"We have met before," said the German, rising. "You are the Sikh
with whom I spoke the other night--the Sikh officer--the squadron
leader!"
_"Ja!"_ said Ranjoor Singh; and the one word startled the
German so that he caught his breath.
_"Sie sprechen Deutsch?"_
_"Ja wohl!"_
The German muttered something half under his breath that may have
been meant for a compliment to Ranjoor Singh, but the risaldar-major
missed it, for he had stepped up to the nearest of the Northern
gentlemen and confronted him. There was a great show of looking in
each other's eyes and muttering under the breath some word and
counter-word. Each made a sign with his right hand, then with his
left, that the German could not see, and then Ranjoor Singh stepped
side wise to the next man.
Man by man, slowly and with care, he looked each man present in the
eyes and tested him for the password, while Yasmini watched admiringly.
"Any who do not know the word will die to-night!" she whispered; and
the German nodded, because it was evident that the Northerners were
quite afraid. He approved of that kind of discipline.
"These are all true men--patriots," said Ranjoor Singh, walking back
to him. "Now say what you have to say."
"_Jetzt_----" began the German.
"Speak Hindustani that they all may understand," said Ranjoor Singh;
and the others gathered closer.
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