Rung Ho! A Novel by Talbot Mundy (best black authors txt) 📕

CHAPTER XXXIII Friends I have sought me of varying nations, Men of all ranks and of different stations; Some are in jail now, and some are deceased. Two, though, I found to be experts at sundering Me from my revenue, leaving me wondering Which was the costlier—soldier or priest.

A LITTLE more than one hour later, Howrah—sulky and disgruntled, but doing his level best to appear at Ease—faced young Cunningham across a table in the treasure-vault. Outside was a row of wagons, drawn by horses and closely guarded by a squadron of the Rangars. Behind Cunningham stood Alwa and Mahommed Gunga; behind the Maharajah were two of his court officials. There were pen and ink and the royal seal between them on the table.

“So, Maharajah-sahib. They are all scaled, and each chest is marked on the outside with its contents; I'm sorry there was no time to weigh the gold, but the number of the ingots ought to be enough. And, of course, you'll understand it wasn't possible to count all those unset stones—that 'ud take a week; but your seal is on that big chest, too, so you'll know if it's been opened. You are certain you can preserve the peace of your state with the army you have?”

“Yes,” said Howrah curtly.

“Don't want me to leave a squadron of my men to help you out?”

“No!” He said that even more abruptly.

“Good. Of course, since you won't have to spare men to guard the treasure now, you'll have all the more to keep peace in the district with, won't you? Let me repeat the terms of our bargain—they're written here, but let's be sure there is no mistake. I agree to deliver your treasure into safe keeping until the rebellion is over, and to report to my government that you are friendly disposed toward us. You, in return, guarantee to protect the families and property of all these gentlemen who ride with me. It is mutually agreed that any damage done to their homes during their absence shall be made good out of your treasure, but that should you keep your part of the agreement the treasure shall be handed back to you intact. Is that correct?”

“Yes,” said Howrah shifting in his seat uneasily.

“Is there anything else?”

“One other thing. I am outmaneuvered, and I have surrendered with the best grace possible. That agreement stands in my name, and no other man's?”

“Certainly.”

“The priests of Siva are not parties to it?”

“I've had nothing whatever to do with them,” said Cunningham.

“That is all, then, sahib. I am satisfied.”

“While we're about it, Maharajah-sahib, let's scotch those priests altogether! McClean-sahib has told me that suttee has been practised here as a regular thing. That's got to stop, and we may as well stop it now. Of course, I shall keep my word about the treasure, and you'll get it back if you live up to the bargain you have made; but my government will know now where it is, and they'll be likely to impose a quite considerable fine on you when the rebellion's over unless this suttee's put an end to. Besides, you couldn't think of a better way of scoring off the priests than by enforcing the law and abolishing the practice. Think that over, Maharajah-sahib.”

Howrah swore into his beard, as any ruling potentate might well do at being dictated to by a boy of twenty-two.

“I will do my best, sahib,” he answered. “I am with the British—not against them.”

“Good for you!—er, I mean, that's right!” He turned to Alwa, and looked straight into his eyes. “Are you satisfied with the guarantee?” he asked.

“Sahib, I am more than satisfied!”

“Good! Oh, and—Maharajah-sahib—since we've fought your battle for you—and lost a few men—and are going to guard your treasure for you, and be your friends, and all that kind of thing—don't you think you'd like to do something for us—not much, but just a little thing?”

“I am in your power. You have but to command.”

“Oh, no. I don't want to force anything. We're friends—talking as friends. I ask a favor.”

“It is granted, sahib.”