CHAPTER XXXII.
Although the mind would ordinarily reject sympathy with the joys orsorrows of a murderer like Ameer Ali, one so deeply stained with crimeof the most revolting nature, yet for the moment I was moved to see,that after the lapse of nearly twenty years by his account, the simplemention of the death of his favourite child could so much affect him,even to tears, and they were genuine. I leave others to speculateon the peculiar frame of the Thug's mind, how this one feeling oftenderness escaped being choked by the rank guilt that had sprung uparound it, and will pursue my relation of his adventures.
Sahib, he said, why should I now trouble you with an account of mymiserable meeting with my loved Azima? You can picture it to yourself.Our souls had been bound up in that boy, and it was long ere we couldbring ourselves to submit to the blow which the hand of Alla hadinflicted. But the poignancy of the grief passed away, and our girl,growing up in beauty, occupied our thoughts and engaged our care andattention.
Some time after we returned, my father one day came to me, and withconcern on his countenance declared there was a rumour that we weresuspected, and that he thought our village was no longer a safe abodefor us. We could risk nothing; there might or might not be truth in thereport, but it was our duty to secure a safe asylum; and accordingly heand I set out to make a tour of the different states as yet independentof the English, and to find out whether any of their rulers would allowus a residence on payment of a fixed tribute, such as our fraternityhad used to pay to Sindia's government when our village belonged tothat prince. We accordingly departed, and after visiting many rulers inBundelkund (for we were averse to going farther from our home), we werereceived by the Rajah of Jhalone, and were introduced to him by GaneshaJemadar, who was under his protection, and who made him handsomereturns from the booty he collected for his friendly conduct.
Our negotiation was a long one: the Rajah was fearful for some timeof the consequences of harbouring us, or pretended to be so in orderto enhance the favour he was conferring; but we distributed bribesplentifully to his attendants and confidential servants, and at lastsucceeded in our object. We were to pay a tax of three hundred rupeesa year to his government, present him with anything rare or valuablewe might pick up, and, to preserve appearances, my father agreedto farm three villages situated a short distance from his capital.The whole concluded by our presenting to him one of the strings ofpearls we had taken on the last expedition, my own beautiful sword,and other articles, valued at nearly five thousand rupees. When wewere thus mutually satisfied, my father and some of the men remainedbehind, while I and the rest returned to our village, to bring away ourfamilies.
I confess I left our home with regret; many, many happy days had beenpassed there, and we were beloved by the villagers, to whom we hadendeared ourselves by our inoffensive conduct. We were now to seeka new country, and form new ties and connections--a disagreeablematter under any circumstances. But my father's wisdom had saved us.The information the English officers had obtained--Alla only knowshow--was correct. In a very few months after we were settled in our newabode, we heard that the whole Purgunna of Murnae had been attacked,village by village. Many of the best and bravest of the Thugs had dieddefending their homes; the survivors had fled, routed and utterlydisorganized, and had taken refuge with those who had made previoussettlements as we had done.
For my own part, so long as my money lasted I was in no humour toexpose myself to fresh risks. I had too attained the highest rankpossible among Thugs, for I had been declared a Soobehdar immediatelyupon my return from the last expedition; and I was content to enjoy myease, and assist my father in the management of the villages which hadbeen confided to us, and by which we realized a comfortable income.For the time, therefore, Thuggee was abandoned; and though oftenurged by Ganesha, who had a wild and restless spirit, to join him inan expedition, we refrained from doing so, and lived peacefully andrespectably.
There was something about Ganesha which to me was mysterious, and theinstant I saw him at the court of the Rajah, a thought flashed into mymind that I had met him before under painful circumstances. In spiteof all my endeavours I could hardly ever shake it off sufficiently tobe on any terms of cordiality with him; and I viewed with suspicionand distrust his intimacy with my father, and the evident effect hiscounsels had upon him. In person Ganesha was tall and strong, but hisface was more forbidding than any one I had ever before seen, and therewas a savage ferocity about his manner which disgusted me. But let himpass at present; he has now little to do with my story; hereafter Ishall be obliged to bring him prominently and disagreeably before you.
