Nothing of any moment occurred during the rest of our march to Nagpoor,
if I except the deaths of a few solitary travellers, who had fallen by
the hands of a small portion of the band who had been sent to another
road which ran parallel to the one on which we marched; and as I know
no particulars of them worth mentioning, I shall at once lead you,
Sahib, to our encampment at Nagpoor. Outside the city is a large tank,
on the margin of which the majority of the band encamped. My father
and few others put up in the town, for the purpose of converting the
booty already obtained into money. It was not a difficult task, for as
the property which had belonged to Brij Lall was easily saleable, we
soon found purchasers among the numerous goldsmiths and sahoukars of
the city. In one of his dealings with a sahoukar, my father casually
stated, that he was proceeding to Hyderabad with some men he had
brought from his village, and for whom he was in hope of procuring
employment under, as he said, his brother, who was in the service of
the then reigning prince Sikundur Jah. The Sahoukar at once proposed to
accompany us, and to give my father and his men a handsome remuneration
if he would protect him on the road; as he had, he said, been for some
time on the look out for an opportunity to put himself under the escort
of a respectable man who might be travelling there with a number of
followers.
At that time, Sahib, in consequence of the unsettled state of
the country, and the many rumours there were of wars, any man of
respectability, who was idle in his village, and could persuade a few
companions to accompany him as their leader, was sure of employment as
a soldier, if he presented himself at any of the courts of Hindostan
or the Dukhun. Sindea, Holkar, the Peshwah, every prince in fact, had
a large army which was tolerably paid; and it was better to serve with
them, than to pursue any other occupation. We had met several bands of
such men on our road down to Nagpoor, so that our company presented no
extraordinary or suspicious appearance, especially under my father,
who looked like a soldier, was always well armed and dressed, rode a
fine horse, and on occasions of residing in, or even passing through a
city, was always attended by a number of the Thugs as his escort; and
his appearance was certainly what he represented himself to be to the
Sahoukar. My father readily agreed to the Sahoukar's terms, and bound
himself down in a day or two afterwards to be at his disposal, and to
afford him protection as far as Hyderabad. At a secret conference they
had that day, the Sahoukar, as my father told me, informed him that he
was going to take down a good deal of treasure, some valuable jewels
and some merchandize, by which he hoped to get a handsome profit at
Hyderabad. Nay, he even went so far as to show him what he was going to
take with him; and you cannot imagine, Sahib, the joy that was diffused
in our camp at the certainty of so rich a booty.
In order to give our band as much of the appearance of soldiers as
possible, my father purchased for those who had none, matchlocks,
swords, and shields, and distributed them: and, in truth, when all
the men were drawn up to be examined, they were a fine-looking set of
fellows; for as this expedition had been considered one of extreme
adventure, none but the youngest and most able-bodied had been selected
for it. They were all informed of the agreement which had been made
with the Sahoukar, cautioned to put on as military and swaggering an
air as possible, and, in short, to behave as soldiers would, during the
part of the journey they would have to appear as his escort.
This was in the evening, and during the night the camp was a scene
of jollity; the booty in view, nay, almost within their grasp, was
sufficient to cheer them. A set of dancing girls was invited from the
city, and in listening to their songs the best part of the night was
passed. We expected the Sahoukar anxiously all the day, and just at
nightfall he came to our camp in a small travelling cart, with one or
two servants and two or three small ponies, on which a tent and his
baggage were laden, and ten bullocks with their drivers. Altogether,
there were eight men, including himself. We saw but little of him
during our march to Oomraotee; my father and Hoosein used sometimes to
sit with him in his tent during the evening, and I was also introduced
to him. He was a large, unwieldy man, and I began to think whether he
would not be a good subject for my first trial. I mentioned my thoughts
to my father, and he was much pleased with me.
"I had intended to have appointed you to be his Bhuttote," said he; "he
is too fat to make any resistance, and he will be the easier work for
you, who have not as yet tried what you can do."
