Although the mind would ordinarily reject sympathy with the joys or
sorrows of a murderer like Ameer Ali, one so deeply stained with crime
of the most revolting nature, yet for the moment I was moved to see,
that after the lapse of nearly twenty years by his account, the simple
mention of the death of his favourite child could so much affect him,
even to tears, and they were genuine. I leave others to speculate
on the peculiar frame of the Thug's mind, how this one feeling of
tenderness escaped being choked by the rank guilt that had sprung up
around it, and will pursue my relation of his adventures.
Sahib, he said, why should I now trouble you with an account of my
miserable meeting with my loved Azima? You can picture it to yourself.
Our souls had been bound up in that boy, and it was long ere we could
bring ourselves to submit to the blow which the hand of Alla had
inflicted. But the poignancy of the grief passed away, and our girl,
growing up in beauty, occupied our thoughts and engaged our care and
attention.
Some time after we returned, my father one day came to me, and with
concern on his countenance declared there was a rumour that we were
suspected, and that he thought our village was no longer a safe abode
for us. We could risk nothing; there might or might not be truth in the
report, but it was our duty to secure a safe asylum; and accordingly he
and I set out to make a tour of the different states as yet independent
of the English, and to find out whether any of their rulers would allow
us a residence on payment of a fixed tribute, such as our fraternity
had used to pay to Sindia's government when our village belonged to
that prince. We accordingly departed, and after visiting many rulers in
Bundelkund (for we were averse to going farther from our home), we were
received by the Rajah of Jhalone, and were introduced to him by Ganesha
Jemadar, who was under his protection, and who made him handsome
returns from the booty he collected for his friendly conduct.
Our negotiation was a long one: the Rajah was fearful for some time
of the consequences of harbouring us, or pretended to be so in order
to enhance the favour he was conferring; but we distributed bribes
plentifully to his attendants and confidential servants, and at last
succeeded in our object. We were to pay a tax of three hundred rupees
a year to his government, present him with anything rare or valuable
we might pick up, and, to preserve appearances, my father agreed
to farm three villages situated a short distance from his capital.
The whole concluded by our presenting to him one of the strings of
pearls we had taken on the last expedition, my own beautiful sword,
and other articles, valued at nearly five thousand rupees. When we
were thus mutually satisfied, my father and some of the men remained
behind, while I and the rest returned to our village, to bring away our
families.
I confess I left our home with regret; many, many happy days had been
passed there, and we were beloved by the villagers, to whom we had
endeared ourselves by our inoffensive conduct. We were now to seek
a new country, and form new ties and connections--a disagreeable
matter under any circumstances. But my father's wisdom had saved us.
The information the English officers had obtained--Alla only knows
how--was correct. In a very few months after we were settled in our new
abode, we heard that the whole Purgunna of Murnae had been attacked,
village by village. Many of the best and bravest of the Thugs had died
defending their homes; the survivors had fled, routed and utterly
disorganized, and had taken refuge with those who had made previous
settlements as we had done.
For my own part, so long as my money lasted I was in no humour to
expose myself to fresh risks. I had too attained the highest rank
possible among Thugs, for I had been declared a Soobehdar immediately
upon my return from the last expedition; and I was content to enjoy my
ease, and assist my father in the management of the villages which had
been confided to us, and by which we realized a comfortable income.
For the time, therefore, Thuggee was abandoned; and though often
urged by Ganesha, who had a wild and restless spirit, to join him in
an expedition, we refrained from doing so, and lived peacefully and
respectably.
There was something about Ganesha which to me was mysterious, and the
instant I saw him at the court of the Rajah, a thought flashed into my
mind that I had met him before under painful circumstances. In spite
of all my endeavours I could hardly ever shake it off sufficiently to
be on any terms of cordiality with him; and I viewed with suspicion
and distrust his intimacy with my father, and the evident effect his
counsels had upon him. In person Ganesha was tall and strong, but his
face was more forbidding than any one I had ever before seen, and there
was a savage ferocity about his manner which disgusted me. But let him
pass at present; he has now little to do with my story; hereafter I
shall be obliged to bring him prominently and disagreeably before you.
