Ram Lal was perfectly natural and easy in his manners, and affable in what he said.
Until the meal was finished no reference was made to the strange business that brought us from different points of the compass to the Himalayan heights.

Then, at last, Ram Lal spoke; his meal had been the most frugal of the three, and he had soon eaten his fill, but he employed himself in rolling cigarettes, which he did with marvellous skill, until we two had satisfied our younger and healthier appetites.
"Abdul Hafiz," he said, his gray face bent over his colourless hands as he twisted the papers, "shall we not tell Mr.Griggs what is to be done?
Afterward he can lie in the tent and sleep until evening, for he is weary and needs to recruit his strength." "So be it, Ram Lal," answered Isaacs.
"Very well.

The position is this, Mr.Griggs.Neither Mr.Isaacs nor I trust those men that we are to meet, and therefore, as we are afraid of being killed unawares, we thought we would send for you to protect us." He smiled pleasantly as he saw the blank expression in my face.
"Certainly, and you shall hear how it is to be done.

The place is not far from here in the valley below.

The band are already nearing the spot, and at midnight we will go down and meet them.