So from that time I looked upon him as my first victim. I daily went to
my instructor to gain fresh insight into my profession, and practised
the handling of the cloth in every way he pointed out to me. He one day
proposed to inveigle a lonely traveller into our camp, in order that
I might try my hand upon him first; but I objected to this, as I felt
confident in my own powers, and was determined, as I had selected the
sahoukar, that he should be the first man.
I pass over our journey, as nothing worth mentioning occurred on the
road. We arrived at the town, and took up our quarters in the bazar. I
was much struck with its apparent opulence and prosperity; but it was
not to be wondered at, as it was the place where all the merchandize
and manufactures of Hindostan were brought to be distributed over the
Dukhun, and where all the spices, drugs, and other articles of trade
arrived from the south, to be sent to different parts of Hindostan. The
town seemed to be full of sahoukars' houses and large shops; and in the
bazars were displayed every article that I had ever heard of, besides
many others from the Europeans at Bombay which I had never seen before;
and I wandered about every day in company with my father, admiring
and wondering at all I saw. The sahoukar's business detained him some
days at this place, at the end of which we again set forward, with an
addition to his people of three men, who drove a few bullocks heavily
laden with cloths, which we heard were of the most costly description,
being those of Benares, which are justly celebrated for their richness
and beauty. Nor did this addition at all disconcert our plans, for in
consequence of the sahoukar having accompanied us, Hoosein's party
still remained; and, indeed, if it had not, there were plenty of my
father's to have secured the whole without trouble. From Oomraotee to
Mungloor is three stages, and "There," said my father, "I shall decide
on a place for the ending of this matter. If I remember right, there
are some low hills and ravines not far beyond it, which will give us
excellent opportunities for concealing the bodies. And do you, Hoosein,
inquire who among your men know the ground--for it will be necessary to
send some one who does, with the Lughaees."
Inquiries were accordingly made when we reached our first stage,
a village named Baum, and it was discovered that three men were
intimately acquainted with the whole of the road, and had been on
the point of coming forward to recommend that one spot in particular
should not be neglected. They were closely questioned by my father and
Hoosein; and they gave a very clear description of a place which seemed
to be so well fitted for the purpose, that it was at once determined
on, and the men promised extra reward if they would exert themselves.
I now felt that my time had come; that in a very few hours I might take
my place with the rest, having established my right to be their equal.
Perhaps it was weakness, Sahib, but from that time I avoided the sight
of the sahoukar as much as possible. I saw him once or twice on the
road; but an involuntary shudder crept through me, and, like a fool,
I almost wished I were back again at our village. But it was too late
to retract; I had a character to gain, and the esteem of him who best
loved me, my father, to secure. To turn back was impossible, and to
evince the smallest cowardice was to degrade myself irretrievably. I
had therefore no resource but to do my best; and, in truth, when the
sahoukar was not before me, I felt no reluctance to perform my part,
but, on the contrary, the same desire I had before experienced to
distinguish myself.
We reached Mungloor. It is a large town, full of Mahomedans, and
celebrated for the shrine of Meer Hyat Kalundur, a saint of great
antiquity. His tomb is held in particular veneration, and it was judged
highly expedient that we should offer up our prayers for the success of
our enterprise. Accordingly, my father, myself, Hoosein, and some other
Mahomedans went to the tomb, and having observed all the ceremonies
required and directed by the attendant Moolas, we were sitting in
conversation with two of them, when we discovered, by a casual sign
made by my father to Hoosein, which was recognised by them that they
were Thugs! "Most extraordinary," thought I; "here are sacred ministers
of our faith Thugs as well as ourselves." But after some conversation
with them, I could see that my father esteemed them lightly.
"These fellows can hardly be Thugs," said my father to Hoosein, as we
descended the steps of the shrine into the outer court, where many of
the men had put up for the day, "and we had better caution the people
against getting acquainted with them. I do not think they will notice
us further as it is, but they might do so did they know whom we had
with us."
"You are right," said Hoosein; "it might perhaps be better were the
men told not to disclose whom we have with us." They were accordingly
cautioned: and it turned out that we had done right, as we heard
afterwards that the Moolas were most inquisitive, and could not
understand how it was that we had come so far and were going so much
further without an object; and I have no doubt had we not acted as
we did, and disclosed our intentions to, or asked for assistance
from them, that they would have either betrayed us to the village
authorities, or insisted on such a share of the spoil, which we dared
not have refused, as would have materially lessened ours.
