the men in the clubs at home would say if they knew that a woman's
bracelet could outweigh authority on British sod; for the Khyber
Pass is as much British as the air is an eagle's or Korea Japanese,
or Panama United States American, and the Khyber jezailchis are
paid to help keep it so.

"From the karnal sahib (colonel) at Landi Kotal, whose horse I ride,"
said the jezailchi slowly, "to the arrficer at Jamrud. To King sahib,
the arrficer at Ali Masjid I bore a letter also, and left it as
I passed."

"Had they no spare horse at Ali Masjid? That beast is foundered."

"There are two horses there, and both lame. The man who thou sayest
is thy brother is heavy on horses."

King nodded. "What is in the letter?" he asked.

"Nay! Have I eyes that can see through paper?"

"Thou hast ears that can listen!" answered King.

"In the letter that I left at Ali Masjid there is news of the lashkar
that is gathering in the 'Hills,' above Ali Masjid and beyond Khinjan.
King sahib is ordered to be awake and wary."

"And to lame no more horses jumping them over rocks!"

"Nay, the karnal sahib said he is to ride after no more jackals
with a spear!"