He smiled, and held out his hand. "I must go, Gil," he said. "I have much to do. I have to fight with enemies, and to see to the ruling of my house. I could sit down and let things go, but I wish mine to be a country of which a man may be proud, and that means work for us." I made no reply, and he looked at me gravely. "Good-bye; I am not angry. You are behaving very well, boy. I respect and esteem you the more. But be reasonable; try and see what is before you, and do not trifle with the great opportunity of your life." He nodded pleasantly to me, and we walked on together to where his horse had been led. "I will send you some clothes," he said. "I cannot send you an English uniform; but, whenever you like, men shall come to make that of my horse artillery according to your wish." I made a quick gesture. "When you like," he said quietly. "I am not hurrying you, for you're still too weak. When would you like your horse?" "Directly," I said, so eagerly that he smiled. "To try and escape," he said sadly. I started and drew back. "Yes," I said firmly. "I shall try to escape, and as soon as I possibly can." He held out his hand again, and I gave mine reluctantly to be held in a firm grip. "You make me like you, Gil," he said, "even when you cause me most anger. I like that; it is so frank and honest. You must come to me. I shall never meet with another whom I can trust as I do you." I shook my head, but he smiled. "It is your fate," he said. "Now come and see some of my men. They are drawn up outside. You shall see then what stuff there is for making good regiments when you begin." He glanced at my dress and saw that I noted it. "It does not matter," he said; "you are my friend. They will not think of your dress. Englishmen are careless, and do not mind how they look. Come." I hesitated, but his will was stronger than mine, and I gave way, following him through the opening, and passing the twelve fierce-looking troopers who had formed the advance, and one of the men who was holding the beautiful Arab, which looked so perfect in its rich trappings that, lover of a horse as I was, I could not help going up to caress it, and pat its graceful arched neck, and pass my hand over its velvety nose. "Mount," said the rajah, who had followed me. "You will like his paces." "You wish it?" I said eagerly. "And so do you," he said, smiling. "Mount; and as a gentleman, I ask you to remember your honour to your host. You will not run away. It would be useless. You would surely be captured again." "I give you my word," I said coldly. "Then mount." I hesitated for a moment or two, and then mounted, for a thrill of delight to run through me as I felt the quivering muscles of the beautiful beast, and its eagerness to be off.