After prayers we returned to the place where we had put up, and found
a man belonging to the Sahoukar waiting for us. He said his master
would stay that evening where he was, with a friend, instead of coming
outside the village to our encampment, but that my father was to leave
some men with him as a guard; and that he would set out early in the
night, as he was determined to go on to Bassim, a town some distance
off, where he had another friend, whom he wished to visit; that as it
was so long a march we must start early, so as to allow time for a halt
for refreshment at a village half way. My father did not like the idea
of sending the men into the village, lest they should be recognized as
Thugs by any of the Thug villagers; yet he could not but acquiesce, and
some were sent as soon as night closed in, that there might be hardly a
chance of their being known. In the meantime every preparation was made
by the party of gravediggers who were to precede us, and at nightfall
they also left the ground, fourteen in number, with the two who knew
the spot in company with them. They were confident as to the precise
place they should fix on, and described the hills as little more than
low mounds, caused by some high land breaking into ravines; that, if
they remembered right, the road was very stony, and crossed by several
small streams, whose banks were lined by thick brushwood, and that in
any one of these in which there might be no water, the bhil, or grave,
should be prepared. They were also desired to place men in advance to
give information, that we might all take our places, and fall on, when
the signal was given.
It was now generally known to all that I was to have the Sahoukar to
myself, and many thronged about me to see how I looked forward to my
first trial; every one cheered me, and I must own this gave me great
confidence. As the time approached, my soul burned for the work like
that of a young and brave soldier to see the first flash of his bright
sword in anger. My father enjoyed my demeanour in silent satisfaction;
he spoke not, but there was exultation in his eye as he looked fondly
upon me, and I felt that I should not disappoint him. The whole band
seemed to be impressed particularly with the importance of the present
matter, for they collected into groups, and though each man knew
exactly what he had to do, and what was appointed for his comrade, yet
they seemed to be discussing the whole, till one by one they separated,
and each stretched himself out to gain the little rest he could,
before the time arrived which would call him into active, nay, deadly
strife,--my father and Hoosein too--all except myself. I was sitting
outside our slight tent, when Roop Singh came to me.
"Baba!" said he, as he sat down, "how feel you? is your heart firm and
your blood cool?"
"Both," said I: "nothing can change my heart; and feel my hand, is my
blood hot?"
"No," said the old man, taking it in his; "it is not, nor does it
tremble; this is as it should be. I have seen many prepare for their
first trial, but never one so coolly and calmly as you do; but this is
all in consequence of the blessed Muntrus which have been read over
you, and the ceremonies you went through."
"Perhaps so," said I; "but I think I should have been much the same
without them."
"Now, may Bhowanee forgive you, proud boy," he replied; "you know not
their efficacy; was there ever a prouder being than I was,--a Rajpoot
by birth, and one of the purest tribes? Had I not slain wild beasts,
or helped to slay them, from my childhood? but when a man was shown
me, and the handkerchief alone put into my hands to destroy him with,
indeed I trembled; nor was it for a long time that I could be brought
to attempt it. But," continued Roop Singh, "you have one more ceremony
to go through, which on no account must be neglected; go, call your
father, Hoosein, and Bhudrinath, that they may be present."
We were all soon assembled, and the Gooroo led the way into an
adjoining field. He stopped, and turning to the direction in which we
were to proceed, raised his hands in a supplicatory manner, and cried,
"Oh Kalee! Maha Kalee! if the traveller now with us should die by the
hand of this thy new votary, vouchsafe us the Thibaoo!"
All of us stood silently; and wonderful to relate, even at that late
hour an ass brayed on the right hand. The Gooroo was overjoyed.
"There!" cried he to the others, "was there ever so complete an
acceptation of a votary? The omen almost followed the prayer."
"Shookr Alla!" exclaimed my father, "it is now complete; he will go
forth and conquer. There only remains for you to tie the knot."
