I could not help laughing heartily at the cool manner in which this was proposed and accepted. But it was the truth; and I know that it was, and is now, a matter of every-day occurrence. Many a Duffadar of police has won a good name with his officers in this way, and for one guilty man he has seized a dozen innocent people. Who cares about Mangs and Dhérs?—they are always villains and robbers.
[CHAPTER XLII.]
"That is a Bhula Admee (a respectable man)," said I to the Potail, as he walked to our camp; "he suits my purpose exactly."
"He has been on the look-out for some of you," said he, "for a long time. We have never spoken openly on the subject, but he has hinted as much many times. And I suspect he chose this post, if he had any choice in the matter, because he was likely to meet Thugs here. If you pay him well, he will help you materially."
"Do you think I have given enough?" said I.
"Quite," he replied: "I don't think he expected you would agree to so much."
"It is certainly a large sum," said I; "but it is the first, and the money is well spent."
"But you have forgotten me, Meer Sahib: am I not to partake of your bounty?"
"Of course, Potailjee. What I brought was only a trifle—I have more for you in the camp; you shall have your share."