He thought again, then "Yesterday," he said.

"Why did you wait before you answered?"

The Afridi's eyes furtively sought Rewa Gunga's and found no aid
there. Watching the Rangar less furtively, but even less obviously,
King was aware that his eyes were nearly closed, as if they were
not interested. The fingers that clasped his knee drummed on it
indifferently, seeing which King allowed himself to smile.

"Never mind," he told Ismail. "It is no matter. It is ever well
to think twice before speaking once, for thus mistakes die stillborn.
Only the monkey-folk thrive on quick answers--is it not so? Thou
art a man of many inches--of thew and sinew--Hey, but thou art a man!
If the heart within those great ribs of thine is true as thine arms
are strong I shall be fortunate to have thee for a servant!"

"Aye!" said the Afridi. "But what are words? She has said I am
thy servant, and to hear her is to obey!"

"Then from now thou art my servant?"

"Nay, but from yesterday when she gave the order!"

"Good!" said King.

"Aye, good for thee! May Allah do more to me if I fail!"

"Then, take me a telegram!" said King.