"I have not," said I, anxiously; "but surely you have done so?" For I knew how much they would influence my men; nay, that without favourable ones they would have absolutely refused any participation in the matter.
"I have not been negligent," replied Motee. "Last night, after I parted with you, Peer Khan, myself, and the others, made an offering of goor to the Nishan, and, blessed be Bhowanee, she has vouchsafed us the Thibao and Pilhao; you need, therefore, be under no apprehensions, for she is favourable."
"I was sure she would be, Motee, for I observe the hand of Alla guiding me; and I verily believe I should have followed the influence of my own desires in this matter, even had they been unfavourable."
"Nay, say not so, Jemadar," said he laughing—"you are too good a Thug for that; but there is now no fear, for the omens were indeed cheering."
"If we succeed," said I, "I have some thoughts of further work in our own way; but, of this more hereafter. There will be a stir when his disappearance is known, and we must be quiet for a time."
"Ay, that is like you, Jemadar. We have been consulting among ourselves, and had come to the determination of proposing some adventures to you; for here these dogs of Pindharees lie, night after night, and each fellow is worth some hundreds of rupees. Yet we have been content to remain inactive; and I, for one, say shame on us! We need not pass a night without some work."
"Wait, good Motee; let us secure the Khan first. And now to arrange matters; we must be our own Lughaees."
"For that we are prepared, Meer Sahib; a Thug must do his duty in any grade when occasion calls for his services. We are all ready for work."
"Then we must lose no time; you must join your own pall to mine, and put some screen or other between them; in the empty space the grave must be prepared. It had better be ready before he comes:—but no; he will, perhaps, suspect us; it can soon be made afterwards."
"You are right, Jemadar, he would suspect: he need not be buried deep; and there are three of our men who are old Lughaees; they will prepare it in a few minutes."