What has Nehal Singh
seen of our superiority? In spite of his father's influence, he came
to us prejudiced in our favor. He saw heroes in us all, and he
trusted himself blindly in our hands. What has been the consequence?
Look at yesterday's scene, as you have described it to me, Colonel.
His best friend had proved himself a mean and treacherous swindler.
The woman whom as I judge he regarded as a saint--forgive me,
Stafford, I must be honest--no more than a heartless flirt, who had
led him on from one folly to another for the sake of a little
excitement--"
"Rubbish!" Colonel Carmichael burst out. "What are exceptions in a
whole race?"
"In a strange country no one is an exception, Colonel. One coward, one
thief, one drunkard is quite enough to cast the blackest slur upon the
whole nation in the eyes of another race. As sincerely as he believed
yesterday that we were all heroes, as sincerely Nehal Singh believes
to-day that there isn't an honest man among us."
This time Colonel Carmichael made no answer. He went over to the
window and stood there frowning obstinately out over the neglected
garden. His eyes fell on the ruined bungalow, and he called Nicholson
to his side.
"Look at that!" he said. "In that place Behar Singh murdered my best
and only friend, Steven Caruthers. I have not forgotten and I can not
forget. It has branded every native for me as a murderer. No doubt
this proves your argument.
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