diff options
Diffstat (limited to '42859-0.txt')
| -rw-r--r-- | 42859-0.txt | 9374 |
1 files changed, 9374 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/42859-0.txt b/42859-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e8290df --- /dev/null +++ b/42859-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,9374 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42859 *** + +[Illustration: Cover] + + LACHMI BAI + Rani + of + Jhansi + + MICHAEL WHITE + + + + +LACHMI BAI + + + + +[Illustration: "Lachmi Bai! Lachmi Bai! Rani of Jhansi!" they +cried.--Page 31.] + + + + +[Illustration: Decorated title page] + + Lachmi Bai + Rani + of + Jhansi + + + The + Jeanne D'Arc + of India + + + By + Michael + White + + + New York + J. F. Taylor & Company + 1901 + + + + + COPYRIGHT, 1901, BY + J. F. TAYLOR AND + COMPANY, NEW YORK + + + _Press of + Riggs Printing Company + Albany, N. Y._ + + + + + _To + my wife_ + + + + +_The_ RANI _of_ JHANSI + + +"Being young, vigorous, and not afraid to show herself to the +multitude, she gained a great influence over the hearts of the people. +It was this influence, this force of character, added to a splendid and +inspiring courage, that enabled her to offer a desperate resistance +to the British.... Whatever her faults in British eyes may have been, +her countrymen will ever believe that she was driven by ill-treatment +into rebellion; that her cause was a righteous cause. To them she will +always be a heroine." + + KAYE AND MALLESON, + "_History of the Indian Mutiny_." + + + + +[Illustration: Female face] + +LACHMI BAI + + + Within no peerless Taj Mahal her body lies, + No gilded dome, nor fairy minarets against the azure skies, + Proclaim the place, where she, called by her foes, the "bravest + and the best," + Was laid by reverential hands to her victorious rest: + But in the eternal sanctuary of her race, + The holy river, holy Mother Ganges, that coveted embrace, + Doth hold her ashes, and for a monument to her name, + Sufficeth it, that in the people's hearts, her fame, + Doth shine immortal. For she was deeply loved, this Queen, + The beauteous, valiant Rani, India's great heroine. + + + + +CONTENTS + + + CHAPTER PAGE + I. BEFORE THE STORM 1 + II. THE HOUR AT HAND 18 + III. BY THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE 23 + IV. A STAR IN THE ASCENDENT 36 + V. AHMAD RETURNS TO COURT 48 + VI. THE OATH 61 + VII. HOW AHMAD KEPT HIS OATH 72 + VIII. THE DARBAR 85 + IX. AT THE HOUSE OF AHMAD KHAN 101 + X. THE WHITE TURRET 107 + XI. A SHREWD DIAGNOSIS 117 + XII. AHMAD AGAIN NONPLUSSED 126 + XIII. WHAT BIPIN OVERHEARD 139 + XIV. AT THE TOMB OF FIROZ KHAN 155 + XV. IN THE COURSE OF EVENTS 172 + XVI. JHANSI BESIEGED 184 + XVII. WITH SWORD AND TORCH 193 + XVIII. A PRINCE IN SCARLET 207 + XIX. A CALL TO THE HEART 218 + XX. BIPIN TAKES A PRISONER 229 + XXI. THE GREAT COUP DE MAIN 237 + + + + +_LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS_ + + + "Lachmi Bai--Lachmi Bai--Rani of Jhansi"! they cried + (page 31) _Frontispiece_ + PAGE + + "Then will I set forth to bring this dog of a Maharaja to his + senses"? 57 + + "Didst thou mark that languorous glance she cast on thee"? 105 + + With the exception of a white turban, she was attired in a + blood-red uniform from head to foot 213 + + Her horse leaped forward straight for Sindhia's guns 255 + + "Never have I hungered for aught else but thee, fair Rani" 267 + + + + +LACHMI BAI + +Chapter I + +_BEFORE THE STORM_ + + +It was a day of angry, torrid heat. The June sun of Central India +blazed fiercely upon an uneven plain, upon a river winding to the +northward, a lake bordered by trees, and upon the walled city of Jhansi +with its rock fortress rising precipitously to guard the western front. +Beneath the south wall, amid groves of acacia, whose parched and +dust-coated limbs seemed to implore a speedy descent of the rains then +due, were discernible the white domes of temples and tombs. A little +further away, surrounded by gardens, were situated the bungalows of the +Foreign residents, the cantonments of their troops, and the Star Fort +containing their treasure and arms. + +The hour of noon approached. Over all a reposeful silence reigned. +Everyone had sought the shelter of cool halls and darkened chambers. +In the fort and cantonments the soldiers had been dismissed from their +duties; on the roads leading to the city there was little traffic; +within the gates the bazaars were deserted; not a dog even ventured +upon the blistering stones of the palace courtyard. Only in the shadow +of a pillar near the main entrance to that turreted structure, a blind +beggar sat, every now and then raising his monotonous cry for pity and +alms. + +Externally, an indefinite era of peace seemed to have settled upon +Jhansi. Except for the periodical anxiety concerning the rains, there +appeared to be no disquieting feature disturbing its outward calm. Yet +for months past in that year of 1857 a token,[1] a warning of some +great impending occurrence had gone forth through the land; from whence +proceeding few men knew, to what purpose the masses did not comprehend, +though they watched. With indifference as to what it might portend, the +Foreigners had also observed the sign. + +But in one place in Jhansi that day there was no rest at the noontide +hour. It was in the palace of the disinherited Rani, or Princess of +the state. There, an atmosphere of suspense, an air laden with that +mysterious foreboding that some mighty event was about to take place, +permeated every apartment, the halls, courts, and corridors. The very +walls seemed to live with sinister animation. Men, many of them with +arms displayed openly, moved stealthily back and forth from room to +room, gathering in groups to discuss some weighty topic with hushed +accents. Even the women servants appeared to have caught the infection +of the hour, pausing to glean snatches of the men's conversation, and +passing on with significant looks. + +In a small enclosed garden of the palace, where palms, bright-leaved +crotons, and fragrant blossoms, afforded a refreshing retreat from the +atmospherical furnace without, a man and woman paced side by side in +earnest discourse. The man was tall, bronze-visaged, and of martial +bearing; the woman slender in form, graceful in carriage, and beautiful +in so far as one might gather from features partly concealed by a fold +of her embroidered _chuddah_. The former was a Mohammedan noble, Ahmad +Khan; the latter, Lachmi Bai, the disinherited Rani of Jhansi. + +At a turn in their walk the Princess turned to confront her companion. + +"You say, my Lord," she spoke quickly, "that Bahadur Shah once more +reigns supreme in Delhi; that the troops at Aligurth have marched out +to join his standard; that Bareli has fallen into the hands of Khan +Bahadur Khan; and yet there is no news from Bithur. When, in Heaven's +name, is Dundhu Panth, the Peshwa, going to send us the signal to rise +in Jhansi? For a month past my people have impatiently strained on the +leash, awaiting my word to rush forth and drive the Foreigners from the +State. I cannot--nay I cannot hold them in hand much longer. God knows, +they have their own wrongs as well as mine to redress." + +Ahmad raised a hand restrainingly. + +"Patience! Patience! my Lady Rani," he exclaimed. "In a little, to-day, +to-morrow, surely the Peshwa's messenger will arrive. Restraint will be +for the best in the end. The arm of your people will strike all the +harder; their onset will be the more irresistible." + +"Aye, truly," she replied, "but you forget, O Ahmad, that the +Foreigners will not sleep forever. The news from Delhi must have +reached their ears. A single traitor might cause them to awake, +defeating all our plans. I fear that the blow upon which we have staked +so much, may yet fall without cleaving to the heart." + +A Native officer in Foreign uniform entered the garden. He halted and +saluted. + +The Rani and her companion turned quickly toward him with expressions +of sudden alarm. + +The officer advanced to deliver a message. + +"Your Highness," he began, addressing the Rani. "The Commissioner and +Captain Sahibs will shortly arrive at the palace to seek an audience. I +have been sent forward to acquaint you of their visit." + +The Rani stepped close to the officer and scrutinized his features. +Then she grasped him tightly by the sleeve of his jacket. + +"Thou art the Jamadar Golab Das"? she interrogated. + +"As thou sayest, noble Rani." + +"Tell me, O Golab," she besought anxiously. "Have they heard? Have the +eyes of the Foreigners been opened? Hath a traitor whispered in their +ears"? + +"They sleep on, all thy people are faithful," the officer returned +significantly. + +A sigh of relief escaped the Rani's lips. + +"It is well," she exclaimed. "Then I will see the Foreign Sahibs. Go, +carry them that message." + +The officer again saluted and left her presence. + +As if a sudden inspiration had gained possession of the Rani's mind, +she turned to Ahmad and spoke authoritatively. + +"It is my will to see the Foreign Sahibs alone in the _Darbar_ hall." + +He made a gesture as if about to protest against her purpose. + +"Nay," she continued, "Nay, good Ahmad. It is the best plan. If they +see me unattended they will be less suspicious. Go, order everyone +to hide from view. Let not a face be seen or a voice heard. Let +these walls be as silent as a tomb--aye even as the tomb that these +Foreigners have built about my life, depriving me of what was justly +mine. The palace sleeps, they will say. This woman can do no harm." + +She gracefully recognized the Mohammedan noble's bow, signifying his +compliance to her order, and moved quickly to a door leading to her +private apartments. + +At the southern gate of the city, the two Foreign Sahibs, attended by a +Native orderly, were met by Golab Das, bearing the Rani's reply. + +"Well Jamadar," said the military officer, "What does the Rani say? Did +you see her personally"? + +"I saw the Princess, your Excellency," returned the Jamadar. "She bade +me say that she waits to learn the pleasure of your will." + +"Tell me, Jamadar," continued the officer. "Was there any sign of +uneasiness about the palace? People gathering, or additions being made +to the Rani's bodyguard"? + +"My eyes beheld no such gathering of people," returned the Jamadar +laconically. "The Rani's servants are resting from the heat." + +The officer ordered his subordinate to return to the cantonments. +As they moved forward he turned a look of satisfaction toward his +companion. + +"Well Hawksley," said he. "I doubt after all if we shall have the fun +yet of cutting our way through a mass of fanatics." + +The Commissioner's face maintained a thoughtful expression. + +"I did not anticipate that we would," he returned. + +"Yes, but you are as full of gloomy forebodings as any old fortune +teller," asserted the other. + +"Oh! not at all," exclaimed the Commissioner, "only I think the +situation more serious than the rest of us are inclined to regard it." + +"What in Jhansi"? + +"Yes, in Jhansi. Now look here, Vane," continued the Commissioner +gravely. "Let us see how we stand. There is no doubt something horrible +has taken place in Delhi." + +"Rumors only," interposed the other, "and even then an isolated case. +That old rascal, Bahadur