"He fought and was wounded. And, moreover, he is shamed before the king. His men assailed the serai of Asadullah, and the king is wroth with him."
"This Asadullah—who is he?"
"A warrior that serves the king, with three hundred men."
"What manner of man?"
"An old man with white beard, of good stature and noble presence. He wears a red turban; he is from the hills."
"He is my father."
"Sayest thou? Then will I go to him and acquaint him with thy plight. Verily he will know how to deal with the evil man."
Ahmed was tempted to agree; but with second thoughts he saw that the khansaman must not do what he had said. Rahmut Khan was among the mutineers: he could not assist Ahmed without compromising them both. Only if Ahmed threw in his lot with the rebels would it be fair to ask the old chief to intervene in his behalf. And Ahmed was one of Lumsden's Guides; he had eaten the sahibs' salt; he was of the sahibs himself: the Guides were true to their allegiance.
"It may not be, good khansaman," he said. "Presently, thou wilt understand."
"Allah be with thee!" said the khansaman.