"Surely, Khan Sahib; be under no apprehension—nothing can molest them. Now, put your hand on my head once more, embrace me, and let me go."
"Go," said the Khan, rising and doing as he wished—"go; be careful, friend; remember the royal clemency, and be true."
"Will you come with me for a moment, Meah?" said Pahar Singh, as he disengaged himself from the Khan's embrace.
Fazil got up and followed him. As they emerged from the courtyard into the street, Fazil saw that Gopal Singh and others, ready mounted, awaited their chief, and they saluted him courteously.
"Come hither, Lukshmun," said the chief.
The man was well mounted, and advanced. Fazil saw that his cheeks were wet with tears, and his eyes red and swollen. Hideous as the face now was, there was a dignity of sorrow in it which was not unimpressive.
"Meah," said the chief, "this is a foolish slave of mine, who implores me to send him with you; he wants no pay,—only food and clothes, and forage for his horse. He will be faithful to you in all danger and trial, and knows no fear. When you return from the campaign, send him to me again. Do you accept him?"
"I do, Pahar Singh, and will be to him as you were, that I promise," replied Fazil.
"Then dismount and kiss the young Khan's feet," said the chief.
Lukshmun obeyed him, dismounted, and prostrating himself before Fazil, embraced his knees. He then did the same to his master, lying at his feet, and sobbing bitterly.