Shah, will soon be brought to his senses, and +punished drop for drop of our blood." + +"I hope so," remarked the Commissioner. "But this morning I heard that +the troops at Bareli had revolted and seized the place." + +"A band of marauders," added the soldier lightly. "They will be hanged +when caught, every one of them. For my part, I fail to perceive how +these scattered out-breaks are likely to affect us in Jhansi." + +"Yes, indirectly they may," the Commissioner persisted. "Now look here, +Vane. Think a moment seriously, if you can do such a thing. Here we are +a paltry hundred and fifty odd Europeans in the heart of India, far +removed from the least chance of assistance." + +"We shall not need any," remarked the soldier emphatically. "If the +people hereabout should create any disturbance, my men will soon deal +with them. They have sworn to a unit that they will stand by their salt +oath of allegiance. I have implicit confidence in them." + +"Granted! Granted that what you assert may be true," rejoined the +Commissioner, "but to my mind the element of danger here lies in +another direction." + +"Where pray"? demanded the other dubiously. + +They had passed the gate and were traversing the almost deserted +bazaars. + +"Where pray"? he asked again, glancing along a row of empty stalls. "I +confess, I fail to note any sign of it." + +"Perhaps not," rejoined the Commissioner, "but it is in evidence +nevertheless. I refer to the Rani." + +"What, to that girl, the Rani," the officer exclaimed. + +"Nonsense! What mischief can she do. Her talons have been well pared +for any evil that she might design." + +"My dear Vane," said the Commissioner sagely. "Never underestimate the +power and resources of a woman, if she nourishes a grievance." + +"A grievance"? + +"Yes, frankly, though unofficially, I consider that she has a +grievance--even a just one against us. Now what is her position? First, +we took from her the estate of her affianced husband, that by her law +she was clearly entitled to hold." + +"But transferred, I thought, according to the provisions of a treaty +made with the late Raja." + +"True, but still she was none the less a heavy loser by it. Well then, +by way of recompense for this, what did we do? We gave her a paltry +$30,000 a year." + +"A devilish good allowance, I call it," flippantly interposed Vane. "I +only wish I had $30,000 a year, and the Rani or the deuce might do what +they pleased with Jhansi. Dear old Pall Mall would soon see me on the +double." + +The Commissioner refused to notice his companion's light humor. + +"Out of that allowance," he proceeded, "small enough in all conscience +for one in her position, we insisted on deducting a sinking fund to pay +the late Raja's debts." + +Vane struck his boot a smart rap with the end of his whip. + +"Oh, hang it!" he exclaimed. "That was bad. It's shocking enough to be +obliged to meet one's own i.o.u.'s; but to settle up for another fellow +is monstrous. My sympathy there is with the Rani, though it wasn't our +fault, you know." + +"Yes, I thought that would appeal to you," remarked the Commissioner +dryly, "but if I am not mistaken that matter of killing cows, in spite +of her protests, has enraged her more than the loss of either the +Jhansi throne or the revenue. That, was an unnecessary insult to her +religious sensibilities. Now what I maintain is this, if she has been +waiting for a favorable opportunity to strike a blow for what she may +regard as her lost position and injured feelings, the present is as +good a one as she is likely to be afforded. Her influence with the +people is, I am convinced, a quantity worth taking into account." + +Vane yawned with the heat and the little interest he felt in both the +subject and the visit. He was satisfied that the Commissioner's fears +were groundless, that there was not the slightest danger of an outbreak +in Jhansi, and only with difficulty had he been persuaded to accompany +his colleague to the Rani's palace. + +"In any case, suppose there is something in your idea," he asked, "what +can she do"? + +"That is exactly what we are going to try and discover," returned the +Commissioner firmly. + +They had arrived before the main entrance to the palace. They +dismounted and handed the reins of their horses to the native orderly. + +Vane glanced contemptuously at an obsequious aged servant who had come +forth to receive them, and round upon the drowsy appearance of the +buildings. + +"Conspiracy! Uprising of the people! Nonsense"! he ejaculated. +"Hawksley's imagination has gone wandering. I'd wager six months' pay +the girl is trembling at the bare idea of our visit." + +As the request for an audience had been made upon the spur of the +moment, the Commissioner regarded it as a favorable sign that the Rani +consented to receive them without delay. + +They were ushered through an inner courtyard surrounded by cloisters, +in the shade of which a few Natives awoke to salute the Foreign Sahibs +as they passed. Thence through dark halls and ante-chambers, in which +the echo of their footsteps alone broke the profound silence that had +descended on the palace. At last they crossed the threshold of the +_Darbar_ hall. + +At the further end of the noble chamber, where for centuries it had +been the custom of the Princes of Jhansi to dispense justice, she, +from whom justice had been withheld, stood to receive her visitors. +In the sight of the two officers as they gazed down a nave of pillars +supporting the ornately decorated roof, she appeared as the statue of +some divinity in the far perspective of an ancient temple--a youthful, +white robed, graceful figure, brought into strong relief by a dark +background of gold embroidered arras. + +As if to emphasize the powerless condition to which she had been +reduced, the Rani was attended by a single waiting woman, who remained +throughout the interview a few paces in her rear, motionless and +apparently unobservant. + +The officers advanced to within a few paces of her position and saluted +her respectfully. + +With a slight inclination of her head, she acknowledged their greeting +and waited to learn the nature of their errand. + +The Commissioner had anticipated that the Rani would have hastily +surrounded herself with numerous retainers to impress him with a +semblance of her power. He realized that a hundred splendidly attired +courtiers could not have added a shade of prestige to this girl, who +stood alone. + +It was not only the majestic pose, nor the beautiful contour of her +face, crowned by a mass of dark hair, ornamented with a chaplet of +pearls, that quickly confirmed the Commissioner's previous impression +that Lachmi Bai, Rani of Jhansi, was far removed from the generally +accepted type of her countrywomen. But there was a strength of +character emphasized in every line of her distinctly Aryan features, a +force of will, a mystical power in every flash of her lustrous eyes, +in every movement, in every word, however gently spoken, warning him +at the outset that he had to deal with no shrinking, simple, _zanana_ +maiden. + +He had come prepared to assume a firm, if necessary a dictatorial +attitude; but now in her presence he found himself slowly paving the +way by conventional compliments. + +Her silence at last compelled him to come to the point. + +"Your Highness," he began, "will doubtless have heard of the +disturbances that have broken out in several districts of the Northwest +Provinces." + +"Some reports have reached my ears," she replied, with apparent +indifference, "but I give to them little credence." + +"I am afraid," resumed the Commissioner gravely, "that there is only +too much reason to believe their authenticity. I have, therefore, +sought this audience with your Highness to request that in the event +of any threatened outbreak in Jhansi, you will use your influence to +preserve peace. I need not add that by so doing, by demonstrating at +such a crisis that your sympathy is with the British Government, you +will be rendering a service to the latter that I, personally, will +guarantee shall not be overlooked." + +The representative of the power that had deprived her of her +possessions stood before her as a supplicant for her good will. + +A nature less subtle, less under such admirable control, might at the +moment have been over tempted to cast prudence to the winds, and in an +outburst of long gathering passion jeopardize the complete success of +her plans by summoning her retainers to seize prematurely the persons +of the British officers. But trained in adversity, that best of schools +to curb her real feelings, by not a sign did she betray, that for +months past she had been preparing for the hour when the fate of Jhansi +should rest in the palm of her hand; nor the infallible knowledge +she possessed, that every man in the city, aye even every woman and +child, together with the whole body of native troops within the British +cantonments, awaited her signal to rise in revolt. + +In a voice, in which only the faintest note of irony was mingled with +surprise, she answered quietly. + +"Surely the Foreign Sahib sets too great store upon my ability to +assist him. What have I," she continued, raising the tone slightly, +and extending a hand so that the gold bangles on her wrist jingled +musically. "What influence hath Lachmi Bai with the people to control +their actions? If they should rebel, has not the Sahib soldiers and +guns to enforce his will; I, but a few poor servants to protect my +person. No," she concluded, letting her hand fall again to her side, +"the Sahib knows well I have no power, no authority in Jhansi." + +The Commissioner twirled his moustache musingly. He knew that without +doubt she had stated the literal truth; but he was now more firmly +convinced than ever, that behind the dark eyes which so unflinchingly +returned his gaze, there lay a power for good or evil in a possible +emergency, that it would be suicidal to ignore. + +Gravely he resumed the subject. + +"It would be a poor compliment," he said, "to the esteem in which it is +well known your Highness is held by the people, to place your influence +at so low a value. Should an uprising take place in Jhansi, you could +do much to preserve law and order." + +For a few moments neither spoke. Each regarded the other as if +endeavoring to find a vulnerable point in the contest of diplomacy, +when the Rani skilfully turned the subject to her own advantage. +She was anxious to discover if any suspicion of her plans had been +engendered in the minds of the Foreigners, and how far they depended +for their safety upon the fidelity of their native troops, already won +over to her cause. She therefore replied by another question. + +"But have you any reason to think that the peace will be broken in +Jhansi"? + +"At present, I have not," the Commissioner replied, after a short +period of reflection. + +"And even in that event you can surely rely upon the loyalty of your +native troops"? she suggested with apparent absence of motive. + +"Yes, I believe so," he affirmed decisively. "Certainly they will +remain true to their salt." + +"Then why come to me," she asked, "to seek assistance for which you are +likely to have so little need"? + +The Commissioner realized that argumentatively, his position was no +longer tenable. So