Since his rescue he had shown much gratitude to Desmond. He was quick
witted, and had not been long on board before he felt that the khalasi
was not quite what he appeared to be. His suspicion was strengthened by
the deference, slight but unmistakable, paid by the serang to the lascar;
for though Desmond had warned Hossain to be on his guard, the man had
been unable to preserve thoroughly the attitude of a superior to an
inferior.
On receiving the short message from Clive, Desmond had a consultation
with Hossain. The coolies had finished their work and received their pay,
and there was nothing unusual in the sight of the boatmen squatting on
deck before loosing their craft from its moorings.
"If we are to do what we wish to do, Hossain," said Desmond, "we shall
require a third man to help us. Shall we take Karim into our confidence?"
"That is as you please, sahib. He is a good man, and will, I think, be
faithful."
"Well, send the other fellow on shore; I shall speak to the man."
The serang gave the second of the two Bengalis who had formed his
original crew an errand on shore. Desmond beckoned up the new man.
"Are you willing to undertake a service of risk, for a big reward,
Karim?" he asked.
The man hesitated.
"It will be worth a hundred rupees to you."
Karim's eyes sparkled; a hundred rupees represented a fortune to a man of
his class; but he still hesitated.
"Am I to be alone?" he asked at length.
"No," said Desmond; "we shall be with you.
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