Nearly three years passed quietly, and unmarked by anything which Ican recall to my memory. I had no more children, and my daughter wasgrowing up a model of beauty and grace. I was happy, and never shouldhave dreamed of leaving home, had it not been for the bad faith of theRajah, and one unfortunate season of drought; by the former we wereobliged to pay five thousand rupees, which he demanded under threats ofdiscovering us; and by the latter we lost considerably in the villageswe farmed, which were now seven in number, and for which he obliged usto pay the full amount of revenue. These sums seriously diminished ourresources; and I began to look about me for men, to compose a band togo in search of more plunder. But they were not easily collected, formy own men had dispersed to distant parts of the country, and could notbe brought together save at great expense and sacrifice of time.
Just at this period it was rumoured through the country that Cheetooand other Pindharee chiefs of note would assemble their forcesafter the rains, at the festival of the Dussera, and had planned anexpedition of greater magnitude than any ever before undertaken; anexpedition which was sure to enrich all its members, and strike terrorinto the English government. The idea suited me exactly; I was asoldier by inclination, if not by profession; and I thought, if I couldjoin any of the durras with a few choice men, well mounted, we mightmake as good a thing of it as if we went out on an expedition of ourown. The latter scheme, moreover, promised no success, for the roadswould be infested by straggling parties of Pindharees, who were wellknown to spare neither travellers nor Thugs: they looked on the last,indeed, with great enmity.
Accordingly I set to work to make my preparations. Peer Khan and Moteestill remained near us, and when I disclosed my plans to them, theyentered into them with great readiness and alacrity. They had enoughmoney to mount themselves well, and after a short absence returnedfully equipped for the journey. I had told them to look out for a fewreally fine fellows to accompany us, whom they brought; but our unitedmeans would not allow of our purchasing horses for them, and on footthey would be of no use. In debating on our dilemma, an idea occurredto me that the Rajah would perhaps lend or sell the horses, on thepromise of after and double payment. I had heard of such things, and Idetermined to try what could be done.
To my great joy the Rajah consented, and with less difficulty thanI had anticipated, for I had become a great favourite with him. Iwas allowed to take five horses from his stables, which were valuedat three hundred rupees each, with their saddles and accoutrements,and this sum was to be doubled in case we returned successful. TheRajah indeed thanked me for the hint I had given him, and manyothers obtained horses on the same terms, on giving security for theperformance of the conditions under which they took them. My finalarrangements were soon completed. We were all armed and accoutred inthe handsomest manner we could afford; and a better-mounted or moregallant-looking little party never set out in quest of adventure thanI and my seven associates. Before we started we consulted the omens,which were favourable, and we performed all the ceremonies of departureexactly as if we had been going on an expedition of Thuggee.
In due time we arrived at Nemawur, the residence of Cheetoo. Here werecollected men from every part of Hindostan, as various in their tribesas they were in their dresses, arms, and accoutrements. The countryround Nemawur was full of them, and the town itself appeared a movingmass of human beings, attracted by the hope of active service, andabov
e all of plunder. We lost no time in presenting ourselves at thedurbar of the chief, and were graciously received by him. I opened ourconference in the usual manner, by presenting the hilt of my swordas a nuzzur; and having dressed myself in my richest clothes, I wasinstantly welcomed as if I had been a Sirdar of rank, and had thecommand, not of seven men, but of as many hundreds.
Cheetoo was a fine-looking man and a gallant leader. He ought to havedied on the field of battle, instead of in the miserable manner he did.No man that ever led a Lubhur was juster in the division of plunder;no one was ever more attentive to the wants and complaints of thoseunder him than was Cheetoo Pindharee. It was this which gained him somany followers, while his personal activity and hardihood stimulatedhis soldiers to exertion and emulation. Nothing could tire him: oftenhave I seen him after a long and weary march, when it was as much asmost of us could do to sit on our horses, dash out to the front andexercise his noble steed, which bore him gallantly, as though he wereonly returning from a morning's ride of a few miles.
