“Then you confirm my own opinion. You are inclined to think that this is an organized and country-wide rebellion?”
“I know of what I speak, sahib!”
“You don't think that you are being influenced in your opinion by the fact that you have seen a massacre, and have lost everything you had?”
“Nay, sahib! This is no hour for joking, or for bearing of false tidings. I tell you, up, sahib! Boots and saddles! Strike!”
The general chewed at his mustache another minute.
“You know this province well?” he asked.
“None better than I. I have traversed every yard of it, attending to my business.”
“And your business is?”
“Each to his trade, sahib. My trade is honorable.”
“I have good reasons for asking, and no impertinence is meant. Be good enough to tell me. I wish to know what value I may place on your opinion.”