Those laws are extant to this day, John Heatherstone, and you have placed yourself in their power.
King or emperor would be helpless before the forces which you have called into play.

What hope, then, is there for you?
"In former days these laws acted so instantaneously that the slayer perished with his victim.

It was judged afterwards that this prompt retribution prevented the offender from having time to realise the enormity of his offence.
"It was therefore ordained that in all such cases the retribution should be left in the hands of the _chelas_, or immediate disciples of the holy man, with power to extend or shorten it at their will, exacting it either at the time or at any future anniversary of the day when the crime was committed.
"Why punishment should come on those days only it does not concern you to know.

Suffice it that you are the murderer of Ghoolab Shah, the thrice blessed, and that I am the senior of his three _chelas_ commissioned to avenge his death.
"It is no personal matter between us.

Amid our studies we have no leisure or inclination for personal matters.