Carlyon Sahib Part 6

Oh, it is not the place for information. They have no writings, and no one village knows anything of another.

ADENE.

There must be local traditions, and if I question them----

CARLYON.

If you question them they will shoot you. I knew an American killed there for pressing a Bhojali to tell his children's names.

VERA.

[_Coming across to him._] But, Father, you've travelled over all that country yourself!

ADENE.

And unarmed, wasn't it?

CARLYON.

[_To_ VERA.] Yes, child, but it does not follow that another man can!

[_Turning to_ ADENE _with change of manner from proud to pleasant_.]

Perhaps you've not heard how they have shrines built to me there and offer sacrifices to one of my old swords.

ADENE.

Yes, I know. Like Nicholson in the Mutiny. Had you to persecute your worshippers as he did?

CARLYON.

No; froze the heresy by neglect.

ADENE.

Well, you will give me letters?

CARLYON.

[_Laughing._] Yes, of course I will, and tokens to the tribesmen too, which will be more to the purpose.

ADENE.

Then I will risk the rest.

CARLYON.

Oh! The recklessness of youth!

ADENE.

Well, with your letters and tokens, when they had that devotion to you----

CARLYON.

[_Turning sharply._] Do you think it was from love they didn't touch me?

The account you will get of me there is not what you'll get at Exeter Hall.

ADENE.

Surely it was at bottom because of your fairness, because you stood by the weak?

CARLYON.

Much those savages care for that! It was not my fairness that saved me!

Do you know the Bhojali song, "Said the tiger to Carlyon?"

ELIZABETH.

[_Above table_ L.] Will no one have some more tea?

ADENE.

I know a proverb--No thank you--about you. "He has no fear and his justice is----"

CARLYON.

No, no, no! Not that absurd thing!

VERA.

You are quite right, Mr. Adene! He brought it on himself, pretending to be such a reprobate: "His justice is the justice of a G.o.d."

CARLYON.

If people took there opinion of me from you, Vera. No, my song is a very different thing: "Said the tiger to Carlyon as they hunted together: 'Let us kill no more. My hunger is dead and my limbs are weary.' And Carlyon answered the tiger: 'Out of my body I will give thee hunger and strength, for my hunger dies not and my limbs are never tired.' Said the death-snake to Carlyon----"

VERA.

[_Rising and putting her arms round his neck and her hands over his month from behind._] That's quite enough! We don't admire your song.

ELIZABETH.

Oh, you don't understand.

CARLYON.

It goes on to tell how the cobra had spent all its poison till I gave it of the venom of my heart, and we all went on killing together. Upon my word, it's what they believe of me!

VERA.