did I, who have served the Queen for seven-and-twenty years, and
killed many hill-dogs, shout aloud for quarter when the lightning
revealed us to the watch-towers? When I was a young man I saw the
killing in the valley of Sheor-K“t there at our feet, and I know
the tale that grew up therefrom. But how can the ghosts of
unbelievers prevail against us who are of the Faith? Strap that
dog's hands a little tighter, Sahib. An Afghan is like an eel."

"But a dead Rissala," said Halley, jerking his captive's wrist.
"That is foolish talk, Kurruk Shah. The dead are dead. Hold still,
Sag." The Afghan wriggled.

"The dead are dead, and for that reason they walk at night. What
need to talk? We be men; we have our eyes and ears. Thou canst
both see and hear them down the hillside," said Kurruk Shah
composedly.

Halley stared and listened long and intently. The valley was full
of stifled noises, as every valley must be at night; but whether
he saw or heard more than was natural Halley alone knows, and he
does not choose to speak on the subject.

At last, and just before the dawn, a green rocket shot up from the
far side of the valley of Bersund, at the head of the gorge, to
show that the Goorkhas were in position. A red light from the
infantry at left and right answered it, and the cavalry burnt a
white flare. Afghans in winter are late sleepers, and it was not
till full day that the Gulla Kutta Mullah's men began to straggle
from their huts, rubbing their eyes. They saw men in green, and
red, and brown uniforms, leaning on their arms, neatly arranged