"Rahmut Khan," he said, "what will you do if, for your son's sake, we pardon you?"
The chief's eyes flashed.
"I will go back to Shagpur, my village, Jan Larrens," he said, "and first slay that vile son of a dog, Dilasah, and after that I will seek Minghal Khan till I find him, and when I have slain him I shall be ready to die."
The officers smiled again—a smile not of derision, or even amusement, but rather of appreciation of the directness and honesty of the fearless old chief.
"Well, then," said Lawrence, "we pardon you, on this condition: that you go back to your village and trouble us no more. And if you keep good order, and help to maintain the peace of the frontier, we shall hold you as a friend to the British raj, and that will be for your good. And now," he added, turning to Ahmed, "do you still wish to leave the Guides?"
"No, sahib; there is no need." His face was bright with pleasure.
"What would you have done if Daly Sahib had allowed you to resign?"
"Sahib, I should have released my father."
The whole company of officers burst into a chuckling laugh; even Sir John's stern features relaxed.
"I am glad there is no need for that. Captain Daly, I think this young man's loyalty to the corps in such circumstances merits recognition. Perhaps you will make a note of his name for the first vacancy in the commissioned ranks."