Ahmed drew a long breath. He felt the eyes of Jan Larrens and the officers fixed on him. What would be the end of this? Captain Daly began to read from a book--his name, the date when he entered the corps, trifling details of his early service which he had forgotten. Then came a more important matter. "'First gave information of a fakir tampering with the Mohammedan members of the corps.'" "That was your duty, was it not?" said Lawrence. "Yes, sahib." Captain Daly went on-- "'Rescued Dr. Craddock's daughter from a native near Karnal, dashed through a half-troop of rebels to bring assistance!'" "Very meritorious. Still, you thought it your duty?" said Lawrence. "It is true, sahib." "'Went into Delhi in disguise,'" pursued the captain, "'at the orders of Lieutenant Hodson. Was the first to bring word of the mutineers' attack on Alipur. Sent other information. Discovered the whereabouts of Dr. Craddock!'" "Excellent," said Lawrence. "You obeyed orders; other Guides would have done the same?" "It is true, sahib." "'Acted as guide to the second column at the assault of September 14. Took part in the defence of Dr. Craddock's house against the mutineers. Doctor gives high commendation; marked for promotion!'" "Exceedingly good; but, as far as I can see, all in your duty. You are promoted, I observe; you have established no special claim upon the Government?" There was a deep silence. The officers watched Ahmed keenly; would he now break through his reticence? "No, sahib," he said simply. "'Rawal Pindi,'" read Captain Daly. "'Captured the notorious freebooter Rahmut Khan.'" "Ah! Now we have something," said Lawrence. "But that was your duty, too?" "Yes, sahib," said Ahmed. "And now if it pleases the hazurs, I will leave the Guides." "I understand that that is your wish. What is your reason?" "Rahmut Khan is my father, sahib." "But your claim; do you give that up?" "It is my duty, sahib." A smile went round the group. This was turning the tables on the Chief Commissioner. But Lawrence's expression did not change. He turned to the old chief, who had stood restlessly at Ahmed's side during this conversation. "Rahmut Khan," he said, "what will you do if, for your son's sake, we pardon you?" The chief's eyes flashed. "I will go back to Shagpur, my village, Jan Larrens," he said, "and first slay that vile son of a dog, Dilasah, and after that I will seek Minghal Khan till I find him, and when I have slain him I shall be ready to die." The officers smiled again--a smile not of derision, or even amusement, but rather of appreciation of the directness and honesty of the fearless old chief.