There was a deep silence. The officers watched Ahmed keenly; would he now break through his reticence?
"No, sahib," he said simply.
"'Rawal Pindi,'" read Captain Daly. "'Captured the notorious freebooter Rahmut Khan.'"
"Ah! Now we have something," said Lawrence. "But that was your duty, too?"
"Yes, sahib," said Ahmed. "And now if it pleases the hazurs, I will leave the Guides."
"I understand that that is your wish. What is your reason?"
"Rahmut Khan is my father, sahib."
"But your claim; do you give that up?"
"It is my duty, sahib."
A smile went round the group. This was turning the tables on the Chief Commissioner. But Lawrence's expression did not change. He turned to the old chief, who had stood restlessly at Ahmed's side during this conversation.