he determined to revert to his original purpose and +make a firm demand upon the evasive young Princess. + +"Nevertheless," he replied sternly. "It is my duty to inform you, that +the British Government will hold you responsible for any outbreak among +the people." + +The Rani raised her eyebrows slightly, as she retorted in a rising tone +of protest. + +"Surely the Commissioner Sahib does not remember the position in which +his Government has placed me. He forgets that it not only deprived +me of my inheritance of the throne of Jhansi, but of my affianced +husband's personal estates, and even compelled me out of the pittance +of an allowance provided for my support to pay his debts. Thus, often +have the poor in vain cried to me to alleviate their distress, daily +are Brahmans turned from my gates unfed. I cannot help them. For +the reason that you have deprived me of the means wherewith even to +influence the actions of a beggar, I cannot assist you. I do not see, +nay, I do not understand how I can be held responsible for the public +peace. As well might you extract the teeth of a watch dog and expect +it to guard your treasure safely. Does your Government also hold me +responsible for the loyalty of your troops"? she concluded, with a note +of scorn. + +"No," he returned with emphasis, "but it will undoubtedly look to your +Highness to act in the event of an outbreak, as I have suggested." + +The ultimatum had been delivered. + +The two officers bowed to the Rani and retraced their steps to the end +of the hall. On the threshold Vane paused for a moment. He glanced over +his shoulder and met the gaze of the Rani still fixed upon them. With +her hands folded she had remained in the same position; but there was +an unmistakable expression of scornful triumph on her face, carrying +swift conviction to his mind, that their mission had failed, that this +mere girl had routed their arguments and baffled their diplomacy. + +As they passed down the steps, he linked his arm in that of his +companion. He spoke in an undertone, with no vestige of his flippant +humor remaining. + +"I say, Hawksley. I say, old fellow. D'you know, I think the Rani is a +devilish clever girl. We didn't get much out of her, did we"? + +The Commissioner eyed his companion seriously. + +"Yes," he acquiesced. "For my part, Vane, I believe it would have been +better for all of us if we had arrived at that conclusion before." + +They had scarcely disappeared from the hall, when white figures seemed +to emerge from the very walls. + +The Rani waved them back with a warning gesture. + +"Go," she enjoined her attendant. "Go, Rati, and see if the Foreigners +have left the court." + +In a few minutes the girl returned with the information that the +Foreign Sahibs had mounted their horses. + +The Rani raised her arms above her head and cried aloud as she gave +full vent to her suppressed emotion. + +"Fools! Fools all! Of what do they think I am made. Am I clay to be +moulded into any form, a pitcher with which to draw water for them when +thirsty? Ah! By the great God of Gods, I swear that before another sun +has set, they shall find that the will, if not the form of Lachmi Bai +is fashioned out of steel." + +Quickly she was surrounded by an eager throng, clamoring for news of +the audience. + +"What said the Foreign Sahibs, O Rani"? they besought her. "Tell us, O +Queen, what said they"? + +She waved them from her gently. + +"It is enough," she cried, "that still hearing no sound but the call to +plunder, they are deaf to the mighty whisper passed down from palace to +hovel, and on from city to jungle, that the hour for India is at hand." + + + + +Chapter II + +_THE HOUR AT HAND_ + + +In a shaded room of the palace, the Rani had cast herself upon a low +divan to obtain a short period of rest. The rugs of intricate patterns, +embroidered hangings, curiously carved and inlaid screens, tables, and +taborets, gave to the apartment an atmosphere more of richness, than +comfort from the Occidental point of view. She watched reflectively the +actions of her waiting woman in placing a smoking paraphernalia at her +side. + +"Strange, how strange," she murmured, "are the ways of these +Foreigners. After all the wrongs they have visited upon me, the +insults I have suffered at their hands; they boldly come and demand my +influence to maintain such iniquities. They expect, forsooth, that if +the door of my prison is opened, I will close it again upon myself. +Surely they must think I possess less reason than a creature bereft of +its senses. I--I cannot understand them." + +She turned her head to notice a stout, little man, _salaaming_ +profoundly. + +"Well, good Bipin," she exclaimed. "What matter of supreme weight and +urgency is it now? Hath an evil minded fox crossed thy path on thy way +to the temple, or a crow dropped a tail feather with sinister intent +upon thy turban"? + +"Protector of thy People," replied Bipin, "your Extraordinary +Greatness will be pleased to know, that the illustrious Raja, Sivapuri +Prasad Singh, an emissary from the Peshwa, awaits your Highness's +command to enter." + +The Rani rose to her feet instantly, manifesting intense emotion in her +voice and actions, as she cried: + +"The Peshwa's messenger at last. Go, good Bipin, bring him to me +immediately. There is no one I long to see more than this same emissary +from the Peshwa." + +She had scarcely spoken when Bipin ushered into the room a Hindu noble +of gallant mien, whose attire bore traces of hasty travel through +jungle by-paths. He strode hurriedly forward and bowing before the +Rani, glanced round with suspicion. + +The Rani waved her male servitor from the room. + +"Speak, noble sir," she urged reassuringly. "The walls are deaf as well +as dumb. Ah, _Mahadeva!_ How anxiously we have awaited thy coming." + +"Good news, My Lady Rani," he replied, in an undertone. "The torch +has been ignited. To-morrow Dundhu Panth proclaims himself Peshwa, +and Cawnpore will fall into his hands. Strike now, for if Jhansi is +won, other states, that waver, will follow suit. Such is the Peshwa's +command." + +"Welcome, most welcome, noble Raja," she cried, in a transport of +joyful emotion. She extended her hands in greeting. "Welcome to the +palace of the no longer unfortunate Rani of Jhansi." + +He took the jeweled fingers of one of her hands in his and bowing low +placed them to his forehead. Then he drew himself up and gazed with +sudden admiration at the superb form, the beautiful features of the +high caste Princess. + +In a moment he resumed the conversation, still in a tone of caution. + +"Are all thy plans complete, fair Lady"? + +"Aye, even over complete, I had feared," she answered. "The hidden +guns in the fortress have been disinterred, my retainers armed, guards +posted on the highways to prevent the escape of the Foreigners, when +the signal is given. All people in Jhansi wait impatiently upon my +word." + +"It is well," he exclaimed, approvingly. "But how about the +Mohammedans? Can they be depended upon"? + +"Ahmad Khan moves them at the raising of his hand." + +"Aye, but of Ahmad Khan. At the raising of whose hand doth he obey +without question"? + +The Rani slowly raised her hand and held it outstretched before her. + +A dart of racial jealousy pierced the Hindu noble's breast. + +"Ah!" he exclaimed. "It is perhaps well thus, for the moment." + +The Rani's arm fell lightly to her side. + +"It is well for all time, so long as we are united," she returned, with +significant emphasis. + +Prasad moved a step nearer and spoke almost in a whisper. + +"What of the Foreigners? Do they suspect a rising"? + +"They are in doubt, but rely implicitly upon the fidelity of their +Native troops." + +"Will their Native troops join us"? + +"Every man among them." + +"Are you certain"? + +"As certain as that the wolf will hunt with his kind." + +Prasad paused thoughtfully before putting another question. + +"If we succeed what is to be done with the Foreigners"? + +"Ahmad has my order to secure them as prisoners. We will hold them as +hostages or send them out of the state." + +Prasad took the Rani's hand in his and pressed it gently. Already he +was a slave to her will. Henceforth the form of Lachmi Bai filled his +soul with one aim above all others. + +"Ah, my Lord," she cried, turning a radiant countenance toward him. +"How long hath my heart pined for this hour--the hour when the scepter +which was snatched from my grasp shall be placed in my hand; and the +law of the Foreigner be no longer obeyed in Jhansi." + +"Surely it is thy right, noble Rani," he replied. "When then can the +signal be given"? + +"Now, to-night, to-morrow, at any time." + +"Then make certain that all is ready to-night, and let the signal be +given for to-morrow." + +The Rani beckoned her waiting woman to her side. + +"Go," said she. "Go swiftly, let it be known that to-morrow at noon, +the tigress will break down the bars of her cage." + + + + +Chapter III + +_BY THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE_ + + +Jhansi had fallen. At the revolt of their troops the Foreigners were +taken completely by surprise. They hastily retreated to the Star Fort +where, after a valorous defense for three days, lack of food and +ammunition compelled them to surrender. They were obliged to seek terms +of Ahmad Khan who was conducting the siege. + +If they evacuated the fort would they be permitted to leave the state +unmolested? was the request made under a flag of truce. + +In response, Ahmad solemnly swore upon the holy Koran that if the +Foreigners would open the gates no harm should befall them. + +But the oath of the Mohammedan was not regarded as sufficiently +binding. The Foreigners required a further assurance of safety from the +Rani. + +In her name Ahmad reiterated his vow of protection. This was all the +hope of security they could possibly look for in their desperate +situation. The Rani had ever been regarded as an upright woman. Upon +the faith of her word they opened the gates and laid down their arms. +Then under Ahmad's direction they marched out to a field nearby,--a +pitiful, defenseless band, of men, women, and children. + +The sun never shone upon a more brutal tragedy. + +Beside a clump of trees all were ruthlessly butchered. Their honor +alone was spared. Without a plea for mercy, without a cry of anguish, +these heroes met a cruel fate, that might have been averted by a less +exacting government. + +Ahmad Khan was elated almost to a condition of intoxication by this +final successful act of the revolt. He was now prompted to strike +another immediate blow to gratify a long secretly nourished ambition. +While outwardly he had professed intense devotion to the Rani's cause, +in his heart, he aspired to seat himself on the throne of the Rajas of +Jhansi. As to the Rani, he purposed that her rule should be encompassed +by the walls of a luxurious _harem_. + +At the head of a crime-frenzied Mohammedan band, bearing upon the +points of their bayonets ghastly trophies of the recent massacre, he +set forth on a triumphant progress to the palace. + +To secure his object, he instructed his followers to overawe the Hindu +population, devoted to the Rani's cause, by fierce gestures and loud +shouts in his honor. + +He entered the gate set in the massive stone wall, and waved his