"Nay," said I. "I heard what he said. He said he will lead us, but
he said nothing of his plan. He did not say he will lead us against
the British."

"Then it was the Germans. They said so," said Gooja Singh. "They
said he will lead us against the British."

"The Germans said," said I, "that their armies are outside Paris--
that India is in rebellion--that Pertab Singh was hanged in Delhi--
that the British rule in India has been altogether selfish--that our
wives and children have been butchered by the British in cold blood.
The Germans," said I, "have told us very many things."

"Then," said he, "you counsel us to follow Ranjoor Singh?"

"Nay," said I. "I counsel nothing."

"You are a coward!" said he. "You are afraid to give opinion!"

"I am one among many!" I answered him.

They left me alone again and talked in groups, Gooja Singh passing
from one group to another like a man collecting tickets. Then, when
it was growing dusk, they gathered once more about me and Gooja
Singh went through the play of letting them persuade him to be
spokesman.

"If we decide to follow Ranjoor Singh," said he, "will you be one
with us?"