The mullah Muhammad Anim makes his stand and demands
now surrender to himself of Khinjan Caves; and of all
his ammunition. Further, he demands full control of
you and of me and of all your men. He is ready to
fight for his demands and already—as you must well
know—he has considerable following in Khinjan Caves.
He has at least as many men as you have, and he has
four thousand more here.
"He threatens as a preliminary to blockade Khinjan
Caves, unless the answer to this prove favorable,
letting none enter, but calling his own men out to
join him. This would suit the Indian government,
because while the 'Hills' fight among themselves
they can not raid India, and while he blockades
Khinjan Caves there will be time to move against him.
"Knowing that he dares begin and can accomplish what
he threatens, I am sorry; because I know it is said
how many services you have rendered of old to the
government I serve. We who serve one raj are One—one
to remember—one to forget—one to help each other in
good time.
"I have not been idle. Some of Muhammad Anim's men
are already mine. With them I can return to India,
taking information with me that will serve my government.
My men are eager to be off.
"It may be that vengeance against me would seem sweeter
to you than return to your former allegiance. In that
case, Princess, you only need betray me to the mullah,
and be sure my death would leave nothing to be desired
by the spectators. At present he does not suspect me.
"Be assured, however, that not to betray me to him is
to leave me free to serve my government and well able
to do so.
"I invite you to return to India with me, bearing news
that the mullah Muhammad Anim and his men are bottled
in Khinjan Caves, and to plan with me to that end.
"If you will, then write an answer to Muhammad Anim,
not in Urdu, but in a language he can understand; seem
to surrender to him. But to me send a verbal message,
either by the bearer of this or by some trustier messenger.
"India can profit yet by your service if you will. And
in that case I pledge my word to direct the government's
attention only to your good service in the matter. It is
not yet too late to choose. It is not impertinent in me
to urge you.
"Nor can I say how gladly I would subscribe myself your
grateful and loyal servant
