"Meer Sahib," said he, "the Bhutteara is faithful; he has got news of a Sahoukar going our road, who is to leave this place in about a week; he says we are certain of him, but that we must quit this spot, and march about within a few coss of the town, leaving two or three men with him to carry information." "Ul-humd-ul-illa!" cried I, "he is a worthy man; we will listen to his advice, and be off to-morrow early. Three of the best runners shall stay here as he counsels to bring us the news." "But he stipulates for a large reward in case we are successful." "I see nothing against it," said I; "he will be worthy of it if he is true to his word." "Oh, for that you need not fear; he is faithful so long as you pay him." "Then he shall have it. How much does he want?" "Two hundred rupees if we get five thousand," he replied; "double, if we get ten; and in proportion if between one and the other." "If the Sahoukar is rich, Khan," said I, "we can well spare what he asks; so go and tell him he shall have it." "I go," he said: "should I not return, conclude that I have stayed with him." He sought out the men he required to accompany him, and taking them and a small bundle of clothes with him, I watched him far beyond the precincts of our camp on his way to the town. CHAPTER XXVII. We travelled from village to village for four days, meeting with no adventure, and in truth I was beginning to be weary of the delay and inactivity, when, on the fifth morning, one of the men we had left behind to bring information arrived. "Peer Khan, Sahib, sends his salam," said he, "and requests you will return immediately, as the bunij has been secured, and is about to leave the city." "Know you aught of who he is?" "No, I do not, Meer Sahib. I lived at the Bhutteara's, and he and the Jemadar were often in earnest conversation about him, but I was not let into the secret." "'Tis well," I replied; "refresh yourself, and be ready to accompany us. How far are we from Saugor?" "By the way I came, about fourteen coss," said he, "but by a path which I know, the city is not more than half the distance." "Then we may be there by evening?" "Certainly; by noon if you please--and I will conduct you now." Accordingly, guided by him through a wild track which I should never have found alone, we reached Saugor towards evening, and after occupying our former ground, I hurried to the Bhutteara's, where I was pretty sure of meeting my friends. Peer Khan was there, and welcomed me. "I was fearful the messenger would miss you," said he; "but, praise to Alla, you are come." "And this is our worthy ally, I suppose?" said I, making a salutation to the Bhutteara. "The same," he answered; "your poor slave Peroo is always happy when he can serve his good friends." "I have not forgotten what you are to get, my friend," said I, "and you may depend on the word of a true Thug for it. Are we sure of the man?"