"Yes, my son, and even had we got it, had you not suspected that five per cent. was too much, I should certainly have paid the sum; but I saw your drift, and I think took up the clue admirably. We have cheated the knave both out of his money and his life." "True," said I, "it has been a good adventure, and amusing withal; besides it promises further advantage." "From the rock and the Fakeer?" "Yes; there will be good booty." "Take care," said my father; "the band may be there, and they will give you a warm reception." "I will go and consult with Bhudrinath," said I; "the adventure will just suit him and Surfuraz Khan; we will do nothing rashly." Bhudrinath was at the serai waiting for me. "So, Meer Sahib," said he, "you are still in the humour for a frolic; how many lives will satisfy your worship to-night there is no lack of men in this abode of villany." "I am in the humour," said I, "but not for what I intended; I have better game in view." "Ha!" said he, "so _you_ have been acting Sotha; and pray what may this game be?" "One that will require stout hearts, and maybe naked weapons," I replied: "are you willing to accompany me?" "To death," said Bhudrinath; "but I cannot for my life see what you are driving at." "Listen," I replied; and I related to him the whole history of the Dullal. "Cleverly done, very cleverly, indeed, my young jemadar," said he, when my relation was ended; "no one could have managed it better from first to last; the rascal deserved his fate; and now I suppose we must search out these hidden treasures in the rock." "Exactly," said I; "I would do so this very night if I knew how to go about it properly." "Let me see," said Bhudrinath musing; "we shall not want many men, six or eight resolute fellows will be sufficient. You and I, Peer Khan, Motee-ram, and four others, are ample; there is no use waiting for Surfuraz Khan, he will not now be back before the morning. But how to get intelligence of the place, and whether any of the rascals are there at night?" "Can no one personate a Fakeer?" said I; "a kulundur, anything will do. He might go up now, as the spot is close by, and bring us news in an hour or so." "I have it!" cried Bhudrinath. "Here, some one call Shekhjee to me." Shekhjee came. He was an old man, with a long beard; but he was an able fellow, and a rare good hand with the handkerchief. "Shekhjee," said Bhudrinath, "sit down, I have something to say to you. You can personate a Fakeer if necessary, can you not?" "Certainly," replied the old fellow; "Moosulman or Hindoo, all kinds are familiar to me. I know all their forms of speech, and have many of their dresses." "It is well," said Bhudrinath; "now listen. You must go and disguise yourself this instant; we have an enterprise in view;" and he related our proposed scheme and what had preceded it. "And now," continued Bhudrinath, "you must be wary, and by dark you must return, and tell us of the place, and if there are men there."