I uncased the big thirty-two-miles-to-the-inch map of India and two smaller Frontier maps, hauled down volume INF-KAN of the “Encyclopaedia Britannica,” and the men consulted them.

“See here!” said Dravot, his thumb on the map.  “Up to Jagdallak, Peachey and me know the road.  We was there with Robert’s Army.  We’ll have to turn off to the right at Jagdallak through Laghmann territory.  Then we get among the hills—­fourteen thousand feet—­fifteen thousand—­it will be cold work there, but it don’t look very far on the map.”

I handed him Wood on the “Sources of the Oxus.”  Carnehan was deep in the “Encyclopaedia.”

“They’re a mixed lot,” said Dravot, reflectively; “and it won’t help us to know the names of their tribes.  The more tribes the more they’ll fight, and the better for us.  From Jagdallak to Ashang.  H’mm!”

“But all the information about the country is as sketchy and inaccurate as can be,” I protested.  “No one knows anything about it really.  Here’s the file of the ‘United Services’ Institute.’  Read what Bellew says.”

“Blow Bellew!” said Carnehan.  “Dan, they’re a stinkin’ lot of heathens, but this book here says they think they’re related to us English.”

I smoked while the men poured over Raverty, Wood, the maps, and the “Encyclopaedia.”

“There is no use your waiting,” said Dravot, politely.  “It’s about four o’clock now.  We’ll go before six o’clock if you want to sleep, and we won’t steal any of the papers.  Don’t you sit up.  We’re two harmless lunatics, and if you come to-morrow evening down to the Serai we’ll say good-bye to you.”

“You are two fools,” I answered.  “You’ll be turned back at the Frontier or cut up the minute you set foot in Afghanistan.  Do you want any money or a recommendation down-country?  I can help you to the chance of work next week.”

“Next week we shall be hard at work ourselves, thank you,” said Dravot.  “It isn’t so easy being a King as it looks.  When we’ve got our Kingdom in going order we’ll let you know, and you can come up and help us govern it.”

“Would two lunatics make a Contrack like that?” said Carnehan, with subdued pride, showing me a greasy half-sheet of notepaper on which was written the following.  I copied it, then and there, as a curiosity.

     This Contracx between me and you persuing witnesseth in
     the name of God—­Amen and so forth.

     (One) That me and you will settle this matter
     together; i.e., to be Kings of Kafiristan.

(Two) That you and me will not, while this matter is being settled, look at any Liquor, nor any Woman, black, white, or brown, so as to get mixed up with one or the other harmful.

     (Three) That we conduct ourselves with Dignity
     and Discretion, and if one of us gets
     into trouble the other will stay by him.

     Signed by you and me this day. 
     Peachey Taliaferro Carnehan. 
     Daniel Dravot. 
     Both Gentlemen at Large.