sword +aloft crying-- + +"The Faith. The holy Faith. Success to the Faith of Mohammed." + +His soldiers pressed closely upon the flanks of his horse. They +brandished their weapons and struck dismay into the hearts of the Hindu +guard, by adding exultingly to their distinctive shout of victory-- + +"And may Ahmad Khan, the Servant of God, long reign in Jhansi." + +Onward the mob swept through the city, again and again vociferously +proclaiming Ahmad Khan, Raja of Jhansi. The joy of the Hindus over +their deliverance from Foreign rule gave place to alarm. They watched +with misgiving a second _coup d' etat_ on the part of their hereditary +enemies, and began to wonder whether they would not fare worse under +the rule of a follower of Mohammed, than they had done under that of +the Foreigner. + +In her palace the Rani anxiously awaited news of the surrender. Through +Ahmad she had given the assurance that the Foreigners' lives would be +spared. This course she had strenuously urged upon her lieutenant. +Apart from her womanly repugnance to ruthless slaughter, she clearly +perceived the advantage she would gain by holding them as prisoners to +exchange for the recognition of her right to the throne of Jhansi. To +kill the innocent, the already defeated, did not occupy a thought in +her mind. + +The news came swift and ominous. Not only had a tragedy taken place, +but her own authority was in danger of usurpation. + +The exultant Mohammedan cry rolled forward to the walls of the palace. +It penetrated to the Rani's ears at first as a welcome sound; but +as it rose in the courtyard bearing aloft the name of Ahmad Khan, a +disquieting thought flashed into her brain. + +She hurried to the _Darbar_ hall, entering at one end, as Ahmad, +surrounded by his officers, crossed the threshold at the other. + +The Rani halted and waited. Intuitively she gleaned confirmation of her +sudden alarm from their faces. + +Ahmad advanced and saluted her with pointed courtesy. He was a tall, +powerfully built man, whose swarthy irregular features indicated a +mingling of low caste blood. As a whole his face was not unhandsome, +though the expression of his mouth and chin denoted cruelty and +treachery--the latter, perhaps, an accomplishment rather than a failing +to the Oriental mind. + +"Greeting, fair Lady," he exclaimed. "Jhansi is won. The Foreigners +have surrendered." + +She directed a searching glance to read the veiled meaning expressed in +his intonation as well as in his manner. + +"They have surrendered. Then where are they"? she asked. "Hast thou not +brought any of them hither"? + +A cruel smile broke upon Ahmad's face as he turned and pointed with the +blade of his sword to the open doorway, through which could be caught a +glimpse of the surging mob without, uplifting their bloody trophies. + +"Aye," he explained, "I have brought some of them here. The rest I have +sent to a secure prison." + +His gesture was observed by his followers. The shout rose with greater +volume than before-- + +"_Deen! Deen! Futteh. Mohammed._" + +"Success to the Faith of Mohammed." + +For a moment the Rani covered her eyes with her hands, as if to blot +out the gruesome spectacle. Then she demanded sternly-- + +"Why hast thou done this, my Lord? Surely thou hast not killed them +all"? + +"Aye, all, fair Lady. And why not"? he returned, in plausible accents. + +"Because I commanded you to spare their lives if they surrendered," she +retorted, passionately. + +Ahmad bowed low with feigned contrition. + +"But, my Lady Lachmi Bai," he protested, "a higher authority, the +Emperor of Delhi, had commanded me to spare none of them. Further his +Majesty hath been pleased to place the government of the State of +Jhansi in my hands until more settled times." + +The two stood for a short period confronting each other in silence, +Ahmad with a look of unconcealed triumph on his face, on that of the +Rani, anger mingled with defiance. + +"So this was his purpose! A plot within a plot revealed." + +He strode up to her and with assurance took her by the hand. Then he +spoke in a lower voice. + +"Ah! Fair Rani. Thou art but a child, a girl fit rather to play with +gems than swords and scepters. But fear not, thou shalt rule in Jhansi. +Thou knowest well for what I hunger. All that thou longest for, thou +shalt possess in return. It is a good bargain, is it not, Beautiful +One"? + +Her glance swept from his face to the crowd of his officers standing +to his order in the background. She realized that the dominion for +which she had so long and patiently striven was about to be seized +by another at the moment of its accomplishment. By one, too whose +religious principles were repugnant, and whose profession of personal +devotion she had but tolerated for reasons of state. She saw the trap +into which she had fallen, and from which an immediate counterstroke of +diplomacy could alone save her. + +Her mind was quick to grasp the situation and suggest a remedy. + +With an effort she curbed her resentment and turned a look of approval +upon the traitor. + +"Aye, thou speakest truly," she replied, in a thoughtful tone. "I am, +as thou sayest, but a girl, to whom the reins of government would be +of little pleasure. I had longed that the Foreigners be driven forth +from Jhansi. Now they are here no more to anger me, why should I not be +satisfied? But, O Ahmad," she continued confidentially, "I would speak +with thee alone. Send, I pray thee, these people of thine from the +palace. I like not their fierce looks and clash of arms." + +Ahmad was surprised. He had anticipated a stormy scene with the Rani, +and a possible resort to force before she could be brought to submit +to his will. Consequently he was gratified to meet with so little +resistance to both his political and personal designs. For the moment +he failed to remember that the brain which had displayed such masterly +craft in plotting the downfall of the Foreigners would be swift to use +the same power in frustrating his own project. + +In compliance with her desire he faced his officers. + +"Go," he commanded. "Return to the cantonments and in my name seize all +the possessions of the Foreigners." + +When the soldiers had left the hall the Rani drew close to him and +spoke in a beguiling voice. + +"O my Lord, thou must see how poorly I am attired in honor of so great +an event. I would retire for a short space, to adorn my neck with +jewels, and my hair with flowers; so that I may appear worthy of the +noble Ahmad Khan's approval." + +Blinded by vanity, he was flattered and deceived by her cajolery. He +stretched forth his arms to enfold her in an embrace. + +"Thou shadow of an _houri_," he exclaimed amorously. + +She eluded him by a quick movement. + +"In a little," she returned, playfully. "See that thou waitest until I +come again to thee. Then shalt thou swear by thy Prophet's beard, that +Lachmi Bai hath wit as well as beauty." + +"Until death," he replied, "only tarry not too long, Fair One." + +She cast toward him an enthralling glance, and passing from the hall, +hurried to the inner apartments of the palace. + +"Now by Allah"! he reflected, exultingly. "The fortune of Ahmad Khan, +the Humble Servant of God, doth rise as the sun in a cloudless heaven." + +The Rani's action was swift and silent. She summoned those upon whom +she could rely and spoke in urgent accents. + +"Go quickly," she commanded to one, "into the bazaars and summon all my +people to the courtyard of the palace." To another, "Let my retainers +arm themselves and guard every outlet so that no man passes in or +forth. Tell Prasad and my officers, that I need their presence on the +balcony overlooking the main entrance. Go, with wings on your feet. +Hasten, for there is no time to be lost." + +She passed into a private chamber and hastily arrayed herself in a +magnificent embroidered _sari_, the silken clinging texture of which +displayed her form to its perfection of royal beauty. Round her neck +she hung ropes of pearls, and in her hair she entwined a wreath of +fragrant blossoms. Thus attired she proceeded to the wide balcony +overlooking the courtyard. + +A throng of people had gathered and crowded about the main entrance. +Others were hurrying from the bazaars and side streets at the bidding +of the Rani's messengers. With animated countenances, they asked of +each other the meaning of the summons. + +Behind the domes and turrets of the rock citadel, the sun was sinking +toward the horizon. It cast broad shadows over the courtyard, now +filling rapidly with a surging, excited, human mass. The Rani was +quickly joined by Prasad and officers faithful to her service. With +these in attendance she moved to the edge of the parapet. + +Immediately an outburst of enthusiasm rose from the people, gathering +in force until a great shout filled the air about the palace. + +"Lachmi Bai. Lachmi Bai. Rani of Jhansi," they cried. + +She leaned over the parapet and smiled. + +Again the cry rose, "Lachmi Bai. Lachmi Bai. Rani of Jhansi." + +She raised her hand to enjoin silence. Gradually the tumult ceased. + +Then she spoke to them. Her resonant, clear, voice filled the open +space. Each word fell musically upon the ears of her audience. + +"My people," she began. "At last you have been freed from the rule of +the Foreigner. To-day, a great blow has been delivered by you for our +independence--a blow that will resound in the most distant provinces +of our land. Through your loyalty and courage, the end for which we +have so long striven has been attained. To you belongs the spoil, the +treasure that has fallen into our hands. It is your reward." + +A murmur of applause told that the point had been well received. + +"But my people," she proceeded. "You are still encompassed by great +peril. The Foreigner is destroyed, but others of his race may return +to try and wrest from you, your country. Enemies, too, may rise from +within as rapacious and as hateful of your religion. It is necessary +that you choose without delay a fearless and capable ruler." + +A few voices called on her by name, but she again silenced them. + +"As you well know," she continued, "by our law, to me belongs the right +of succession to the throne of Jhansi." + +"Aye, truly," many cried. "Lachmi Bai. Lachmi Bai. Rani of Jhansi." + +"But, my good people, as the noble Raja, Ahmad Khan, hath pointed out, +I am but a girl, uninstructed in the wiles of statecraft, unused to +the wielding of a sword in dangerous times. A Raja, he declares, must +be seated on the throne of Jhansi. Why not then the illustrious Ahmad +Khan"? + +Spontaneously the cry rose, "For us no stranger, no Mohammedan! We want +him not to rule over us. Lachmi Bai. Lachmi Bai. Rani of Jhansi." + +"But, good people," she persisted, as if earnestly pleading Ahmad's +cause. "Ahmad Khan is a brave soldier. He is"---- + +Her voice was drowned in an uproar that shook the walls of the palace. +Her name alone was borne upward by thousands of unyielding throats. + +"Lachmi Bai. Rani of Jhansi. Lachmi Bai. Rani of Jhansi." + +She stretched out her arms lovingly toward them. She appealed to them +with a captivating smile. + +"Would you then have Lachmi Bai for your ruler in Jhansi"? + +A great shout rose and confirmed her in her right to the title. The +throngs surged back and forth in the endeavor of