Nearly three years passed quietly, and unmarked by anything which I
can recall to my memory. I had no more children, and my daughter was
growing up a model of beauty and grace. I was happy, and never should
have dreamed of leaving home, had it not been for the bad faith of the
Rajah, and one unfortunate season of drought; by the former we were
obliged to pay five thousand rupees, which he demanded under threats of
discovering us; and by the latter we lost considerably in the villages
we farmed, which were now seven in number, and for which he obliged us
to pay the full amount of revenue. These sums seriously diminished our
resources; and I began to look about me for men, to compose a band to
go in search of more plunder. But they were not easily collected, for
my own men had dispersed to distant parts of the country, and could not
be brought together save at great expense and sacrifice of time.
Just at this period it was rumoured through the country that Cheetoo
and other Pindharee chiefs of note would assemble their forces
after the rains, at the festival of the Dussera, and had planned an
expedition of greater magnitude than any ever before undertaken; an
expedition which was sure to enrich all its members, and strike terror
into the English government. The idea suited me exactly; I was a
soldier by inclination, if not by profession; and I thought, if I could
join any of the durras with a few choice men, well mounted, we might
make as good a thing of it as if we went out on an expedition of our
own. The latter scheme, moreover, promised no success, for the roads
would be infested by straggling parties of Pindharees, who were well
known to spare neither travellers nor Thugs: they looked on the last,
indeed, with great enmity.
Accordingly I set to work to make my preparations. Peer Khan and Motee
still remained near us, and when I disclosed my plans to them, they
entered into them with great readiness and alacrity. They had enough
money to mount themselves well, and after a short absence returned
fully equipped for the journey. I had told them to look out for a few
really fine fellows to accompany us, whom they brought; but our united
means would not allow of our purchasing horses for them, and on foot
they would be of no use. In debating on our dilemma, an idea occurred
to me that the Rajah would perhaps lend or sell the horses, on the
promise of after and double payment. I had heard of such things, and I
determined to try what could be done.
To my great joy the Rajah consented, and with less difficulty than
I had anticipated, for I had become a great favourite with him. I
was allowed to take five horses from his stables, which were valued
at three hundred rupees each, with their saddles and accoutrements,
and this sum was to be doubled in case we returned successful. The
Rajah indeed thanked me for the hint I had given him, and many
others obtained horses on the same terms, on giving security for the
performance of the conditions under which they took them. My final
arrangements were soon completed. We were all armed and accoutred in
the handsomest manner we could afford; and a better-mounted or more
gallant-looking little party never set out in quest of adventure than
I and my seven associates. Before we started we consulted the omens,
which were favourable, and we performed all the ceremonies of departure
exactly as if we had been going on an expedition of Thuggee.
In due time we arrived at Nemawur, the residence of Cheetoo. Here were
collected men from every part of Hindostan, as various in their tribes
as they were in their dresses, arms, and accoutrements. The country
round Nemawur was full of them, and the town itself appeared a moving
mass of human beings, attracted by the hope of active service, and
above all of plunder. We lost no time in presenting ourselves at the
durbar of the chief, and were graciously received by him. I opened our
conference in the usual manner, by presenting the hilt of my sword
as a nuzzur; and having dressed myself in my richest clothes, I was
instantly welcomed as if I had been a Sirdar of rank, and had the
command, not of seven men, but of as many hundreds.
Cheetoo was a fine-looking man and a gallant leader. He ought to have
died on the field of battle, instead of in the miserable manner he did.
No man that ever led a Lubhur was juster in the division of plunder;
no one was ever more attentive to the wants and complaints of those
under him than was Cheetoo Pindharee. It was this which gained him so
many followers, while his personal activity and hardihood stimulated
his soldiers to exertion and emulation. Nothing could tire him: often
have I seen him after a long and weary march, when it was as much as
most of us could do to sit on our horses, dash out to the front and
exercise his noble steed, which bore him gallantly, as though he were
only returning from a morning's ride of a few miles.
