"In the name of Allah we are," came as a sonorous chorus from one and all.
"And are ye agreed that it shall be said to the Captain Sahib, who is envoy from the Englay, that we ride in peace to his people, or ride not at all in war?"
"Allah! it is agreed," came the response.
He turned to Barlow. "Captain Sahib, thou hast heard. The word of a Pindari, taken in the name of Allah, is inviolate. That is our answer to the message from the Englay Chief. There is no writing to be given, for a Pindari deals in yea and nay. Is it to be considered. Captain Sahib; is it a message to send that is worthy of men to men?"
"It is, Commander Kassim," Barlow answered.
"Then wait thou for the seal."
He raised his tulwar aloft,—and as he did so the steel of every jamadar and hazari flashed upward,—saying, "We Pindaris and Bundoolas who rode for Amir Khan, and now ride for Kassim, swear in the name of Allah, and on the Beard of Mahomet, who is his Prophet, friendship to the Englay Raj."
"By Allah and the Beard of Mahomet, who is his Prophet, we make oath!" the deep voices boomed solemnly.
"It is all," Kassim said quietly. "I would make speech for a little with the Captain."
As each officer passed toward the door he held out a hand and gripped the hand of the Englishman.