His mouth opened a little, and he stood like a man bereft of reason by the unexpected.
"Are you not still pledged to support Howrah on his throne ?" "I am, bahadur." "Would plundering his treasure be in keeping with your promise to him ?" "Nay, sahib.

But--" "Be good enough to take my message to him.

Assure him that he may come with ten men without fear of molestation, but guarantee to him that if he comes with more than ten--and with however many more--I will fight, and keep his treasure, both!".