"Those are not rupees, Meerza; beware of treachery with me. I have not harmed him," he exclaimed.
"No, it is gold, holy Baba. Behold!" and he opened the bag, and poured the contents carefully into a little heap on the floor near the fire. "There is more than he bargained for," he continued, pointing to the Lalla, "but it does not matter; you are welcome to it, for the temple and the well."
"Enough," returned Pahar Singh; "I am satisfied. Go, take your papers, and begone; molest me no more." And, sitting down on his deer's hide, he heaped up the gold coins carefully with his left hand, while his right still held the sword.
"And my reward, O Meerza Sahib!" cried the Lalla eagerly, as he and the King turned to depart; "thou wilt not abandon me to him."
"It is there with the rest," answered the Secretary; "Lallajee, help yourself, we must begone."
"Nay, but I want it not; only take me away—take me away. I fear him," cried the man, in a piteous voice, and trembling violently.
"Peace, fool," exclaimed Pahar Singh, rising and holding him back powerfully. "Peace, I will settle with thee!"