compatible with your safe custody on condition:--1st, that you make
full confession of all the decoities in which you have been engaged;
2nd, that you mention truly the names of all your associates in these
crimes, and assist to the utmost of your power in their arrest and
conviction. If you act contrary to these conditions--conceal any of
the circumstances of the decoities in which you have been
engaged--screen any of your friends--attempt to escape--or accuse any
innocent person--you shall be considered to have forfeited thereby all
claims to such exemption and indulgence."


When the Captain had finished interpreting this the Resident passed it
to the decoit, saying: "This will protect you from the British. You
are now bound to the British; and I want you to bring me any papers
that may have been found upon the two soldiers. Bring here this woman,
the Gulab, if you can find her. Go now."

When Ajeet, with a deep salaam, had gone from the room Hodson threw
himself back in his chair wearily and sighed. Then he said: "A woman!
the jamadar was lying--all that stuff about Nana Sahib. There's been
some deviltry; they've used this woman to trap the messengers; that's
India. It's the papers they were after; they must have known they were
coming; and they've hidden the woman. We've got to lay hands upon her,
Captain--she's the key-note."




CHAPTER XV