Monty sought our eyes in turn in the lantern-lit darkness. We made
no sign. None of us but he knew the Rajput, so it was plainly his affair.

"Suit yourself," said Will, and the rest of us nodded.

"We are traveling into the interior," said Monty, "in the rather
doubtful hope that our absence from a coast city may in some way
help Armenians, Rustum Khan."

The Rajput jumped to his feet that instant, and came to the salute.

"I might have known as much. Colonel Lord Montdidier sahib, I offer
fealty! My blood be thine to spill in thy cause! Thy life on my
head--thine honor on my life--thy way my way, and God be my witness!"

"Don't be rash, Rustum Khan. Our likeliest fate is to be taken prisoner
by men of your religion, who will call you a renegade if you defend
Armenians. And what are Armenians to you?"

"Ah, sahib! You drive a sharp spur into an open sore! I have seen
too much of ill-faith--cruelty--robbery--torture--rapine--butchery,
all in the name of God! It is this last threat to the Armenians
that is the final straw! I took the pilgrimage in search of grace.
The nearer I came to the place they tell me is on earth the home
of grace, the more unfaith I see! Three nights ago in another place
I was led aside and offered the third of the wealth of a fat Armenian
if I would lend my sword to slit helpless throats--in the name of
God, the compassionate, be merciful! My temper was about spoilt
forever when that young idiot over the way described me in his book
as--never mind how he described me--he paid the price! Sahib bahadur,