Thus, if the rebels won he would have his money, but if the
Company conquered his jewels would be saved to him. Having thus
divided his hoard, he threw himself into the cause of the Sepoys,
since they were strong upon his borders. By doing this, mark
you, Sahib, his property becomes the due of those who have been
true to their salt.
"'This pretended merchant, who travels under the name of Achmet,
is now in the city of Agra, and desires to gain his way into the
fort. He has with him as travelling-companion my foster-brother
Dost Akbar, who knows his secret. Dost Akbar has promised this
night to lead him to a side-postern of the fort, and has chosen
this one for his purpose. Here he will come presently, and here
he will find Mahomet Singh and myself awaiting him. The place is
lonely, and none shall know of his coming. The world shall know
of the merchant Achmet no more, but the great treasure of the
rajah shall be divided among us. What say you to it, Sahib?'
"In Worcestershire the life of a man seems a great and a sacred
thing; but it is very different when there is fire and blood all
round you and you have been used to meeting death at every turn.
Whether Achmet the merchant lived or died was a thing as light as
air to me, but at the talk about the treasure my heart turned to
it, and I thought of what I might do in the old country with it,
and how my folk would stare when they saw their ne'er-do-well
coming back with his pockets full of gold moidores.
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