those furthest away to +reach a spot nearer to her person. + +"Come to us," they cried. "Come down amid thy people, O Rani." + +With a radiant countenance, she passed down the flight of stone steps +into the courtyard. Unguarded she moved among the mass of people, +stirred to a frenzy of enthusiasm by her presence. Some knelt in her +path to touch the hem of her garment, while others waved their weapons +aloft, vowing they would defend her to the death. + +Darkness fell with the swiftness of the Tropics. She turned to re-enter +the palace, and torches flared to light her path. They gave to the +scene a weird, majestic splendor--the irregular outlines of the palace +overshadowed by the huge black mass of the fortress; the exultant, +white robed throng; the stern faces of the soldiers; the girl, whose +mysterious being swayed their emotions like the wind playing upon lotus +reeds. + +In the _Darbar_ hall Ahmad Khan impatiently awaited the Rani's return. +He was startled by the cries of the populace, and dismayed at the +discovery that his egress was blocked. Uneasily he paced back and +forth, wondering what these ominous signs betokened. He cursed his +imprudence at having dismissed his followers at so critical a moment. + +"Tricked, I doubt not," he savagely exclaimed. "But one more fool who +loses a crown in exchange for a woman's smile." + +The Rani and her officers swept into the hall. Ahmad's hand impulsively +grasped the hilt of his sword--a gesture which Prasad imitated by half +withdrawing his from its scabbard. + +The Hindu noble advanced a few paces, regarding Ahmad's sullen +countenance as if willing to accept a challenge. + +"Peace, my Lords," the Rani cried authoritatively. + +She laid a restraining hand on Prasad's arm. + +"Peace. It is my will. This is no hour to broach a feud." + +She then fearlessly advanced to Ahmad's side, and addressed him calmly. + +"My Lord Raja," said she. "My people will have it that I rule over +Jhansi." + +She held up her hand to draw his attention to the acclamations which +penetrated the innermost recesses of the palace. + +"You hear them," she continued. "I espoused your cause to the best of +my ability; but, it seems, they will have no other than Lachmi Bai to +be their Rani." + +"And now," she concluded, addressing all present, "I look to you, +Ahmad, Prasad, and all my brave officers to unite for one object, the +defense of my throne and Jhansi." + +Ahmad glanced round upon the determined faces of the Rani's loyal +supporters, as they vowed to maintain the crown upon her head. He +realized that, in turn, he had been outwitted. By a low obeisance he +outwardly acknowledged her authority. + +"The people are God's," he murmured, "the country is the _Padshah's_, +and the _Raj_ is the Rani's." + +Thus was Lachmi Bai proclaimed Rani of Jhansi. + + + + +Chapter IV + +_A STAR IN THE ASCENDENT_ + + +The Rani's ambition to ascend the throne of Jhansi was achieved. But +immediately she beheld difficulties rise on all sides. Everyone in +Jhansi seemed to have a claim to urge upon her gratitude. The larger +the pecuniary recompense that was supposed to be attached to a place of +honor, the more numerous were the applicants. To that of the greatest +responsibility, the command of the troops, the Rani was in a dilemma as +to whom she would appoint. + +From his well known military skill and tried valor, Ahmad Khan might +wisely have been selected for the office; but the Rani hesitated to +confide to his hands so much power after his recent exhibition of +disloyalty. + +In the meantime Ahmad had sullenly retired to his house without the +city, there to plead sickness as an excuse for failing to respond to +her summons to court. + +On the other hand, Prasad remained close to her side, hourly +transforming the early esteem which the Rani had conceived for him, +into a warmer sentiment. He, too, intimated that his aspiration lay +toward the chief military prize in the Rani's gift; but thus far she +had let it pass ungratified, if not unrecognized. Apart from his +untried ability as a commander, she realized that to appoint Prasad, a +newcomer to the state, to such a coveted position, would surely stir +up a feeling of bitter jealousy in the breasts of a score of Jhansi +officers, who might justly claim a prior right to her consideration. +These matters increasingly harassed the Rani's mind. + +The morning of a few days after her accession discovered the Rani in +the act of formally announcing that event, by letter, to the other +princes who had risen in rebellion against the rule of the Foreigners. + +Before her, Bipin Dat sat cross-legged upon a mat. He was laboriously +endeavoring to indite these missives in what he considered to be +correct form. + +After a period of effort, he drew the Rani's attention to his latest +production. + +"This letter, noble Rani," said he, "is to the most illustrious Dhundu +Panth, Peshwa of the Marathas." + +The Rani signified her willingness to listen, and Bipin proceeded to +read in a sonorous voice, emphasizing the repetition of his own name by +inflection of tone, and gestures-- + + _By the hand of the Intellectual + Bipin Dat + Secretary to Her Highness, Lachmi Bai, + Rani of Ihansi + To + The most noble, Dhundu Panth, + Peshwa of the Marathas + Greeting_ + + "Be it known to you, O most Illustrious Sir, that by the will + of God and the pleasure of the great Rani, the Honorable Bipin + Dat ventures to address your Sublimity, for the purpose of + disclosing certain information, as follows: + + "On the 8th of the month the Foreigners were obliterated from + the face of the earth in Jhansi, as if the devil had swept them + all off into Hades. Further, on the same day, it pleased the + great God to direct His people to seat Her Immortal Highness, + Lachmi Bai, upon the throne of the Rajas of Jhansi, which + events were witnessed by the observant eye, and recorded by the + unerring hand of her faithful and esteemed servant, Bipin Dat. + + "Lastly, it hath pleased Her Highness the Rani, to recognize + the services of the aforesaid Bipin Dat in these great times, + by appointing him her _munshi_.[2] Whereby he has set his hand + to this letter on the 12th day of the month, etc. + + (Signed) "BIPIN DAT, + "Secretary to the Rani of Jhansi." + +Bipin finished his reading with a flourish of the hand and a look +upon his solemnly cherubic countenance, that indicated his perfect +satisfaction with the composition. + +"That, noble Rani," said he, "will in proper form convey to the Peshwa +the news of your Highness's accession." + +A smile momentarily relieved the Rani's serious expression. + +"He will also," she remarked, "be in little doubt as to the identity of +the writer. The Peshwa, the Rani, and the Intellectual Bipin Dat. He +may wonder if the third is not the most important of the three." + +Bipin stroked his chin musingly. + +"Dust under thy feet," he replied at last. "That could scarcely be the +case, but it has ever been the opinion of the most learned _pundits_ +that in the work of great writers their personality shines forth as a +diamond amid false gems." + +"Then Bipin, thou must be a veritable stone of the first water," she +replied. "But one thing I gather. You, at any rate, out of a multitude +of aspirants for office, appear satisfied with your position." + +"Noble Rani," he continued. "Satisfied am I of thy graciousness; but of +the precise moment when it will be advisable for me formally to take +upon myself the burden of my duties, I am not yet determined." + +A look of displeasure crossed the Rani's face. + +"How mean you"? she asked. "Have you, too, some petition to make that I +will exchange it for one that brings a better revenue"? + +"Noble Lady," he replied, "mere wealth holds out little inducement +for those of intellectual worth. We, who are writers with inspired +thoughts, look for a more imperishable reward; but in all events of +importance it is ever well to consult those who read the future and who +can discern the most auspicious moment to take an important step." + +"Oh!" exclaimed the Rani. "Thou wouldst consult thy friend, the +astrologer"? + +Bipin bowed. + +"Such is my desire, noble Lady." + +"Go, then," she cried, "and get thy consultation over quickly, for I +need the service of thy pen." + +Bipin rose from his sitting posture. He _salaamed_ thrice before his +mistress and departed with an important air. + +In the shadow of the pillar by the main entrance the blind beggar, +who appeared to have sat there from the beginning of all time, +instinctively recognized Bipin's footsteps. He accosted the secretary +with a petition for alms. + +"Good clerk," he cried. "Have pity upon the unfortunate." + +Bipin halted and faced him with a look of offended dignity. + +"Good clerk!" he returned, in scornful accents. "Good clerk! Thou fool. +Dost know to whom thou art speaking"? + +"Surely to the worthy clerk, Bipin Dat," replied the beggar, +innocently. "Many a time hath he cast a crumb to the afflicted." + +Bipin scowled magnificently upon the beggar. + +"Then seldom in future will the afflicted benefit by his compassion," +he returned sternly, "unless they have more discernment than to style +him a clerk. Know, thou fool, that he to whom thou criest is no longer +a clerk, but hath so gained the ear of the noble Rani, that she hath +appointed him to be her secretary." + +His breast swelled with pride as he authoritatively announced his new +rank. + +"Secretary to the Rani," cried the beggar in astonishment. "Secretary +to the Rani. Behold how God rewardeth the deserving. Protector of +the Humble," he whined, "it was my infirmity that led me to make the +mistake." + +"Be careful then not to make such a mistake again," replied Bipin, +mollified by the beggar's submissive tone. + +He tossed a _pice_ into the beggar's outstretched palm. Then, with +lordly gait, he strutted on his way through the bazaars. + +That Bipin Dat had become a man of authority was quickly impressed +upon the friends and acquaintances he encountered. With condescending +dignity he returned their effusive salutations, clearly intimating that +a wide gulf of distinction lay between Bipin Dat the Rani's present +secretary, and Bipin Dat the former ordinary clerk. Upon the children +that sedately played in his path he frowned so threateningly that they +shrunk back at his approach. He carried his head as if his turban +already swept the clouds. In his mind the question uppermost was, to +what height might his ascending star of fortune still further exalt the +name of Bipin Dat. + +At length he turned from the broad, booth-lined thoroughfare into a +narrow alley, and directed his steps toward the door of a squalid +house. He halted and knocked several times before he received an +answer to his summons. The door was cautiously opened, and a woman +appeared. + +"Is thy learned husband, Mohurran Goshi, within"? he demanded. + +"My honored husband is at present deeply engaged in compiling the +horoscope of a noble raja," replied the woman, "but if you will enter, +I will bear him a message." + +"Aye, do thou tell him that the Honorable Bipin Dat, Secretary to the +Rani, would engage his ear for a space. Thy husband hath already done +me service." + +At the woman's invitation he crossed the threshold of a bare and dingy +room, the air of which was