"'No,' said I stoutly, 'he was not.'
"'But he left this place in company with your master.'
"'He may have done so,' said I, 'but I did not see him; I was preparing the Jemadar's bedding when he returned, and the message was delivered to me privately; for after he lay down to rest he called to me and delivered it: and I may as well tell you that he counted out the money from a bag which was under his pillow.'
"'How much was there set apart for me?'
"'Two hundred and fifty rupees; he was counting more, but he stopped short, put the rest into the bag, and said it would be enough.'
"'And how much is in the bag?'
"'Alla maloom!' said I; 'how should I know anything about it?'
"'Who sleep in the tent with the Jemadar?' he asked, after another silence and a few more turns about the room.
"'No one,' said I. 'I sleep across the doorway; but no one is ever allowed to enter.'
"'You are a good lad,' he rejoined, 'and a smart fellow. How should you like to be a bhutteara?'