"If he has proved signally victorious?" queried Zoolficar sharply, as he grew impatient of these mere affirmatives, which were resorted to by the other merely to give him time to think and sift the other's purpose.
"Wallah billah—victorious."
"Yes—which, under Allah, we cannot doubt?"
"Well, aga."
"Then his orders will be to sell these hostages, I suppose?"
"Yes—perhaps."
"Where, Khan?—here in Bameean?"
"No; they will bring larger prices nearer Bokhara."
"But if he is not victorious?" suggested Zoolficar.
"Staferillah! Then we must leave the event to fate; or my orders may be——" and here even Saleh Mohammed paused ere he made the atrocious admission that hovered on his tongue.