Sher Singh found his voice with great difficulty: ‘What did they say?’

The bugger wants to know what the others have said? Clever fellow isn’t he? Don’t try tricks with us, old chap. We’ve known too many like you.’

The Indian sub-inspector was more polite—obviously wanting to curry favour with Buta Singh. ‘Sardar Sahib,’ he said in Punjabi, ‘as the Sahibs have told you, we have all the information we need from your associates. This is a very serious case; you can be sentenced to death for conspiracy to wage war against the King Emperor. Mr Taylor wants to reward the loyal services of your respected father and has ordered us to give you the chance to be a Crown witness. If your statement confirms what the other conspirators have said and is truthful about the crimes you have committed, the Government may decide to grant you pardon. Do you understand?’

‘Yes.’

Three pairs of eyes were fixed on him.

‘Could I consult a lawyer?’

‘Rape your sister,’ exploded one of the sergeants. ‘We want to give you a chance to save your neck and you want to bring lawyers here! Give him the rod properly greased.’

The Indian sub-inspector again took charge of the situation with a mixture of servility and firmness. ‘Sardar Sher Singh, you have not appreciated our point. We know everything already and really have no need for your statement. It is only for your own good. If Taylor Sahib insists on sparing your life because of Sardar Buta Singh, we can make you talk; you know that, don’t you?’

Sher Singh made no answer to the threat.

Three pairs of eyes continued to transfix him. He did not know what to say. But he knew that if they used any violence he would tell all he knew without considering the rights or wrongs of making the confession. He made one last attempt to postpone the decision. ‘Could I at least see my father?’

‘Now he wants to see his Bap. What’s wrong with this fellow?’

‘Perhaps he will want to see his Ma too,’ added the other.

‘You don’t believe what we say?’ asked the Indian subinspector angrily. ‘It is because your father has been rubbing his nose at Mr Taylor’s threshold every day that you are being given his opportunity!’

‘It is very kind of you but I would like to speak to my father before making any statement.’ For the first time Sher Singh spoke firmly, and that because an Indian subordinate had dared to talk disparagingly of his father.

The three officers went back into a huddle and then rose up together. The one with his feet on the chair kicked it towards Sher Singh. ‘O.K. You see your bloody Bap. We’ll talk to you later.’

‘And if you want our advice on how to kick the British out of India, don’t hesitate to ask.’

They roared with laughter and left.