Punjab!: War Against the Sikhs by Nigel Seed

Author:Nigel Seed [Seed, Nigel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-02-05T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 38

Plots and Rumours

“So tell me, Corporal, do any of these traders know you speak their language?”

Thomas grinned at Warren. “No, sir, I never let on. It makes the bargaining much more interesting.”

Warren stepped to one side to avoid one of the market traders pushing a bolt of cloth towards him. “How so?”

“When we sit down to haggle over some item, there’s usually more than one of them and they talk to each other. Usually saying insulting things about me and saying how I don’t know the value of anything. Often as not they’ll give me a clue about what the real price should be or which one of the things is the best. It’s difficult not to laugh when their faces fall at the end.”

“So that’s why Sergeant Jeffries has you out buying the rations for the company?”

Thomas nodded. “And that’s why he suggested me and Carson for your escort through the bazaar.”

“Does Carson speak the language as well?”

“No, sir, but with that scar down his cheek he looks rough, so they don’t ever try to mess with him.”

“Is he rough, as you say?”

“If ever we were attacked he’s the one I’d want with me. He’s a bonny fighter and he stands his ground.”

Warren glanced at Carson following on behind them. “Good to know, and you’re right about that scar. Now where is this tea stall you told us about?”

Thomas led the way to the tea stall and they sat in the shade of the wide yellow awning to wait for the drinks and sweetmeats to be brought to them. Warren looked around him and noticed the unfriendly eyes that watched them.

“We don’t seem to be too popular here. Are you sure this is the right place?”

Thomas paused as the tea was set down in front of them and then spoke quietly. “This is the place, right enough. I’ve been here a few times and once they get used to us sitting here they start to speak again. That’s when I’ve heard them promising each other we will be sorry for humiliating the Khalsa.”

“And you think I’m going to recognise one of the plotters?”

“I hope so, sir. I’ve seen him twice at the Residency now and it must be worthwhile to know who is coming and going into our lines.”

Warren sipped his tea and nodded. “True enough, just be guarded when you point him out. Good tea, though, so worth the walk.”

The three soldiers continued sitting in the shade and the muttering around them gradually grew louder as the other patrons became used to their presence. Thomas listened to the conversations, but was careful not to react to what he heard. He looked over the Ensign’s shoulder and put down his cup.

“The one I was telling you about is coming down the street now, sir.”

To his credit the young Ensign did not turn his head. “Describe him to me.”

“Tall man, blue turban and a red waist sash. Just coming in behind you now.”

The man he was describing came under the awning and walked past them.

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