There were splashes of rain falling, and he stood with bared head,
face upward, as if the rain would wash Yasmini's musk from him. It
was nearly pitch-dark, but Warrington could just see that the
risaldar on the box seat raised his whip to them in token of
recognition.
"Now then! Speak, my friend! What were you doing in there?" demanded
Warrington.
"No, not here!" said Kirby. "We might be recognized. Bring him into
the shay."
The babu uttered no complaint, but allowed himself to be pushed
along at a trot ahead of the adjutant, and bundled head-foremost
through the carriage door.
"Drive slowly!" ordered Kirby, clambering in last; and the risaldar
sent the horses forward at a steady trot.
"Now!" said Warrington.
"H-r-r-ump!" said Kirby.
"My God, gentlemen!" said the babu. "Sahibs, I am innocent of all
complicitee in this or any other eventualitee. I am married man,
having family responsibilitee and other handicaps. Therefore--"
"Where did you get this ring?" demanded Kirby.
"That? Oh, that!" said the babu. "That is veree simplee told. That
is simple little matter. There is nothing untoward in that
connection. Risaldar-Major Ranjoor Singh, who is legal owner of ring,
same being his property, gave it into my hand."
"When?"
Both men demanded to know that in one voice.
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