"Sahib, when I have received payment for first service rendered, my
disposition may be changed. I am as yet in condition of _forma
pauperis._"
Still holding him tight, Warrington produced twenty rupees in paper
money.
"Can you see those, _babuji_? See them? Then earn them!"
"Oh, my God, sahib, I have positivelee earned a lakh of rupees this
night already!"
"Where was Risaldar-Major Ranjoor Singh when he--"
Footsteps were approaching--undoubtedly a guard on his way to
investigate. The babu seemed to sense Warrington's impatience.
"Sahib" he said, "I am very meek person, having family of wife and
children all dependent. Is that rupees twenty? I would graciously
accept same, and positivelee hold my tongue!"
The steps came nearer.
"I was on my way to D Squadron quarters, sahib, to narrate story and
pass begging bowl. Total price of story rupees twenty. Or else the
sahib may deliver me to guard, and guard shall be regaled free gratis
with full account of evening's amusement? Yes?"
The steps came nearer yet. Recognizing an officer, the men halted a
few paces away.
"Sahib, for sum of rupees twenty I could hold tongue for twenty
years, unless in meantime deceased, in which case--"
"Take 'em!" ordered Warrington; and the babu's fingers shut tight on
the money.
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