Cheetoo was, as I said, struck with my appearance, as I introduced
myself as a poor Syud of Jhalone, desirous of serving under him in his
ensuing campaign.
"Oh," said he, "from Jhalone! you have travelled far, my friend; but
nevertheless you are welcome, as every brave cavalier is who brings
a good horse and a willing heart to the service of Cheetoo. You know
my conditions of service; I give no pay, but as much plunder as your
own activity can procure: the people will tell you what my share of it
is; and I look to your honesty, for your face belies you if you are a
rogue."
"I know the conditions," said I, "and will accept them; but I have
brought a few friends with me who are desirous of sharing my fortunes;
and, if it be the pleasure of the Huzoor, I will bring them."
"Surely," he replied: "but now I am engaged: meet me with your men at
the place of assembly in the evening, and I will see them and your
horses, for the station I shall allot you in the durra depends on their
fitness."
I made my obeisance and retired. I had made the acquaintance of one
of Cheetoo's Sirdars, a man by name Ghuffoor Khan, a perfect savage
in appearance and deportment, a fellow who had Pindharee written on
his face, and had served with much distinction in the durras of Dost
Mahomed and Kureem Khan. He had introduced me to Cheetoo, and now, as
he accompanied me from the durbar, he gave me instructions how I was to
proceed.
"You will meet us," he said, "on the plain beyond the town, and see
that all your horses look well, that your men are well dressed and
armed, and I will venture to declare that you are all placed in my
division, which has the honour of leading, and is the first for
fighting and for plunder. I shall be glad to have you, and I will try
whether I cannot get you the command of a hundred or two of my own
risala. We want leaders, and from your appearance I judge that you will
do justice to my patronage."
"It is the very thing I have ever wished for," I said; "and if you
will but favour me, I will do my utmost to please you. It is true
I have as yet seen no service; but that is easily learned when the
heart is willing." We separated, and I hastened to my men to get them
in readiness for the inspection of our new chief. Our horses had now
rested from the fatigue of the journey, and were in high condition: our
arms were cleaned and sharpened. We provided ourselves with the long
spear which is peculiar to the Pindharees, and of which thousands were
on sale; and at the appointed hour I led my little band to the place,
where some hundred horsemen were already assembled. I had dressed
myself in the armour of Subzee Khan, which was a magnificent suit:
and my noble horse, as he bounded and caracoled with me, seemed proud
of his rider, and glad that he had at last got into a scene suited to
his fiery spirit. Peer Khan and Motee were also striking figures, and
nearly as well mounted as I was; and the rest were as good, if not
better, than the majority of those who were now assembled.
"Keep all together," said I to them: "do not straggle, or our party
will appear more insignificant than it really is. When you see the
chief coming, watch my movements and follow me."
Long before sunset Cheetoo issued from the town, accompanied by as
gallant a company as could well be imagined. The leaders of the
different durras were all around him, each surpassing the other in the
richness and martial air of his dress, his arms, and the trappings of
his horse. Before him, making his horse leap and bound in a wonderful
manner, rode Ghuffoor Khan, clad in chain-armour, which glittered in
the red rays of the setting sun. No one equalled him in appearance,
though many were noble-looking cavaliers; and no one appeared to manage
his steed with the ease and grace that he did.
"That is the man!" I cried with enthusiasm to Peer Khan; "that is the
man we are to serve under; is he not a gallant fellow? Now follow me."
And I gave my impatient horse the rein, and dashing onwards, was in an
instant at the side of Cheetoo, accompanied by my men. I dropped my
spear to the ground, as I threw my horse back on his haunches close to
him, and making an obeisance down to my saddle-bow, said that I had
brought my men as he had directed, and awaited his orders.
Cheetoo checked his horse, and for a moment surveyed me with delight.
"You are a fine young fellow," he said at length, "and your men are
excellently mounted. I would there were as many hundreds of you as you
have companions. However, something may be done. What say you, Ghuffoor
Khan, will the Meer Sahib serve with you? and have you a few hundred
men to put under him?"
