"That is the man," said I; "you would hardly have thought of looking for him so near you?"
"No, indeed! had we known it, we might have captured him a week ago."
"Now you are sure of him," said I: "but we must be wary; will you trust me?"
"I will; but beware how you attempt to escape or mislead me."
"I have a heavy reckoning to settle with Ganesha—he murdered my mother!" was my only reply.
We reached the village in the very dead of night; everything was still, and it was perfectly dark, which aided my purpose; for my companion's face could not be distinguished, and my own approach to the Potail's house would not be noticed. "Now," said I to the Nujeeb, "you alone must accompany me; let the rest of your men stay here: I will bring Ganesha here, and then you must bind him. Do you fear me?" (for he appeared irresolute;) "nay, then I will go alone, and tell your master that ye are cowards."
"That will not do either," cried the man; "I must not let you out of my sight; my orders are positive; so go I must; and if I do not return," said he to his associates, "do you make the best of your way to Saugor alone, and say that I am murdered."
I laughed. "There is no fear," said I; "in half an hour or less we shall return: are you ready?"
"I am, Meer Sahib; lead on, and remember that my sword is loose in the scabbard. I may die, but thou shalt also."
"Fool!" said I, "cannot you trust me?"