Just beyond the shoulder of the hill, sheltered from the north by the projecting boulders, was a small tent, carefully pitched and adjusted to stand the storms if any should come.  Thither we all three bent our steps and sat down by the fire, for it was chilly, even cold, in the passes in September.  Food was brought out by Isaacs, and we ate together as if no countless ages of different nationalities separated us.  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.  The meeting will be, of course, like all formal rendezvous for the delivery of prisoners.  The captain of the band will come forward accompanied by his charge, and perhaps by a sowar.  We three will stand together, side by side, and await their coming.  Now the plot is this.  They have determined if possible to murder both Shere Ali and Isaacs then and there together.  They have not counted on us, but they probably expect that our friend will arrive guarded by a troop of horse.  The maharajah’s men will try and sneak up close to where we stand, and at a signal, which the leader, in conversation with Isaacs, will give by laying his hand on his shoulder, the men will rush in and cut Shere Ali to pieces, and Isaacs too if the captain cannot do it alone.  Now look here, Mr. Griggs.  What we want you to do is this.  Your friend—­my friend—­wants no miracles, so that you have got to do by strength what might be done by stratagem, though not so quickly.  When you see the leader lay his hand on Isaacs’ shoulder, seize him by the throat and mind his other arm, which will be armed.  Prevent him from injuring Isaacs, and I will attend to the rest, who will doubtless require my whole attention.”

“But,” I objected, “supposing that this captain turned out to be stronger or more active than I. What then?”