ich the German changed his
tactics in a hurry.

"My business is simple," said the German. "Perfectly simple and
perfectly neutral. We have a wireless installation with us. It is
all ready to set up in this village. In a few moments we shall be
receiving messages from Europe, and then we shall inform the
inhabitants of these parts how matters stand. As neutrals they are
entitled to that information." Their eyes met, each seeking to read
the other's mind, and the German misunderstood, as most Germans I
have met do misunderstand.

"Before we can receive a message we shall send one," said the
German. "Before I came out to meet you, I gave the order to get in
touch with Constantinople and signal this: That we are being
interfered with and our lives are endangered on neutral territory by
troops belonging to British India, and therefore that all British
Indian prisoners-of-war in Germany should be made hostages for our
safety. That means," he went on, "that unless we signal every day
that all is well, a number of your countrymen in Germany
corresponding to the number of my party will be lined up against a
wall and shot."

"So that message has been sent?" asked Ranjoor Singh.

"Yes," said the German.

"Then send this message also," said Ranjoor Singh: "That the end has
certainly come. Then close up your machine because unless you wish
to fight for your existence there will be no more messages sent or
received by you between here and Afghanistan."

I thought that a strange message for Ranjoor Singh to bid him send.
I did not believe that one of us, however weary, was willing to
accept relief at the price of our friends' lives. Nevertheless, I
said nothing, having learned it is not wise to draw too swift
conclusions when Ranjoor Singh directs the strategy.

But the German evidently thought so, too, for his eyes looked
startled, and I took comfort from that.

"I understand you wish to reach Afghanistan?" asked Ranjoor Singh.

"That is our eventual destination," said the German.

"Very well," said Ranjoor Singh. "Pack up your machine. Then I will
permit your journey to the Afghan border, unhampered by me, on two
conditions."

"What two conditions?" asked the German.

"That your machine shall remain packed up until you reach
Afghanistan, and that your doctor shall divide his services until
then equally between your men and mine."

"And after that, what?" asked the German.

"I have nothing to do with Afghanistan,"