"That I will do when we return," said the Gooroo; and when we reached
our encampment, he took my handkerchief, and untying the knot which had
been previously made, he retied it, placing a piece of silver in it.
Presenting it to me, he said,--
"Receive this now sacred weapon; put your trust in it; in the holy name
of Kalee, I bid it do your will."
I received it in my right hand, and carefully tucked it into my
waistband, that I might not lose it, and that it might be ready for
action when required. We remained in conversation for some time and
then threw ourselves on our carpets to snatch a short rest, till one
of our men from the village came and told us that the Sahoukar was
preparing to move, and had sent him on to warn us. The band were
quickly roused and our beasts laden, and we drew up by the side of the
road to await his arrival. He was not long in coming, and we all moved
on together. The night was beautiful, the road excellent, and we pushed
on in high spirits. The booty we were to possess, the tact with which
the whole matter had been managed from the first, would mark it as an
enterprise of a superior description, one that any one of us would
be proud to mention, and which would cause a considerable sensation,
not only in the country, but among the numerous bands of Thugs of
Hindostan, more especially those we were to rejoin at the conclusion of
our season.
We had proceeded about two coss, when there was a murmur among the men
who led, and one of the scouts was an instant afterwards seen making
his way to where we were. My father recognized him as one of those he
had sent on. "Bhilla manjeh?" [have you cleared the hole?] he eagerly
inquired.
"Manjeh!" said the man; "it is cleared, and it is all ready. See you
yon low hills? A streamlet, as I told you, runs from them; and it is a
rare bhil that we have made, Jemadar Sahib. You will say we have done
well."
"And how far may it be?" demanded my father.
"About half a coss," said the man; "a short distance from hence the
road becomes stony, and continues so till you are above the pass--take
advantage of it;" and he fell in among the others.
The men were silently warned to be at their posts, and each man,
or two men, as it was necessary, placed himself close to the one
to whom he had been assigned. By designed obstructions in front,
the bullocks belonging to the Sahoukar, with their attendants, were
brought immediately about the cart in which he rode, and the whole
being gathered into one place, were the easier to be secured. The
preparations again roused me, and I grasped the handkerchief firmly,
thinking every moment that the signal was about to be made; but we
still crept on at a slow pace, for the road was narrow and lined by
thorny bushes; and the men in front proceeding as slowly as possible,
we were kept exactly in our proper place, and expected every moment to
reach the spot.
As we approached the small hills, the jungle became pretty thick, and
appeared doubly so by the moonlight, and we passed many places where
I thought the deed might have been done with advantage. But I was
wrong, for the Lughaes had selected an admirable one. A man came from
the front, whispered a few words to my father, and again went on: this
increased my anxiety. We crossed a small hollow, ascended a bank, and
below us I saw what I was sure was the place. The banks of the rivulet
were high and steep, covered with thick underwood matted by trailing
creepers. A few higher trees nearly met over its bed, in which could be
just discerned a small thread of water, looking like a silver snake as
the moon's rays fell on it through the dark foliage. A hundred thieves
might lie there, thought I; and who could ever know the fate of a
traveller who might so easily be surprised in such a spot? I was roused
from my train of thought by my father, as he called out "Hooshiaree!"
[caution]. This was the preparatory signal. He went to the side of the
cart, and represented to the Sahoukar that we had reached the stream,
and that the bank was so steep, and the bed so stony, that he must get
out and walk over to the other side, if no further. This was quite
sufficient: the man got out, and after seeing the cart safely down the
steep bank was preparing to follow himself.
The whole scene is now before me. The bullocks and their drivers,
with the Thugs, were all in a confused group in the bed of the little
stream, the men shouting and urging on their beasts: but it was easy
to see that every man had a Thug close to him awaiting the signal.
They were only a few feet below us and the stream was so narrow that
it was with some difficulty all could stand in its bed, especially
when the cart reached the bottom. Above stood my father, Hoosein,
and myself,--the Sahoukar, one of his servants, and several other
Thugs. I was eagerly waiting the signal; I tightly grasped the fatal
handkerchief, and my first victim was within a foot of me! I went
behind him as being preferable to one side, and observed one of the
other Thugs do the same to a servant. The Sahoukar moved a step or two
towards the road--I instinctively followed him--I scarcely felt that
I stirred, so intensely was I observing him. "Jey Kalee!" shouted my
father: it was the signal, and I obeyed it!