filled with a savory odor, rising from a pot +placed upon a small fire. To this, Bipin directed his attention, that +ever in close sympathy with his stomach, was alert to be interested in +the progress of cooking. + +The woman disappeared from view through an inner door. + +After an absence of several minutes she returned with a reply. Her +husband, though deep in study, would nevertheless receive so good a +client as the Rani's secretary. Would he be pleased to pass into the +other room? + +Bipin followed the woman's direction and found himself in an apartment +divided in the center by a curtain. There, seated upon the floor, the +grave astrologer Mohurran Goshi, was surrounded by books and a variety +of scientific instruments. + +For some moments after Bipin's entrance the astrologer appeared too +profoundly absorbed in his work to notice the presence of his visitor. +At last he withdrew his gaze from an abtruse calculation, and directed +a keen glance toward the face of the Rani's secretary. + +"Welcome, worthy Secretary," he exclaimed. "Thou seest I prophesied +truly. Yesterday a clerk, to-day a secretary; who knows, to-morrow thou +mayest attain thy ambition and become a zemindar." + +"A zemindar, forsooth!" cried Bipin, disdainfully. "Thou must know, +learned Astrologer, that my ambition now rises beyond the station of +a zemindar. A raja! Why not a raja"? he exclaimed, strutting back and +forth. "Why should I not aspire to become a raja"? + +"There is truly no reason, good Secretary," replied the astrologer, +"why you should not become a raja, if the fates are propitious. Is not +the great Maharaja Sindhia descended from a slipper-bearer"? + +"To be sure," acquiesced Bipin, confidently. "I see no reason why I +should not become a raja, and for that matter even a maharaja." + +"Thou mayest even become a king," suggested the astrologer, with a note +of sarcasm in his voice. + +"Perhaps, who can tell, a king," agreed Bipin, reflectively. "But not +too great a jump at first, learned sir. One might become a trifle +dizzy. At present I will beg of thee to cast thy eye into the future +and see if I am in the right way to become a raja. To that end, is the +moment propitious for my taking upon myself the duties of the Rani's +secretary"? + +The astrologer glanced slyly toward his client. + +"For such work," he explained, "the fee is necessarily higher than it +was in forecasting your path toward the position of a zemindar. The +deeper an astrologer is required to penetrate into futurity, the larger +is the sum he is compelled to ask for his services." + +"Speak not of that," returned Bipin, grandiloquently. + +"You may suppose that all the spoil of the Foreigners did not escape my +fingers. Name thy fee for disclosing my way to become a raja." + +The astrologer trading upon his client's vanity, named an extravagantly +high figure. For a moment Bipin winced, but producing the money, he +urged the astrologer to lose no time in the matter. + +For a space, the astrologer pored over a chart of the heavens, +muttering to himself unintelligibly; while Bipin impatiently awaited +the result. + +At last the astrologer spoke in an abstracted manner. + +"Thy way to become a raja, O Secretary, is clearly revealed, but in thy +path there stands a powerful enemy, who is even now within the palace +of the Rani." + +Bipin's countenance lengthened considerably. + +"Is it that accursed pundit, Krishna Lal"? he asked. + +"His name is not so written upon the heavens," returned the astrologer, +"though its exact lettering I cannot as yet discern. But he is himself +a raja and detesteth thee with all his soul." + +"Blessed Devi"! exclaimed Bipin, with nervous apprehension. "What raja +is there in the Rani's palace who beareth me so much ill-will. I know +of no such one." + +"So far he hath screened his animosity under a mask of kindness," +replied the astrologer, returning to a scrutiny of his chart. "But +thy path is clearly set in contradiction to his own. When they meet +thou wilt be in danger of bodily harm. Thou wilt not lose thy life," +he added, reassuringly, "but thou mayest be deprived of some of thy +organs--thy nose, and possibly thy ears, good Secretary." + +"Holy Kali," cried Bipin, impulsively raising his hand to his +terror-stricken face. "At such a price I have no desire to be a raja. +Nay, if such a danger encompasses me, the Rani may find another +secretary." + +"Patience, patience, good sir," continued the astrologer. "I did not +say that there was no way of warding off these evils. By following such +advice as I can give thee, thou mayest escape them all and yet live to +be an unmaimed raja." + +"Tell me how, I pray thee, O learned Astrologer," besought Bipin, with +little trace of his importance remaining. + +The astrologer appeared to reflect deeply before he replied: + +"First, thou wouldst do well," he enjoined, "to remain in thy present +service, because even if thou wert to fly to the end of the earth, that +which is written on the heavens is bound to come to pass. But do thou +carefully take note of everything in the palace, reporting each event +to me from time to time, so that when thy evil moment approaches I can +place before thee a sure defense. Especially do thou regard the actions +of a Hindu noble recently arrived to join the Rani's cause. His looks I +like not, though they be fair outwardly." + +"Thou canst not mean the Raja Prasad Singh"? asked Bipin, in astonished +accents. + +"His name I cannot read as yet," returned the astrologer, "but if his +image rises to thy mind from what I say, be assured he is the one who +seeks to do thee so much injury." + +Then the astrologer put a question pointedly. + +"Of this Raja Prasad, of whom you speak. Does he stand close to the +person of the Rani"? + +"He is ever at her side," replied Bipin. "He seeks to be appointed to +the command of the troops in Jhansi." + +The astrologer shook his head gravely. + +"Come to me again shortly," he concluded. "Then I will disclose to thee +further. Remember to do as I have counseled thee." + +As the astrologer appeared to be about to withdraw himself again into +a state of profound abstraction. Bipin promised to return at an early +date. With misgiving in place of elation in his heart, he left the +house dejectedly. + +"It seems to me," he reflected, as he made his way thoughtfully +along the alley. "It seems to me I have gained little satisfaction +by visiting that astrologer. For twenty rupees I have found out that +the Raja, Prasad Singh, is an enemy who seeks to possess himself +of my nose and ears. Twenty rupees is a large sum to pay for such +information. What evil things might not the astrologer have disclosed +for fifty rupees? As to Prasad Singh, he is evidently jealous of my +influence with the Rani. I must keep a close watch on him, and report +to the astrologer frequently." + +Bipin had scarcely left the astrologer's presence, when the curtain was +thrust aside and Ahmad Khan stood in the aperture. + +"Well, noble sir," said the astrologer, "I think I reduced that fool to +a pliable state for our purpose." + +Ahmad laughed sardonically. + +"It is well," he replied. "No doubt his fears will temper him into a +useful tool. To-morrow I return to the Rani's court in a new character. +Keep my counsel, O Mohurran, and thou shalt receive better pay than +thou ever didst before in thy musty calling, well recompensed as I note +it is. One thing we have gleaned from his chatter. It was that dog of +a Prasad who advised the Rani to play me such a trick. He aspires to +become commander of the troops, does he? Well, he will yet be obliged +to seek his appointment at the hands of Ahmad Khan, Raja of Jhansi." + + + + +Chapter V + +_AHMAD RETURNS TO COURT_ + + +The rains had burst over India with terrific force. Even the arid and +ever drought threatened State of Jhansi received a deluge. This soon +rendered the main lines of communication impassable, and cut Jhansi off +from the outside world. + +Rumors only of stirring events reached the Rani's ears. In that +mysterious way, by which news in India seems to filter through +inanimate channels, she heard of the Foreigner's advance upon Delhi; +but of the course which they intended to pursue toward her own State, +she could obtain no reliable information. It appeared as if their +desperate need to strike a blow at the center of the revolt would leave +her unmolested for the present. + +This was satisfactory as it gave her time to prepare for their return. +But her position was still precarious from danger near at hand. + +In the city of Jhansi her authority was now unquestioned, even though +the rivalries among her retainers made it a delicate matter to enforce. +But in the remaining parts of the State, the nobles, uninfluenced by +her personality, were not so ready to submit to what they were inclined +to regard as the capricious rule of a girl. From similar instances +they feared the advent to power of some court favorite. More than one, +also, had claims of his own to urge forward to the prize that had +fallen into the Rani's grasp. With native caution they had waited for +the result of the _coup d'état_ before irrevocably declaring their own +hands. + +Thus, with the exception of a few minor nobles, the Rani's proclamation +of her accession had been received by the Jhansi rajas throughout the +State in ominous silence. A disquieting report persistently reasserted +that the Maharaja Sadescheo, a cousin of the late Raja of Jhansi was +collecting troops near his fortress of Shahpur, for the purpose of +joining forces with the Peshwa. This did not deceive the Rani's alert +intelligence. A descent upon the city of Jhansi was, in her reckoning, +the Maharaja's more probable aim. + +Under these circumstances she had prudently secured the gates and +ramparts of Jhansi with her own soldiers, leaving the fort and +cantonments without the city in the possession of Ahmad Khan, whose +sullen attitude she viewed with anxiety. While the Mohammedan noble +seemed to possess every evil trait to which mortal flesh is heir, she +fully appreciated the control of his ferocious bravery, as an awe +inspiring weapon to hold over the heads of those who yet disputed her +title. + +His plea of sickness, as an excuse for his absence from her court, +if a ruse to screen other motives, was not confirmed by any sign of +action. She was led to hope, that by the use of subtle influence, his +allegiance might be retained without making too great a sacrifice to +his ambition. + +How to accomplish this was the question of the hour. + +The Rani was seated in one of her private apartments discussing the +news of the morning with Prasad, when Bipin entered. He paused within +the door, and glanced suspiciously at the Hindu noble. + +"Well, learned Secretary," greeted Prasad affably, "Thy face seems +to reflect the scowl of the elements. Doth the weight of thy exalted +office press too heavily upon thy turban"? + +"Thanks to the Rani's graciousness," returned Bipin, "my turban +rests lightly enough; and its folds well protect my ears," he added +significantly. + +"He shall not imagine," thought Bipin, "that I am not forewarned of his +accursed design." + +Prasad laughed good naturedly as he regarded the unusual size of the +secretary's head covering. + +"It is almost large enough to protect thy