At last, the stirring chronicle was ended.
“Do you wish to remain here and recuperate, or will you join my staff, with the rank of Major?” asked Havelock.
Malcolm was hardly able to stammer his acceptance of the appointment thus offered, but the General had no time for useless talk.
“About this servant of yours—he seems to have the making of a soldier in him—will he care to retain the rank he has assumed so creditably?” he went on.
Frank rather lost his breath at this suggestion, but he had the presence of mind to refer the decision to Chumru himself.
“Kubbi nahin, general-sahib,”[20] was the Mohammedan’s emphatic disclaimer of the honor proposed to be conferred on him. “I am a good bearer, huzoor, but I should prove a very bad rissaldar. I am not of a fighting caste. I am a man of peace.”
“I think you are mistaken,” said Havelock, quietly, “but by all means continue to serve your master. I am sure he is worthy of your devotion. And now, Major Malcolm, if you will report yourself to General Neill, he will provide you with quarters and plenty of work.”