As quick as thought the cloth was round his neck--I seemed endued
with superhuman strength--I wrenched his neck round--he struggled
convulsively for an instant, and fell. I did not quit my hold, I knelt
down on him, and strained the cloth till my hand ached; but he moved
not--he was dead! I quitted my hold, and started to my feet: I was mad
with excitement!--my blood boiled, and I felt as though I could have
strangled a hundred others, so easy, so simple had the reality been.
One turn of my wrists had placed me on an equality with those who had
followed the profession for years,--I had taken the first place in the
enterprise, for I had killed the principal victim! I should receive the
praise of the whole band, many of whom, I was confident, had looked on
me as only a child. I was roused from my reverie by my father.
"You have done well," he said in a low and kind voice; "you will
receive the reward of this soon; now follow me, we will go to the
grave. Ere this the bodies have been collected, and I myself must see
that they are properly disposed of. There will be a noise about this
business, and it will need great exertion for us to get out of the road
we are now travelling."
I followed him. We descended into the bed of the stream, and were led
to the grave by one of the men; others bearing the body of the Sahoukar
followed. We passed up the bed of the stream for a short distance; and
near the mouth of a small nulla, the bed of which was dry, a number of
the men were standing.
"The grave?" asked my father.
"It is up there," said one; "you will have to creep, and the thorns are
very bad."
"It matters not," he replied; and we entered the place.
The banks of the rivulet were perhaps two or three yards high, and
the bed was so narrow that but two persons could advance abreast.
The creepers and trees were matted overhead, and the sides so thick
that it was impossible that any one could have got down from above.
The tangled character of the spot increased as we proceeded, until it
became necessary to free our clothes from the thorns which caught us at
every step. In a few moments we heard the sound of voices, and after
creeping almost on all fours through a hole which had apparently been
forced through the underwood, we came upon the grave. There was only
one; it occupied almost the entire breadth of the stream; it was very
deep, and the earth, or rather sand, had been thrown out on each end.
The Lughaees were sitting there, sharpening stakes cut from the jungle;
but they could scarcely be seen from the darkness of the place, which
the thick wood above only partially allowed the moonbeams to penetrate.
They were conversing in a low tone in the slang of the band, which I
had not learned: my father spoke to them, or rather to their leader.
"You have had your wits about you," he said; "and we will think well
of you when we make the distribution: this is a grave that even a
jackal could not discover. Again I say, Peer Khan, you have done this
properly; and it is well I have seen it that I may speak of you as you
deserve. But you must be quick--the night advances."
"It is finished, Khodawund," replied the man; "we do but wait for
another body, which they say is coming, and the filling up will be done
immediately." As he spoke, the body of the Sahoukar was brought up by
three men, who railed at it for its weight.
"It is their wont," he said; "do not speak to them--only watch what
they do; for you must see all, that you may be fully acquainted with
your duties." I was silent. The corpse was dragged to the brink and
thrown in, as also that of the servant who had been killed close to the
Sahoukar; incisions were made in their abdomens, and sharpened stakes
driven through them.
"Were it not for the precaution you see," said my father, "the ground
might swell, and the jackals would drag out the bodies; in this way,
however, it is impossible."
When all was finished, quantities of stones, which had been collected,
were thrown upon the bodies; afterwards thorns; and the whole was
covered up with sand, which was carefully smoothed. "I think this will
do, Jemadar Sahib," said Peer Khan; "we may now leave the place. It is
not likely that any one will come here to look for the Séthjee or his
people; and the Sahib-zada has seen how cleverly we have done our work."
"Enough," said I, "I shall know how to act as a Lugha myself, should
I ever need it." My father beckoned me to follow him. I stayed to see
some dry sand thrown over the place, and proceeded with the others.
The hole in the underwood made by us was closed up with great care;
and a branch of a bush being broken off, and trailed after him by the
hindmost man, obliterated every footmark in the dry sand of the nulla.