I dispatched a man for her, and reaching the stream, we chose a smooth grassy spot, and spreading the covers of our saddles, sat down. One by one, as the men arrived, they also rested, or wading into the water refreshed themselves by washing their hands and faces in the pure stream, which glided sparkling over its pebbly bed; the beasts too were allowed to drink; and all the men sitting down in groups, the rude hooka passed round among them, while they cheerfully discussed the merits of the road they had passed, and what was likely to be before them. Casting a hasty glance around, I saw that all the men were at their posts, three Thugs to each of the Nuwab's servants and retainers. They were therefore sure. Azima's cart was standing in the road, and in order to get her away I went to her.
"Beloved," said I, "we have halted here for a short time to allow of the people taking some refreshment, but you had better proceed; the road appears smooth, and we shall travel the faster to overtake you."
"Certainly," she replied; "bid them drive on, for I long to be at the end of the journey. Poor Nurgiz and myself are well nigh jolted to death."
"Ah well," I said, "bear up against it for another stage or two. I promise you to get a dooly, if I can, at the first large village or town we come to, and then you will be comfortable."
"Now proceed," said I to the Thug who acted as driver (for I had purchased a cart on the road, soon after we left Beeder, and he had driven it ever since); "proceed, but do not go too fast."
She left me, and I returned to the Nuwab. He was sitting in conversation with my father, and even now was evidently partially intoxicated with his detestable beverage. "Ho! Meer Sahib," cried he, "what dost thou think? Here have I been endeavouring to persuade this worthy father of thine to take some of my sherbet. By Alla, 'tis a drink worthy of paradise, and yet he swears it is bitter and does not agree with his stomach. Wilt thou take a drink?" and he tendered me the cup. "Drink, man, 'twill do thee good, and keep the cold wind out of thee; and as to the preparation, I'll warrant it good, for there breathes not in the ten kingdoms of Hind a slave so skilled in the art of preparing subzee as Kureena yonder. Is it not so, girl?"
"My lord's favour is great toward his slave," said the maiden; "and if he is pleased, 'tis all she cares for."
"Then bring another cup," cried the Nuwab. "Now, with a few fair girls to sing a ghuzul or two to us, methinks a heaven might be made out of this wild spot."
"It is a good thought, Nuwab," cried I, chiming in with his humour; "we will get a set of Tuwaifs from the next village we come to; I dare say they will accompany us for a march or two."
"You say well, Meer Sahib; yours are good words, very good words; and, Inshalla! we will have the women," said the Nuwab, slowly and indistinctly, for he had now swallowed a large quantity of the infusion, which had affected his head. "By Alla! they should dance, too; like this—" continued he, with energy, and he got up and twirled himself round once or twice, with his arms extended, throwing leering glances around upon us all.