"Is friendship forgotten from one day to another?"
"There is a saying, Sahib, that it must be won every day afresh."
Tristram was silent for a moment, hiding from the other's eyes how sure and deadly the thrust had been. Then he shrugged his shoulders.
"I'm afraid fate means to give me another chance to serve you and win your friendship, Lalloo."
"The wheel turns but once in a life-time," was the enigmatic answer.
"That may be. Well, I don't intend to cadge for your good-will. I shall stay here and see you through whatever is coming. In the meantime, tell me where can I find Ayeshi?"
Lalloo gave no sign.
"Ayeshi comes no more——" he said.
"Doesn't he?" Tristram laughed grimly. "Well, the next time he doesn't come, will you tell him that I must see him. Perhaps his friendship will have worn better. Tell him that he may return to us in safety and honour."
"There is no return for Ayeshi, Sahib."