Cheetoo was, as I said, struck with my appearance, as I introducedmyself as a poor Syud of Jhalone, desirous of serving under him in hisensuing campaign.
"Oh," said he, "from Jhalone! you have travelled far, my friend; butnevertheless you are welcome, as every brave cavalier is who bringsa good horse and a willing heart to the service of Cheetoo. You knowmy conditions of service; I give no pay, but as much plunder as yourown activity can procure: the people will tell you what my share of itis; and I look to your honesty, for your face belies you if you are arogue."
"I know the conditions," said I, "and will accept them; but I havebrought a few friends with me who are desirous of sharing my fortunes;and, if it be the pleasure of the Huzoor, I will bring them."
"Surely," he replied: "but now I am engaged: meet me with your men atthe place of assembly in the evening, and I will see them and yourhorses, for the station I shall allot you in the durra depends on theirfitness."
I made my obeisance and retired. I had made the acquaintance of oneof Cheetoo's Sirdars, a man by name Ghuffoor Khan, a perfect savagein appearance and deportment, a fellow who had Pindharee written onhis face, and had served with much distinction in the durras of DostMahomed and Kureem Khan. He had introduced me to Cheetoo, and now, ashe accompanied me from the durbar, he gave me instructions how I was toproceed.
"You will meet us," he said, "on the plain beyond the town, and seethat all your horses look well, that your men are well dressed andarmed, and I will venture to declare that you are all placed in mydivision, which has the honour of leading, and is the first forfighting and for plunder. I shall be glad to have you, and I will trywhether I cannot get you the command of a hundred or two of my ownrisala. We want leaders, and from your appearance I judge that you willdo justice to my patronage."
"It is the very thing I have ever wished for," I said; "and if youwill but favour me, I will do my utmost to please you. It is trueI have as yet seen no service; but that is easily learned when theheart is willing." We separated, and I hastened to my men to get themin readiness for the inspection of our new chief. Our horses had nowrested from the fatigue of the journey, and were in high condition: ourarms were cleaned and sharpened. We provided ourselves with the longspear which is peculiar to the Pindharees, and of which thousands wereon sale; and at the appointed hour I led my little band to the place,where some hundred horsemen were already assembled. I had dressedmyself in the armour of Subzee Khan, which was a magnificent suit:and my noble horse, as he bounded and caracoled with me, seemed proudof his rider, and glad that he had at last got into a scene suited tohis fiery spirit. Peer Khan and Motee were also striking figures, andnearly as well mounted as I was; and the rest were as good, if notbetter, than the majority of those who were now assembled.
"Keep all together," said I to them: "do not straggle, or our partywill appear more insignificant than it really is. When you see thechief coming, watch my movements and follow me."
Long before sunset Cheetoo issued from the town, accompanied by asgallant a company as could well be imagined. The leaders of thedifferent durras were all around him, each surpassing the other in therichness and martial air of his dress, his arms, and the trappings ofhis horse. Before him, making his horse leap and bound in a wonderfulmanner, rode Ghuffoor Khan, clad in chain-armour, which glittered inthe red rays of the setting sun. No one equalled him in appearance,though many were noble-looking cavaliers; and no one appeared to managehis steed with the ease and grace that he did.
"That is the man!" I cried with enthusiasm to Peer Khan; "that is theman we are to serve under; is he not a gallant fellow? Now follow me."And I gave my impatient horse the rein, and dashing onwards, was in aninstant at the side of Cheetoo, accompanied by my men. I dropped myspear to the ground, as I threw my horse back on his haunches close tohim, and making an obeisance down to my saddle-bow, said that I hadbrought my men as he had directed, and awaited his orders.
Cheetoo checked his horse, and for a moment surveyed me with delight."You are a fine young fellow," he said at length, "and your men areexcellently mounted. I would there were as many hundreds of you as youhave companions. However, something may be done. What say you, GhuffoorKhan, will the Meer Sahib serve with you? and have you a few hundredmen to put under him?"
