No horses
By the morning my tactics were ready. When the kadkhucta
came, sent by the enemy to question me, I made, as it were, a
reconnaissance by saying that I had decided to cross the river,
to spend ten days or so in Lakistan, and then return by way of
Husainabad and call on the Governor on my way home. I
waited to see what would happen. There was an ominous
nodding of heads between the kadkhuda and the chiefs of the
Musi over this statement. Mahmud, his face very serious,
sat looking at the ground. A little later, when all had been
duly reported, the lieutenant came to call, sat on the carpet,
talked about religion in the most elevating way, and asked if
it was true that I meant to cross the river.
" I had thought of it," said I. " My plans are quite vague.
So long as I can visit interesting ruins in this country, I am
content wherever I go. What do you recommend?"
The lieutenant shrugged his shoulders. " Anything you
please," said he. " I only desire to serve you. You can go
where you like best."
My heart rose. For a few hours I hoped that after all I
might visit the treasure valley and cross the river too. I told
Shah Riza to have the horses ready next morning. After a
decent interval, Shah Riza came to tell me that there were no
horses left among the tribe.
" No horses?" said I, outraged at my old Philosopher's
sanctimonious duplicity. " What has happened to those
we were riding yesterday?"
" They had to be sent off early this morning/*
I was on the way back from a visit to my small patient,
and caught up with Mahmud behind his tent.
" What is this about the horses?" I asked.
" What about the horses?" said he.
" I have been telling her that there are no horses left here,"
said Shah Riza in obvious discomfort.