King of the Khyber Rifles

Captain Alan King arrives at the North-West Frontier garrison near the Khyber Pass. He survives an attack on his escort thanks to Ahmed, a native Afridi deserter from Karram Khan's forces. His mixed Pashtun heritage triggers prejudice among officers, including Lt Geoffrey Heath moving out of quarters.

Brigadier General Maitland declares a policy of full equality among whites, and learns that Alan was raised alongside Karram Khan. He then assigns Alan to train and command a native unit, the Khyber Rifles, a decision that reshapes loyalties at the fort.

Susan Maitland, the general's daughter, falls in love with King, complicating loyalties at the garrison. A kidnapping attempt occurs, but Alan foils it, highlighting his willingness to risk himself for Susan.

General Maitland decides to send Susan back to England after the kidnapping attempt. The move deepens the strain between Alan and the colonial authorities, foreshadowing future tensions.

Lt. Geoffrey Heath informs Alan that Susan left earlier with the other women from the fort. He adds that Susan still feels the same way about him, complicating his loyalties and future.

King volunteers to engage Karram Khan by presenting himself as a deserter to gain entry. The ruse is risky, designed to bridge the gap between the tribes and the British, and to secure intelligence.

Alan reaches Karram's camp in the Pass and declares desertion to serve him. The two men reminisce about their shared childhood, and Karram welcomes him as an ally.

Karram learns the rifle shipment is empty, undermining his trust in Alan's ruse. Alan explains why he lied about desertion and opens up about Susan and his love for her, deepening their personal stakes.

Alan attempts to kill Karram with a knife, but hesitates and is discovered. Karram wakes, captures him, and binds him to a post with other British officers. Karram's men kill the other officers with spears, and Alan is spared when he saves Karram's life.

Alan returns to relay what happened to General Maitland. The General places him under house arrest, reflecting the fragile balance between loyalty and deception.

News of the uprising reaches the fort. The Khyber Rifles refuse to use Enfield rifles because of religious dietary restrictions on the grease. Alan, being half-Muslim, demonstrates that using the rifle is not in opposition to their faith.

The Khyber Rifles attack Karram’s people with knives. Alan leads a daring assault, leaping through the roof of Karram's tent; a Khyber Rifleman hurls a knife that fatally wounds Karram. The fort's victory returns, and General Maitland accepts Alan, securing a future for him and Susan.