nose as well, good Bipin," he +suggested. + +The solemn expression on the secretary's face deepened as he received +what he believed to be sure confirmation of the evil lurking in +Prasad's mind. + +"As the saying is, noble sir," he rejoined with an assumption of sage +gravity. "He who looks well to the roof of his house need trouble +little about an approaching storm." + +"Truly Bipin, thou art a philosopher," remarked the Rani with a smile. + +"Aye, always by thy favor, noble Lady," he answered. + +"I keep a good watch not only upon my nose and ears, but upon all my +other possessions." + +The secretary concluded this passage of words with a wary look directed +toward Prasad. He then advanced and delivered a missive to the Rani. + +"From the Maharaja Sadescheo of Shahpur," he said, bowing. "A messenger +hath just delivered it at the palace." + +The Rani took the letter eagerly. + +"Ah," she exclaimed. "Now we shall know whether Sadescheo's newly +acquired martial spirit leads him to join the Peshwa. If I mistake +not, his avarice prompts him to cast longing eyes upon the revenues +of Jhansi. It is a treasure chest rather than honor which men like +Sadescheo crave." + +She hastily opened the letter and gathered its contents. + +"Go," she cried with a commanding air, to Bipin. "Go, but remain within +call, as I may need thy services." + +When Bipin had retired, she handed the letter to Prasad. + +"Read that, my Lord," she exclaimed. "We need no longer remain in doubt +as to Sadescheo's reason for collecting troops. He reminds me that as +the late Raja's cousin he is entitled to some voice in the settlement +of affairs, and that until I have been proclaimed in a _Darbar_ of the +Jhansi nobles, he cannot recognize my right to inherit the throne. The +fool! the fool"! she continued passionately. "How many of them are +there to be taught that the power of Lachmi Bai doth not rest upon the +will of nobles, but in her own spirit, and in the love of her people."? + +Prasad, in turn, read the letter, and then tossed it contemptuously +from him. + +"Who is this Sadescheo that presumes to question your authority"? he +demanded. + +"Oh," she returned with a gesture of disdain. "Maharaja Sadescheo +possesses a fortress at Shahpur. He hath some followers; but he would +never have dared to address me in this fashion had Ahmad Khan remained +at my side. I fear he must have received some hint of the Mohammedan's +defection." + +"Ah! Ahmad Khan! Ahmad Khan"! Prasad ejaculated impatiently. "His name +is ever sounding in my ears." + +He rose abruptly and passed to one of the windows where he gazed +angrily out upon the lowering clouds, that swept across the sky, at +intervals drenching the land with cyclonic violence. + +Then as if a resolution was suddenly formed in his mind, he returned to +the Rani's side and besought her in fervent accents. + +"Fair Rani," he cried. "Why speakest thou so much of this Ahmad Khan? +Surely thou canst no longer hold him in thy favor. One look upon his +surly countenance and thou beholdest treachery marked by every line. Of +this, recently thou hast had ample proof. But give me, ah, dear lady, I +implore thee, give into my hands the command of thy troops, and thou +shalt see how quickly I will subdue this presumptuous Maharaja." + +The Rani smiled approvingly upon his eager countenance, but shook her +head negatively. + +"Prasad, well do I believe in thy devotion and courage, but thou art +hasty in judgment. Consider how rash would be thy action. Thou wouldst +carry my troops away to Shahpur, and leave me--to whom wouldst thou +leave the defense of the city? To Ahmad's soldiers? Nay surely! No," +she added thoughtfully. "In my mind all such work without the city must +fall to Ahmad's lot. But how to control his savage nature, for the +moment, I see not clearly." + +Prasad again paced to a little distance. An expression of keen +disappointment settled on his face. + +"Nay Prasad," she enjoined in a gentle voice. "Be not out of humor with +me. Thou dost not rightly see these things. Thou dost not understand +what bitter jealousy would be stirred up among my own people, if I gave +to thee that which many worthy officers covet most. Ahmad may be a +greater villain than even thou wouldst have him, but forget not he goes +to battle with greater zest than to a banquet. Bloodshed and rapine are +his calling, and few there are who do not shudder at his name. Ah! If I +could only send him forth to this impertinent Sadescheo." + +"Is it possible thou, too, art afraid of him"? suggested Prasad. + +A laugh of derision escaped the Rani's lips. + +"Lachmi Bai afraid of Ahmad--of anyone? Nay, you know her not, O +Prasad." + +The Hindu noble's intense jealousy prompted him to an ungallant retort. +He turned quickly toward her and muttered between his clenched teeth: + +"Perchance thou art in love with the Mohammedan"? + +She rose to her feet and stood confronting him; her form quivering with +emotion; her cheeks aflame; her eyes flashing threateningly; her breast +throbbing with the insult. + +"Dare not thou ever speak to me again such thought," she retorted +sternly. "Dost think that I, of noble birth and lofty caste, would +descend to gratify the passion of an accursed Moslem, even if he could +place upon my head an empire's crown. Dost think--Ah, Prasad," she +continued in a softer tone. "Thou art surely out of thy mind to speak +thus to me. Thou hast forgotten that although I am the Rani, I am still +a woman. I did not think this of thee." + +Her voice quavered as the passion roused by the insult to her dignity +gave place to a realization of the wound made, by one, for whom she had +come to form a tender regard. + +Prasad glanced at the eyes from which the fire had been quenched by +gathering tears. He was seized with contrition, and cast himself +abjectly at her feet. + +"Ah! Beast that I am," he cried in accents of self reproach. "How dare +I throw a doubt upon thine honor? Forgive me. Forgive my folly, thou +dear one. Surely thou knowest it is my love for thee, which maketh me +hate the very name of any other uttered by thy matchless lips. I vow it +is my only desire to do thee service, aye, if it be the will of God, to +give my life for thee." + +She rested a hand gently upon his shoulder, and gazed down upon him +with affection. + +"This time thou art forgiven," she returned. "But distress me not so +again, my Prasad. Thou shall yet do me not unrequited service, if thou +canst be unresentful of the means I am compelled to use to make my will +obeyed. If thou seest me take in hand a two edged sword, be assured it +is the best weapon I can find to parry disloyalty in both Hindu and +Mohammedan." + +"So be it, fair lady," he replied. "Thou art my will, my life." + +He rose to his feet and for the moment was tempted by an uncontrollable +desire to enfold her in his arms. He took a hurried pace forward, but +the act was prevented by the entrance of a woman servant. + +"My Lady Rani," the latter announced. "Ahmad Khan hath come to the +palace. He urgently craves an audience with your Highness." + +The Rani's face expressed welcome surprise. + +"So," she cried. "Ahmad returns to caress the hand that sways his +destiny. Fierce beast that he is. I--I am his mistress, aye, his master. + +"Come," she added, beckoning to Prasad. "Be watchful of thy temper, O +good friend." + +When the Rani entered the room in which Ahmad was waiting, he saluted +her with profound reverence. Thrice he made a courtly _salaam_ at a +respectful distance. In his outward manner there was no sign of the +arrogance which had marked his last abrupt entrance into her palace. + +Whatever conclusion the Rani drew from the glance directed toward +him, she extended a friendly greeting. "Thou art welcome, Ahmad," she +exclaimed, intimating her pleasure that he should draw nearer. "Thou +art ever welcome to the Palace of the Rani. I trust thou art recovered +from thy sickness." + +"Noble Lady," he replied, as if with an effort. "The physician had +enjoined a longer period of confinement to my room; but the news from +Shahpur made me hasten to thy side." + +The Rani started. + +"Hast thou heard from Sadescheo then"? she asked wistfully. + +"Of him rather than from him, noble Lady," replied Ahmad. "Sadescheo +gathers troops about his fortress, so it is thy humble servant's advice +that thou dost, without loss of time, dispatch a strong body to learn +his reason." + +The Rani turned a searching look upon the Mohammedan. + +He met her gaze unflinchingly. + +[Illustration: "Then will I set forth to bring this dog of a Maharaja +to his senses"?--Page 57.] + +"Noble Rani," he petitioned. "Thou hast good cause to doubt my faith +and word. But, gracious Lady, hear my explanation. True is it that +Bahadur Shah commanded me to protect the Government of Jhansi, but +surely for thy sake. My people were carried away by their zeal and +triumph over the Foreigners. They were guilty of an offense against thy +authority. In the same enthusiasm of the hour I, too, lost control of +my proper reverence for thy person. For this, noble Rani, I do seek thy +pardon; and as evidence of my regret, I beg that thou wilt direct me to +march instantly with three hundred Afghan troopers, who have arrived +this morning without the city, and demand submission of this Sadescheo. +Be assured if he does not comply speedily, I will rout his people like +sheep before a band of wolves. In chains, at my horse's hoofs, will I +drag him and his relatives hither." + +While Prasad gazed with wonder at the Mohammedan's altered manner, the +Rani assured him that the past had already been forgotten. + +"Then will I set forth for Shahpur, noble Rani," he asked, "to bring +this dog of a Maharaja to his senses"? + +"Not so hastily, my Lord," the Rani answered thoughtfully. "The sword +once out of its sheath, the fight is on, and who knows what a turmoil +we may stir up in the state. Wiser it would seem to me, to overawe +Sadescheo by a display of greater force. How many people, think you, +hath he already collected to his support"? + +"Noble Lady," replied the Mohammedan, "I know, nor care not. But give +to me the order and with a hundred Afghans to every thousand of his +people few will remain in Shahpur to tell of Ahmad's visit." + +"Ahmad, good friend," replied the Rani authoritatively. "That must not +be. Well do I know and appreciate thy courage, but bloodshed among +ourselves is what I strive to avoid." + +"Better to crush the cobra before it raises its head," he remarked +significantly. + +"Aye, but I would rather that with thy Afghan horsemen, thou dost take +an equal number of my troopers. Then will Sadescheo perceive that both +Hindu and Mohammedan are united in my cause, and will submit without +resort to force." + +Ahmad appeared to coincide with her argument. + +"Thou speakest ever wisely, O Rani," he returned. "But in such event +might not I ask that the noble Prasad Singh here, doth lead thy troops, +if he will deign the comradeship of so rough a man at arms." + +Prasad looked up eagerly at the unexpected request, and implied +compliment. He began to view Ahmad in a different light. + +"With the Rani's permission, gladly will I do so," he acquiesced. + +The Rani perceived that Prasad's presence with the expedition might act +as a restraining influence, as well