"It is known because that is the way of the Sahib. He knows that where he sleeps or eats, or plays games with the little balls, that there are always servants, and it is known that Captain Barrle is called the Patan by his friends."
"St. George and the Cross!" he ejaculated. "If I were thus would they know me?" he asked. "There would be danger, but the Sahib knowing of this, could take more care in the way of deceit. But Bootea will know—the eyes will not be hidden."
Then he thought of Hunsa, and asked, "But aren't you afraid to go with that beast, Hunsa?"
The girl laughed. "The decoits have orders from the Dewan to kill him if I complain of him; but if they do not he is promised the torture when he comes back if I make complaint. If the Sahib will but wait a few days before the journey so that Bootea has made friends with Amir Kami before he comes, it will be better. We will start in two days."
"I'll see, Gulab," he answered evasively. "You are going now?"
"Yes, Sahib—it has been said."
"I'll send the doorman with you."
"No, Bootea will be better alone," she touched the knife in her sash; "it must not be known that Bootea came to the Sahib."
Barlow took her arm leading her through the bathroom to the back door; he opened it, and listened intently for a few seconds. Then he took her oval face in his palms and kissed her, passionately, saying, "Good-bye, little girl; God be with you. You are sweet."
"The Sahib is like a god to Bootea," she whispered.