"May I be your sacrifice?" cried the Khan, "'tis the very thing your
servant would have proposed. I liked the Meer Sahib from the moment I
saw him, and now that he is properly dressed, by Alla! he is a very
Roostum, and the only fit companion for himself (forgive my insolence)
that Ghuffoor Khan sees."
"Then be it so," said Cheetoo; "take him with you, and see that you
treat him kindly."
"Come," cried the Khan to me, "come then, Meer Sahib, take a
tilting-spear from one of those fellows; here is a rare piece of
ground, and I must see whether you are master of your weapon."
"I fear not," said I; "I know little about the spear. On foot and with
the sword I should not fear the best man of the army; nevertheless, to
please you, I will try."
I took the spear, a long light bamboo, with a large stuffed ball
of cotton at the end of it, from which depended a number of small
streamers of red cloth, and following Ghuffoor Khan, dashed forwards
into the plain. We pursued each other alternately, now advancing to the
attack, now retreating, amidst the plaudits of the assembled horsemen,
who looked on with curiosity to see how an utter stranger would
behave against the most accomplished cavalier of the army. For a long
time neither of us had any advantage over the other; our horses were
admirably trained, and neither allowed the other to approach within
reach of the spear-thrust. This was the great nicety of the tilt,
and cries of "Shabash! Shabash!" resounded at every baffling turn or
successful escape from a meditated blow. At last the Khan touched me;
it was but a graze, which I received on my arm, having delayed for an
instant to turn my horse, and he cried out that he had won.
"I own it," said I, as our horses stood panting for breath, "for I am,
as you know, a novice at the use of the weapon; yet if you will give me
another trial, I will again cross spears with you, and see if I have
not better luck."
"Good," cried he, laughing; "but look out, for I warn you I shall not
be merciful; a sharp blow on the ribs of a young hand teaches him his
vulnerable point, and causes him to be careful ever after."
"Come on," cried I; "if I can I will return the compliment."
We again took a large circle, and at a good canter approached each
other till we were nearly within spear's-length. The Khan was as good
as his word, and made several desperate lunges at me. I avoided them,
however, by the quickness of my horse; and I plainly saw that he could
by no endeavour approach near enough to me to strike a decisive blow.
His horse, too, being fatter, was more blown than my own; and, after
allowing him to weary it still more for some time in a vain pursuit
of me, I suddenly changed my position, and became his assailant. I
believe I was more cool and wary than he was, for he appeared vexed
that a stranger should be on such equal terms with him at his favourite
exercise; he did not parry my lunges with the same precision as in the
first encounter, when, notwithstanding all my efforts to touch him, he
avoided and laughed at me. Still I had not touched him; and growing
weary of my close pursuit, he endeavoured to turn again and become
the assailant; but whether his horse was slow in wheeling round, or
whether I was too near to allow of his avoiding the blow, I know not;
but, as he endeavoured to cross behind me, I wheeled my horse suddenly,
struck my heels into his sides, and, as he gave his accustomed bound
of some yards, struck my spear full on the broad chest of the Khan,
who was somewhat stunned by the blow. A loud shout from those around
us proclaimed my victory; and the Khan himself, though abashed at his
defeat, was one of the loudest in my praises to the chief himself.
"By Alla!" said he, "thou art no stranger at this work, Meer Sahib;
thou hast played me a trick."
"I swear by your beard and the Koran that I have not, Khan," I cried:
"it was the result of chance. Alla knows that two days ago I had never
had a spear in my hand. I only observed what you did when you hit me,
and to my good horse I owe my fortune. But it was all chance; and
though I prize the victory, yet I regret that such a chance should have
hurt you."
"Nay, I am not hurt, Syud," he replied; "and I bear these things with
good humour; but if you are as good a hand with the sword as you
promise to be with the spear, there will not be a man in the camp to
stand before you."
"It would be boastful in me to challenge any one," said I, "seeing that
I am a stranger among you; yet if the noble Cheetoo wishes to try me, I
will essay what I can do to-morrow."
"Good, good!" cried all; and Cheetoo himself, vastly pleased with the
result of my encounter with Ghuffoor Khan, bade me present myself early
at his residence, where he would invite a few good swordsmen to attend
and see us exercise.