` But the war was not pushed . That is the Government custom . The troops were recalled because the Government believed the Five Kings were cowed ; and it is not cheap to feed men among the high Passes . Hilas and Bunar -- Rajahs with guns -- undertook for a price to guard the Passes against all coming from the North . They protested both fear and friendship . ' He broke off with a giggle into English : ` Of course , I tell you this unoffeecially to elucidate political situation , Mister O'Hara . Offeecially , I am debarred from criticizing any action of superiors . Now I go on . -- This pleased the Government , anxious to avoid expense , and a bond was made for so many rupees a month that Hilas and Bunar should guard the Passes as soon as the State 's troops were withdrawn . At that time -- it was after we two met -- I , who had been selling tea in Leh , became a clerk of accounts in the Army . When the troops were withdrawn , I was left behind to pay the coolies who made new roads in the Hills . This road-making was part of the bond between Bunar , Hilas , and the Government . ' ` So ? And then ? ' ' I tell you , it was jolly-beastly cold up there too , after summer , ' said Hurree Babu confidentially . ' I was afraid these Bunar men would cut my throat every night for thee pay-chest . My native sepoy-guard , they laughed at me ! By Jove ! I was such a fearful man . Nevar mind thatt .
I XXXXX on colloquially ... I send word many times that these two Kings were sold to the North ; and Mahbub Ali , who was yet farther North , amply confirmed it .
cowed feed go guard made met protested recalled undertook withdrawn