Cunningham stood up and bowed very slightly—very stiffly—very punctiliously. Mahommed Gunga leaped to his feet, and came to attention with a military clatter. Alwa stared, inclining his head a trifle in recognition of the bow, but evidently taken by surprise.
“Then, good-by, Alwa-sahib.”
Cunningham stretched out a hand.
“I am much obliged to you for your hospitality, and regret exceedingly that I cannot avail myself of it further, either for myself or for Mahommed Gunga or for Mr. and Miss McClean. As the Company's representative, they, of course, look to me for orders and protection, and I shall take them away at once. As things are, we can only be a source of embarrassment to you.”
“But—sahib—huzoor—it is impossible. You have seen the cavalry below. How can you—how could you get away?”
“Unless I am your prisoner I shall certainly leave this place at once. The only other condition on which I will stay here is that you pledge your allegiance to the Company and take my orders.”
“Sahib, this is—why—huzoor—”
Alwa looked over to Mahommed Gunga and raised his eyebrows eloquently.
“I obey him! I go with him!” growled Mahommed Gunga.
“Sahib, I would like time to think this over.”