His men who swarmed around him were urging him in whispers.

Doubtless they knew he would keep most, if not all, of the gold for himself, but the safety of their friends made more direct appeal and I don't think he would have dared neglect that opportunity for fear of losing their allegiance.

Nevertheless, he bargained to the end.
"Give me, then, ten hostages against my ten, and we are agreed!" he urged.
"Nay, nay!" said Ranjoor Singh.

"It is my task to fight for that gold.

Shall I weaken my force by ten men?
Nay, we are already few enough! I will give you one--to be exchanged against your ten at the time of giving up the gold in Persia." "Ten!" said the Kurd.