"The Afridi, Yasmini, and three hillmen who were there by invitation. I spoke with them all less than an hour ago. They all agree. But if Ranjoor Singh were asked about it, he would lie himself out of it in any of a dozen ways, and would be on his guard in future. If he were arrested, it would bring to a head what may prove to be a passing trifle; it would make the men angry, and the news would spread, whatever we might do to prevent it." "What am I to understand that you want, then?" asked Kirby. "Watch him closely, without letting him suspect it." "Before I'd seriously consider orders to do that, they'd have to come through military channels in the regular way," said Kirby, without emotion. "I could arrange that, of course. I'll mention it to Todhunter." "And if the order reached me in the regular way, I'd resign rather than carry it out." "Um-m-m!" said the man in drab silk. "Yes," said Kirby. "You seem to forget that I, too, represent a government department, and have the country's interests at heart. Do you imagine I have a grudge against Ranjoor Singh?" "I forget nothing of the kind," said Kirby, "and imagination doesn't enter into it. I know Ranjoor Singh, and that's enough. If he's a traitor, so am I. If he's not a loyal gallant officer, then I'm not either. I'll stand or fall by his honor, for I know the man and you don't." "Uh!" said the man in drab silk. "Yes," said Colonel Kirby. "Look!" said one of the two men at the window. "Direct as a hornet's sting--isn't a kink in him! Look at the angle of his chin!" "You can tell his Sikh officers; they imitate him." "Do I understand you to refuse me point--blank?" asked the man in the drab suit, still fidgeting with his watch--guard. Perhaps he guessed that two men in the window were discussing him. "Yes," said Kirby. "I shall have to go over your head." "Understand me, then. If an order of that kind reaches me, I shall arrest Ranjoor Singh at once, so that he may stand trial and be cleared like a gentleman. I'll have nothing done to one of my officers that would be intolerable if done to me, so long as I command the regiment!" "What alternative do you suggest?" asked the man in gray, with a wry face. "Ask Ranjoor Singh about it." "Who? You or I?" "He wouldn't answer you." "Then ask him yourself. But I shall remember, Colonel Kirby, that you did not oblige me in the matter." "Very well," said Kirby, "Another drink?" "No, thanks." "Who won?" asked one of the two men in the window. "Kirby!" "I don't think so. I've been watching his face. He's the least bit rattled. It's somebody else who has won; he's been fighting another man's battle. But it's obvious who lost--look at that watch-chain going! Come away." _If a man has a price at all, his price is neither high nor low, but just that price that you will pay him._ NATIVE PROVERB. CHAPTER IV