"Did you notice Tynan Sahib enter the magazine?"
"Yes, sahib, before they battered the door in. He was away some time, and I wondered why."
The major turned to his colleagues and observed in English:
"Tynan's tale is true so far;" and the others nodded assent.
"Tell us, then," asked Leigh, "is it true that Tynan Sahib tried to prevent Russell Sahib firing the train?"
"In short," said the deputy-commissioner, "did Ensign Tynan act as an officer or as a coward?"
"Nay," the man earnestly replied, "I do not like Tynan Sahib overmuch, greatly preferring Russell Sahib, but he was not a coward. He was very much excited, as we all were, and he tried to snatch the candle from his comrade's hand. But I thought they were contesting who should light the train, as if it matters who did it. The important thing is that it was done."
The Englishmen whispered together, and presently Munro said: "You may go, Dwarika Rai."
"I must say," began Colonel Woodburn, "his evidence confirms Tynan's in every important respect. I'm afraid we've done the lad a serious injustice."
"Yet his account differs from Russell's in point of actual fact, not merely in the interpretation put upon facts," the deputy-commissioner argued.
"Ted was probably excited, and the shock may have temporarily affected his memory," Leigh suggested.
"Ted is certainly to blame," said Munro. "He may easily have mistaken Tynan's excitement for terror."
"We forget. Ted Russell never accused Tynan of cowardice. That was Ambar Singh."
"But Ted did not deny it," said Munro, "and he ought to have done so. But when asked, he did state implicitly that the suggestion was wholly his. Either he or Tynan is lying. We must have a full enquiry, and meanwhile Tynan must be treated as 'not guilty' of cowardice."
"My humble opinion," said Leigh thoughtfully, "is that I'd believe Ted Russell's word against Tynan's oath. I don't understand it."
Had he seen Dwarika Rai's cheerful nod, as, returning to the men's quarters, he passed Ensign Tynan, he might have understood it better.
The havildar was a brave and loyal fellow, but he was a Hindu with a Hindu's respect for truth. Tynan, returning after the first interview with his superior officers, had almost run into Dwarika Rai as he entered the men's quarters. The surprise was great on both sides.
