"'One hundred rupees.'
"'He cost me nearly that when he was very young and sickly.'
"'Well, two hundred rupees.'
"'No; Sahib. Half a lac of rupees would not purchase him.'
"'But, my good man, slavery is not permitted in the British dominions, and we will detain the boy.'
"'Against his will?'
"'Yes.'
"'On suspicion that he is born of European parents of distinction?'
"'Yes.'
"'Then I will give the boy his liberty; and if he then wishes to follow me, and you detain him, he is your prisoner instead of my slave.'