“But what does the Colonel Sahib say? I do not wish to be beaten.”
“The Hand of Friendship has averted the Whip of Calamity; but another time, when thou takest the Road it will be with me. This is too early.”
“Late enough for me. I have learned to read and to write English a little at the madrissah . I shall soon be altogether a Sahib.”
“Hear him!” laughed Mahbub, looking at the little drenched figure dancing in the wet. “Salaam—Sahib,” and he saluted ironically. “Well, art tired of the Road, or wilt thou come on to Umballa with me and work back with the horses?”
“I come with thee, Mahbub Ali.”