The Babu ran his eye over the papers, and declared:
"Yes, sir, they are the identical papers, and I perceive the signature of the Faujdar is dated three weeks ago."
"Thank you," said Desmond. "Now, Coja Solomon, I must ask you to come with me."
"Why, sir----" began the Armenian, no longer smiling.
"I will explain to you by and by.--What is it, Surendra Nath?"
The Babu whispered a word or two in his ear.
"A happy thought!" said Desmond. "Surendra Nath suggests that I should borrow that excellent robe I see yonder, Khwaja; and your turban also. They will become me better than this khitmatgar's garb, I doubt not."
Coja Solomon looked on helplessly as Desmond exchanged his meaner garments for the richer clothes of his unwilling host.
"Now we will go. You will tell the darwan that you have gone down to the ghat, so that if a question is asked he will be at no loss for an answer."
In the faint light of the rising moon the barrel of the pistol gleamed as they came into the open. The Armenian marched between Desmond and the Babu. Behind came the three peons, moving as silently as ghosts.