"Our signal?"——"Yes, Meer Sahib, even so; I was as much astounded as you are, but the mystery was soon solved; he proved to be a priest of our holiest of temples, Bindachul, who had travelled into these parts, and having picked up some astronomical lore at Benares, set up here for an astrologer, and found the trade so profitable, that he has not returned to Bindachul. Of course, I had no reservation with him; I developed our plan, from which he at first drew back; but I opened my purse, and five ashruffees worked such a change in his sentiments, that he listened to my words with complacency, altered the face of the heavens as far as they concerned your friend, and, in fine, offered there and then to go and say that his calculations were wrong, and that everything boded prosperity to the poor Shekh."
"He has not failed us," said I.
"No," replied Laloo, "I know that; but we have to pay handsomely. He wanted a hundred rupees more; but I represented that we were a large band, and there would not be much to divide, and I obliged him to be content with a Bhuttote's share, added to whatever a general subscription might amount to when the band should be informed of the part he had played."
"And he is content?"
"You have had the best proof, Meer Sahib; has he not done the errand he promised? And when did a Brahmin of Bindachul ever break his faith? He dare not: Bhowanee would smite him on the spot, or kill him by lingering torments."
"And how," I asked, "are we to convey this share to him, whatever it may turn out to be?"
"Easily enough; we can get a hoondee on this place, and send it to him in a letter, or we can despatch a man with it."
"True, we can," said I; "and so now go; repeat to the men the lesson I taught them, and enjoin them to be circumspect and wary. We have good bunij in prospect, and, Inshalla! we will get it, too. But I wish I could see the Brahmin, who has done us so good a turn in this matter."
"Let him alone," said he; "he told me, that although he wished much to see you, having often heard of your conduct, it was better to avoid suspicion, and that any open intercourse between him and you would expose him to the inquiries of those with whom he was associated, and had better be avoided. And he is right, Meer Sahib; it would do no good."