"About the middle of the night."
"Then they are now in confinement somewhere or other, and it will be impossible to effect their release by day; a bribe I dare not offer, for they say Hussein Ali Khan, the Kotwal, is an upright man. When is it likely they will be brought before him?"
"I know not," said Bhudrinath, "but it can easily be ascertained,"—and he went into the street, and soon returned; "I asked an old Bunnea the question, or rather at what time the Kotwal held his durbar, and he told me in the first and second watches of the night."
"Then," said I, "they must be rescued by force, and I will do it."
"Impossible!" cried both at once.
"But I tell you I will do it," said I; "where is Himmat Khan? with him and six of our best men I will do it, if they will stand by me. Do any of them know the Kotwal's house?"
They were summoned, but none knew it. "Then," said I, "I will go even now and find it out, and will return when my plan is perfected."
"And I will go and bring some of my men," said Bhudrinath; "I will be back by noon."
"See that they bring their swords and shields, Bhudrinath; some of them may volunteer to accompany me."
"I will do so for one, Meer Sahib; I have confidence in you in spite of your want of faith,"—and he laughed.