The presence of Kasim, in such intimate association with his commander, immediately became a source of vexation to him; and as suddenly as he had seen him, he had conceived a violent aversion to him. He saw generous courage, honesty, and faithfulness written upon the brow of the young man; and as none of these found any place in his own heart, so did he at once dislike the fancied possessor of them; for he knew the Khan’s generous nature, and how easily all the authority he had by incessant intrigues possessed himself of, might be reduced in a moment by one who, after becoming acquainted with the details of the service, could not fail of observing that many abuses existed under his fostering care. The Khan had not mentioned Kasim to him, nor could he divine in what capacity he attended upon his person, and he burned with curiosity to discover. When the Khan was gone, therefore, he addressed himself to his chief Sontaburdar, or bearer of a silver club, whose name was Madar Sahib, a man who had followed his fortunes, and often shared whatever spoil was wrung from the unfortunate whom they could get into their power. There was something too in his retainer’s face which seemed to expect the question; and at the slight turn of his master towards him, who had been musing ‘with the finger of deliberation placed between the teeth of vexation,’ he folded his hands and bent himself to listen. They were alone, for every one else had followed the Khan when he went out.
‘The curses of the Shietan upon the old fool,’ he said; ‘could not he have kept away for a day longer? I tell thee, Madar, this appearance of his is not only a thousand rupees out of my pocket, but the loss to me of all the honour, credit, and influence which a short campaign would have given. I say a curse on him.’
‘Ameen!’ said his servant; ‘my lord’s star is unfortunate to-day; but, Inshalla! it will brighten.’
‘And then that smooth-faced boy that he has brought with him,’ he continued, not heeding the other’s remark, ‘I’ll warrant, his prime favourite. Knowest thou aught of him?’
‘Nothing, Khodawund; but I can inquire.’
‘Do so,—see what hath brought them together. Perhaps he is the brother of this new wife he has married—the old dotard! if so, we may soon expect to get our leave to depart, Madar, for the old Khan will use his utmost influence to secure a good place near himself for his pet.’
‘Alla forbid! my lord has no cause to think so as yet; but I go, and will soon bring the information.’
While this colloquy was going on, the Khan and Kasim had gone forward to seek for a place of temporary refuge; and after examining many parts of the broken cloisters, all of which afforded but indifferent shelter, Dilawur Ali, who had been looking about, suddenly returned.
‘I have found a place, O Khan,’ he cried; ‘come and see; it is clean, and if we had any kanats,[[25]] we could make it comfortable enough for a night’s lodging.’