"I know it, Jan Larrens," said the chief.
"Have you anything to say for yourself--any reason why you should not suffer likewise?"
"None, Jan Larrens. If I were Jan Larrens, and you were Rahmut Khan, I should without doubt speak even as you speak."
"Fine old fellow!" said one of the officers quietly to his neighbour.
"And you," said Lawrence, turning to Ahmed--"you are the son of this man. Have I not seen you before?"
"It is true, sahib; I came here a year ago to beg for my father's release, and you refused."
"And then you joined the Guides; why did you do that?"
"You said, sahib, that my petition must be refused. I had no claim on the British raj. In my mind I said I will do something to win such a claim. And Sherdil, son of Assad, being my friend, I thought nothing better could befall me than to become like him one of Lumsden Sahib's Guides."
"Ah! You wanted to do something to establish a claim on us. Captain Daly, what is this man's regimental record?"
Ahmed drew a long breath. He felt the eyes of Jan Larrens and the officers fixed on him. What would be the end of this?
Captain Daly began to read from a book--his name, the date when he entered the corps, trifling details of his early service which he had forgotten. Then came a more important matter.
"'First gave information of a fakir tampering with the Mohammedan members of the corps.'"
"That was your duty, was it not?" said Lawrence.
"'Rescued Dr. Craddock's daughter from a native near Karnal, dashed through a half-troop of rebels to bring assistance!'"
"Very meritorious. Still, you thought it your duty?" said Lawrence.
"'Went into Delhi in disguise,'" pursued the captain, "'at the orders of Lieutenant Hodson. Was the first to bring word of the mutineers' attack on Alipur. Sent other information. Discovered the whereabouts of Dr. Craddock!'"
"Excellent," said Lawrence. "You obeyed orders; other Guides would have done the same?"
"'Acted as guide to the second column at the assault of September 14. Took part in the defence of Dr. Craddock's house against the mutineers. Doctor gives high commendation; marked for promotion!'"
"Exceedingly good; but, as far as I can see, all in your duty. You are promoted, I observe; you have established no special claim upon the Government?"