By his slow even breathing and apparent indifference, I knew he was on a hot scent, so I tried to appear indifferent myself, although my ears burned.

The Kurds clustering around their leader listened with ears and eyes agape.
They made no secret of their interest.
"They said they are on their way to Khabul," the Kurd continued, "there to receive messages from Europe and acquaint the amir and his ruling chiefs of the true condition of affairs." "How shall they reach Afghanistan ?" asked Ranjoor Singh.

"Does a road through Persia lie open to them ?" "Nay," said the Kurd.

"Persia is like a nest of hornets.

But they are to receive an escort of us Kurds to take them through Persia.