“Guarantees to whose satisfaction, sahib?”
“Yours!”
“But with whom am I dealing?” Alwa seemed actually staggered. “Who makes these promises? The Company?”
“I give you my solemn word of honor on it!”
“It is at least a man who speaks!” swore Alwa.
“It is the son of Cunnigan-bahadur!” growled Mahommed Gunga, standing chin erect. He seemed in no doubt now of the outcome. He was merely waiting for it with soldierly and ill-concealed impatience.
“But, sahib—”
“Alwa-sahib, we have no time for argument. It is yes or no. I must send an answer back by that Sikh. He must—he shall take my answer! Either you are loyal to our cause or you are not. Are you?”
“By the breath of God, sahib, I am thinking you leave me little choice!”
“I still await an answer. I am calling on you for as many men as you can raise, and I have made you specific promises. Choose, Alwa-sahib. Yes or no?”