Chapter 9 (pages 145-170 and endnotes) Summary

Flashman notes that in October of 1845 both sides knew there would be no war that autumn. Jeendan moves her court from Lahore to Amritsar, and Flashman is grateful. He has recently been on a four-day sexual spree with Jeendan, and while her appetite never wanes, he is exhausted.

When the royal court returns to Lahore, Mangla is the first to visit Flashman. He wants to know everything, but Mangla is interested only in pleasure. She spends the night, and in the morning Flashman finds a message in his bible. The message directs Flashman to dress in disguise and go to the French Soldier's cabaret and wait for Bibi Kalil. Flashman does not know anyone named Bibi Kalil.

Flashman finds the cabaret and orders a drink and waits while periodically giving the secret hand signs. A...