The charge was true,
though, so he did not answer.
"Your being brought to this house was part of a plan--part of the
same plan that leaves the German still at liberty. You are wanted to
take further part in it."
"General sahib, am I an officer of the Raj or am I dreaming?"
Ranjoor Singh had found his tongue at last, and the general noted
with keen pleasure that eye, voice and manner were angry and unafraid.
"I command a squadron, sahib, unless I have been stricken mad! Since
when is a squadron commander brought face-downward in a carriage out
of rat-traps by a woman to do a general's bidding? That has been my
fate to-night. Now I am wanted to take further part! Is my honor not
yet dirtied enough, General sahib? I will take no further part. I
refuse to obey! I order this trooper not to obey. I demand court
martial!"
"I see I'd better begin with an apology," smiled the general! He was
not trying to pretend he felt comfortable.
"Nay, sahib! I would accept no apology. It must first be proved to
me that he, who tells me I am wanted to take further part in this rat-
hole treachery, is not a traitor to the Raj! I have read of generals
turning traitors! I have read about Napoleon; I know how his generals
behaved when the sand in his glass seemed run. I am for the Raj in
this and in any other hour! I refuse to obey or to accept apology!
Let the explanation be made me at court martial, with Colonel Kirby
sahib present to bear witness to my character!"
"As you were!"
The general's eyes met those of the Sikh officer, and neither could
have told then, or at any other time, what exactly it was that each
man recognized.
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