Alwa considered that his inviolable hospitality should be too well known and understood to call for any explanation or expression; he would have considered it an insult to the Sikh's intelligence to have mouthed a welcome; he let it go for granted.
"Jaidev Singh--galloper to Byng-bahadur.

I bring a letter for the Risaldar Mahommed Gunga, or for Cunnigan-sahib, whichever I can find first." "They are both here." "Then my letter is for both of them." Cunningham and Mahommed Gunga each took one step forward, and the Sikh gave Cunningham a tiny, folded piece of paper, stuck together along one edge with native gum.

He tore it open, read it in the light of a trooper's lantern, and then read it again aloud to Mahommed Gunga, pitching his voice high enough for Alwa to listen if he chose.
"What are you two men doing ?" ran the note.

"The very worst has happened.

We all need men immediately, and I particularly need them.