"'Of course, the Sahib would not speak an untruth knowingly,' returned the Affghan. 'But I require some proof that the boy is the child of certain European parents.'
"'Well, there is the likeness, the unmistakeable likeness, that he bears to his father and his mother.'
"'That will not do,' said the Affghan, interrupting the Major. 'Can you write in the Persian character, Sahib?'
"'Yes.'
"'Then, write the name of this boy's father in the Persian character, and let me see it.'
"The Major did this, and handed it to the Affghan, who looked at the writing, smiled, and said:
"'What else? What was the Sahib's nishan (crest)?'
"'This,' said the Major, holding out the little finger of his right hand, upon which was a signet-ring. 'This was his nishan. We are of the same family, and the nishan is the same.'
"The Affghan, having examined the crest, again smiled, and said:—
"'What else?'