Deep-throated as a bull, erect as a lance, and pleased as a little
child, Mahommed Gunga came to him alone that evening to talk, and to
hear him talk, and to tell him of the plans that had been made.

"Thy father gave me this," he told him, producing a gold watch and
chain of the hundred-guinea kind that nowadays are only found among the
heirlooms. Young Cunningham looked at it, and recognized the heavy
old-gold case that he had been allowed to "blow open" when a little
boy. On the outside, deep-chiseled in the gold, was his father's
crest, and on the inside a portrait of his mother.

"Thy father died in these two arms, bahadur! Thy father said: 'Look
after him, Mahommed Gunga, when the time is ripe for him to be a
soldier.' And I said: 'Ha, huzoor!' So! Then here is India!"

He waved one hand grandiloquently, as though he were presenting the
throne of India to his protegé!

"Here, sahib, is a servant--blood of my own blood."

He clapped his hands, and a man who looked like the big, black-ended
spirit of Aladdin's lamp stood silent, instant, in the doorway.

"He speaks no English, but he may help to teach thee the Rajput tongue,
and he will serve thee well--on my honor. His throat shall answer
for it! Feed him and clothe him, sahib, but pay him very little--to
serve well is sufficient recompense."

Young Cunningham gave his keys at once to the silent servant, as a
tacit sign that from that moment he was trusted utterly; and Mahommed