‘Now,’ was the reply; ‘I am ready,’ And Herbert hoped that his turn would be the next. His energies were knit, and his spirit prepared for the change.
‘Not yet,’ said the Jemadar: ‘I would speak with thee first. Lead the rest away into the house yonder,’ he continued to the guard, ‘loose them, and lock the door.’ It was done, and Herbert alone remained outside.
‘Listen!’ he said, addressing Herbert, ‘does thou remember me?’
‘I said before that I thought I knew thee; but what has that to do with death?’ said Herbert. ‘I am ready to die; bid thy people do their office.’
‘That will not be for many days,’ he replied; ‘I have a long reckoning to settle with thee.’
‘For what? I have never harmed thee.’
‘When Mathews was in Bednore, and there was alarm of the Sultaun’s coming, thou didst suspect me, thou and another. Thou didst insult and threaten to hang me. We are even now,—dost thou understand?’
‘What! Jaffar Sahib, the guide, the man who betrayed the salt he ate?’
‘Even so. Ye were owls, fools, and fell into the snare laid for you.’
‘Has thy resentment slumbered so long then?’ said Herbert. ‘I pity thee: thy own heart must be a hell to thee.’