"May I be your sacrifice?" cried the Khan, "'tis the very thing yourservant would have proposed. I liked the Meer Sahib from the moment Isaw him, and now that he is properly dressed, by Alla! he is a veryRoostum, and the only fit companion for himself (forgive my insolence)that Ghuffoor Khan sees."
"Then be it so," said Cheetoo; "take him with you, and see that youtreat him kindly."
"Come," cried the Khan to me, "come then, Meer Sahib, take atilting-spear from one of those fellows; here is a rare piece ofground, and I must see whether you are master of your weapon."
"I fear not," said I; "I know little about the spear. On foot and withthe sword I should not fear the best man of the army; nevertheless, toplease you, I will try."
I took the spear, a long light bamboo, with a large stuffed ballof cotton at the end of it, from which depended a number of smallstreamers of red cloth, and following Ghuffoor Khan, dashed forwardsinto the plain. We pursued each other alternately, now advancing to theattack, now retreating, amidst the plaudits of the assembled horsemen,who looked on with curiosity to see how an utter stranger wouldbehave against the most accomplished cavalier of the army. For a longtime neither of us had any advantage over the other; our horses wereadmirably trained, and neither allowed the other to approach withinreach of the spear-thrust. This was the great nicety of the tilt,and cries of "Shabash! Shabash!" resounded at every baffling turn orsuccessful escape from a meditated blow. At last the Khan touched me;it was but a graze, which I received on my arm, having delayed for aninstant to turn my horse, and he cried out that he had won.
"I own it," said I, as our horses stood panting for breath, "for I am,as you know, a novice at the use of the weapon; yet if you will give meanother trial, I will again cross spears with you, and see if I havenot better luck."
"Good," cried he, laughing; "but look out, for I warn you I shall notbe merciful; a sharp blow on the ribs of a young hand teaches him hisvulnerable point, and causes him to be careful ever after."
"Come on," cried I; "if I can I will return the compliment."
We again took a large circle, and at a good canter approached eachother till we were nearly within spear's-length. The Khan was as goodas his word, and made several desperate lunges at me. I avoided them,however, by the quickness of my horse; and I plainly saw that he couldby no endeavour approach near enough to me to strike a decisive blow.His horse, too, being fatter, was more blown than my own; and, afterallowing him to weary it still more for some time in a vain pursuitof me, I suddenly changed my position, and became his assailant. Ibelieve I was more cool and wary than he was, for he appeared vexedthat a stranger should be on such equal terms with him at his favouriteexercise; he did not parry my lunges with the sam
e precision as in thefirst encounter, when, notwithstanding all my efforts to touch him, heavoided and laughed at me. Still I had not touched him; and growingweary of my close pursuit, he endeavoured to turn again and becomethe assailant; but whether his horse was slow in wheeling round, orwhether I was too near to allow of his avoiding the blow, I know not;but, as he endeavoured to cross behind me, I wheeled my horse suddenly,struck my heels into his sides, and, as he gave his accustomed boundof some yards, struck my spear full on the broad chest of the Khan,who was somewhat stunned by the blow. A loud shout from those aroundus proclaimed my victory; and the Khan himself, though abashed at hisdefeat, was one of the loudest in my praises to the chief himself.
"By Alla!" said he, "thou art no stranger at this work, Meer Sahib;thou hast played me a trick."
"I swear by your beard and the Koran that I have not, Khan," I cried:"it was the result of chance. Alla knows that two days ago I had neverhad a spear in my hand. I only observed what you did when you hit me,and to my good horse I owe my fortune. But it was all chance; andthough I prize the victory, yet I regret that such a chance should havehurt you."
"Nay, I am not hurt, Syud," he replied; "and I bear these things withgood humour; but if you are as good a hand with the sword as youpromise to be with the spear, there will not be a man in the camp tostand before you."
"It would be boastful in me to challenge any one," said I, "seeing thatI am a stranger among you; yet if the noble Cheetoo wishes to try me, Iwill essay what I can do to-morrow."
"Good, good!" cried all; and Cheetoo himself, vastly pleased with theresult of my encounter with Ghuffoor Khan, bade me present myself earlyat his residence, where he would invite a few good swordsmen to attendand see us exercise.
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