey. All I wish is that you give an order that we shall not be in any way interfered with."
"That I can do easily enough, and will put a sentry over your encampment with orders that no one is to enter into conversation with your followers."
"Thank you; that is just what I desire."
"I hear that one of your men is ill, can anything be done for him? We have a doctor with us, and you could leave the man in hospital, and he could either make his way back when cured, or follow you—though I doubt whether that would be possible, as the passes will soon be completely blocked with snow. As soon as we are sure of this we shall return to Cabul, so we are looking forward eagerly, as you may imagine, for the news that they have become impassable."
"Thank you. The man met with an accident by falling from his horse, but I doctored him as well as I could, and I think in another day or two he will be able to sit a horse; and as he knows the passes, I must keep him with me, for already the paths are in many cases obliterated by snow, and I should fare badly indeed without him."
"Yes, I see that. How long are you going to stay here?"
"I shall start again the day after to-morrow. It is most important that I should push on, for the passes may be closed any day. I will give the horses and men one day's rest, that is all that I can afford now. I will say good-bye, for it would not do for you to be seen speaking to me again."
"No, I suppose it would not do for you to come here, but I will after dark to-night come down and have a chat with you. I have had no news from Cabul for the last fortnight. There would be no harm in that, would there?"
"No; I should be very glad if you would come in that way."