"Have no fear, Sahib," he said with a grin. "You know the law of our tribes. It is the one law we never break."
Idu then went forward, and, from safe cover, shouted out to Izzat, explaining who he was, and asking for a safe conduct. This was instantly given.
I have said before in this narrative, and I proved again and again, that whilst the Raiders would break every other law and oath, even when given on the Koran, the one law they never break is that of hospitality. If they promise safe conduct it is absolutely observed in letter and spirit.
Accordingly, Idu went forward boldly, quite certain, according to the code of his enemies, that his life was safe until he returned to his friends.
His conversation with Izzat proved a lengthy one. Izzat was hard to convince. But, at last, and as usual, Idu's wily tongue won the day. When he returned it was to tell me that he had persuaded Izzat and his men to come along with us, if not as friends at any rate not as enemies.
He gave me a résumé of the arguments he had used. These were original, even for Idu, with whose methods I was beginning to be familiar. The conversation must have been something as follows:
"What are you doing here, Izzat? Your home is a long way from here."
"I have come to fight the British General, and I am in command of a reconnoitring party to report to Jiand, who is advancing on Khwash."
"Do I understand you?" said Idu. "Do you seriously mean that you have come with the intention of fighting the General Sahib?"