He went, and returned with the leader of the party. I had purposely kept in my little tent, in order that my face might not be seen in case they were strangers; and to conceal it effectually, I tied a handkerchief over my mouth and chin.
"Salam Aliekoom," said a gruff voice, as a man with Peer Khan entered the tent.
"You are welcome, friend," said I: "sit down." He was evidently weary with travel, and seated himself slowly.
"Your name," said I; "and who are you?"
"My name," replied the man, "is well known, I dare say, to most people, and they are afraid of it. I am called Lall Khan, or familiarly Lalloo."
"I have not heard it before," said I; "but who are you and your men?"
"Oh, we are free traders, who help ourselves to what we can get with a strong hand." Some wandering Pindharees, thought I; and I asked him if they were such.
"Not exactly," said he; "we are Dacoos."
"Worse and worse," said I, laughing; "and I suppose you are from Delhi?"
"Ay," replied he, "even so; we know you, though you do not know us. We know you to be Thugs by your encampment—but never fear us;—brethren should not interfere with each other; we have different ways of helping ourselves to spoil, but what matter; we are brothers in a general sense of the word."