as a safeguard upon the Mohammedan. + +She gave her consent readily. + +"Thou wilt take three hundred of my horsemen," she addressed Prasad, +"and accompany Ahmad Khan to Shahpur. Upon thy return a _Darbar_ shall +be held in which I will make the chief appointments in the state." + +She then turned to Ahmad and asked if it would be possible for him to +reach Shahpur in the present state of the weather. + +"Fair Lady," replied the Mohammedan. "Have I not fought among the +Afghan passes when the winter snows were tinged a bloody red. Have I +not chased Kurd horsemen into their bleak fastnesses. Such squalls as +these but refresh the mettle of our steeds. Fear not, at daybreak, +Ahmad Khan will break his fast with Sadescheo." + +"Then farewell, my Lords," the Rani cried. "Go, terrify Sadescheo as +much as thou wilt, but, remember, draw not the sword unless thou art +compelled as thou regardest my favor." + +Ahmad saluted and retired first from her presence. Prasad was about to +follow, when he paused a moment. + +"What are thy commands"? he asked in a low tone, as if he expected an +order yet to be disclosed. + +"Be watchful," she replied. "For the present he may be trusted, +because"-- + +A smile of triumph broke upon her face as she concluded-- + +"If thou dost love the Rani, remember her command." + +She passed to a window and watched the two nobles mount their chargers. +Her spirit was stirred by the sight of their martial bearing. + +"Ah"! she sighed regretfully. "Ah! How I would like to be one of them. +To be a man and ride forth sword in hand, to battle; to hear the cannon +roar, and mingle with the clash of arms. Perhaps, who can tell, some +day the Rani may command her troops in person." + +Then her thoughts took another channel. + +"Sadescheo," she exclaimed. "Sadescheo! Poor, foolish, coward. I have +no fear how he will act when the dawn finds Ahmad demanding admittance, +in my name, at the gates of Shahpur." + + + + +Chapter VI + +_THE OATH_ + + +Faithfully Ahmad kept his word to the Rani. Through the black, +tempestuous night, he swept over the road to Shahpur. He recklessly +plunged into swollen torrents. He callously hurled himself upon +whatever obstacles lay in his path. Whirlwinds and stormbursts seemed +in sympathy with his furious nature, bearing him onward rather than +impeding his progress. Struggling, swearing, crashing in his wake, +the troopers followed as best they could. A horse falling through +sheer exhaustion, rider and beast were left to extricate themselves. +Another, carried away in the flood of a river, was, without a saving +effort, abandoned to his fate. To Ahmad, such incidents were only +manifestations of the Will of Allah, by which all men must die when +their appointed hour had come. + +This exhibition of splendid recklessness was not without effect +upon the brave spirit of Prasad. With rigid features he strenuously +spurred forward at Ahmad's side. In his mind there gradually formed +an understanding of the value which the Rani placed upon the services +of the Mohammedan. It was like a bolt of lightning held in reserve, a +force to be controlled only with the greatest skill and prudence; yet +one that launched forth, burning to destroy, and oblivious of meeting +with destruction itself; a terrible and awe-inspiring object. + +Seldom were words exchanged. A guttural oath occasionally burst from +the Mohammedan's lips as he found his way momentarily blockaded; an +exclamation of anger went forth upon the night as he glanced back over +his shoulder to discover that his pace had outstripped that of his +followers. + +The sullen break of day found Ahmad Khan and his companions, shaggy, +dirt begrimed, with sodden garments, emerging from a ravine. At the +entrance, perched upon the summit of a rock, rose indistinctly in the +misty half light, the gray walls of the citadel of Shahpur. + +He halted his men for a short space to enable stragglers to rejoin the +party, and to perform a religious act. In Ahmad's nature, there was +mingled with an absolute lack of human principle, a strange leavening +of superstitious reverence. The more villainous the project upon which +he was bent, the more scrupulous would he be in conforming to certain +outward observances of his religion. If a murder was to be accomplished +by the basest treachery, he would as fervently call down the blessing +of Allah upon the act, as if another were about to sacrifice himself in +some deed of true heroism. + +He unrolled a small piece of carpet, and spread it upon the ground. +Then he knelt with his face toward the west, and remained a few minutes +in prayer. + +"There is but one God and Mohammed is the Prophet of God," he solemnly +ejaculated at its conclusion. + +Several of his troopers added an amen. + +He rose and remounted. + +He then carefully inspected the company, arranging them in double file. +This done to his satisfaction he cautiously led the way toward the +mouth of the ravine, taking advantage of such cover as was afforded by +the low underbrush and projecting spurs of rock. + +Ahmad thus advanced into a narrow sinuous path leading up to the +main gate of the citadel, when he pressed forward so rapidly and +noiselessly, that he was demanding admittance of the keeper, before the +watchers on the walls had discerned his approach. + +"Open there," he shouted, "to Ahmad Khan and the noble Prasad Singh, +bearing a message from the Rani of Jhansi." + +Ahmad Khan! Ahmad Khan! A panic seized those within the gates roused +from their slumbers by the stentorian voice of the Mohammedan. + +"Open dogs," he thundered, as his summons failed of an immediate +response. + +"Noble lords," at last came a quavering rejoinder. "Maharaja Sadescheo +yet sleepeth. The gates cannot be opened without his order." + +"Wake him then," cried the Mohammedan. "By God's holy Prophet, time +passes upon an urgent matter." + +"Noble lords, that is impossible." + +"Accursed jackals. Am I to batter down the gate. Go to thy master, and +if thou wilt, lay all the blame on Ahmad Khan. He will awaken quickly, +enough, if I mistake not," he added. + +A short period elapsed, passed restlessly by Ahmad, when the voice was +again raised within the gate. + +"Maharaja Sadescheo extends greeting. He would welcome the noble Ahmad +Khan and his followers but that the citadel is already over filled. If +the noble Ahmad Khan will enter unattended, then will Sadescheo gladly +see him." + +Ahmad cast himself impulsively from the saddle. + +"Thou wilt not accept this challenge, surely"? asked Prasad. + +"Surely will I," the other retorted. "Thou wilt keep these fellows +here, and if I do not return or send for thee within an hour, thou +canst ask the reason by an assault upon the gate. But there is no +danger." + +He passed through the massive door and found himself in a courtyard +filled with Sadescheo's recently collected soldiers. As he strode +inward fearlessly, they fell back before his grim and martial bearing. +His way made clear through these, he was conducted to a room in the +interior of the fortress to await the Maharaja. + +With soldierly instinct Ahmad stepped to a window that commanded a +partial view of the defenses. + +"A good position," he reflected, as his glance swept along the walls, +"and worth holding if garrisoned by a handful of Mohammedans instead of +this Hindu rabble. Sadescheo"!-- + +A smile broke upon his face. + +"Sadescheo thinks to trick the Rani of Jhansi. By God! he little knows +with whom he has to deal. She would make a fit wife even for the +illustrious Dost Mohammed, the Lion of Afghanistan. I warrant there +is more in that bewitching form than most give credit for. Thus, for +the undoing of this accursed Prasad, will Ahmad for a time become her +humble slipper bearer. Allah! what is it in the girl that moves a man +in spite of himself." + +A voice pronouncing his name interrupted the trend of his thoughts. +He turned abruptly to confront a man of past middle age, whose +weak features bore evidence of a life of sensual debauchery. With +outstretched hands Sadescheo greeted the Mohammedan. + +"Thou hast come unexpectedly, and apparently without waste of time +upon the road, O Ahmad," he exclaimed, eyeing the Mohammedan's +travel-stained attire. Then in a lower tone, "Hast determined to assist +in ousting that chit of a girl from the Raj of Jhansi"? + +Ahmad drew himself up to his full height as he replied haughtily. + +"I have come from Her Highness the Rani to know the reason of your +collecting troops, and to demand a recognition of her authority." + +"Come! come! Good Ahmad," the other rejoined. "It is early in the day +for pleasantry. It is a new thing for Ahmad Khan to joke." + +"A joke," repeated Ahmad sternly. "By the Prophet's beard it is no +joke. On the Koran I have sworn to support the Rani." + +The feeble smile on Sadescheo's face gave place to an expression of +dismay. + +"Thou canst not mean this," he returned, "for but the other day thou +didst send a messenger agreeing to our plans." + +"And to-day," retorted Ahmad threateningly, "I come in person to +denounce that same messenger as a liar. Briefly, good friend, it doth +not suit Ahmad Khan to oppose the Rani for the purpose of uplifting +Sadescheo." + +"Then thou hast surely chosen an ill-fitting place to make the +declaration," replied the Maharaja significantly. "Perchance Ahmad Khan +may remain in Shahpur until he again finds it expedient to change his +mind. He does not seem to be aware that he speaks within the walls of +Sadescheo's fortress." + +With a rapid movement Ahmad was at Sadescheo's side. Roughly he laid a +firm grasp upon the Maharaja's shoulder, while his disengaged hand fell +to the hilt of a dagger protruding from his girdle. + +"Aye, and thou art in Ahmad's power," he muttered fiercely. "If he sees +fit to change his mind, that is his affair. If he orders thee to throw +open thy gates to his people, three hundred Afghans and as many of the +Rani's troopers, impatient to enter, yea or nay, and summon hither his +lieutenant, thou hadst better do it quickly, or he will open thy body +and toss forth thy chicken heart to swine. Art willing to follow such +advice, valiant Sadescheo"? + +Sadescheo glanced timorously toward the open door. Within call were a +dozen armed retainers who at the raising of his voice would rush to +his assistance. But he knew full well that before they could reach his +side, Ahmad's dagger would be buried a foot deep in his breast. If in +turn, the Mohammedan were slain after he had made a pile of corpses +to fall upon, that would be little satisfaction to him personally. He +therefore called an attendant and gave the required order. For a moment +the servant hesitated. "Go," cried Sadescheo nervously. "Go do my +bidding, swiftly. What would you have now"? he asked of Ahmad. + +"That my troops receive food and lodging for the day," replied the +other, "and that on my return to Jhansi to-night my lieutenant, Suliman +Abhas and a hundred Afghans replace your people on the walls of the +citadel. Further, thou wilt proclaim the Rani in _Darbar_ and hoist her +banner on the gate." + +To this Sadescheo made a gesture indicative of enforced compliance. + +Presently, heavy footsteps in the passage announced the approach of +Prasad and Ahmad's lieutenant. + +Upon entering they glanced from Sadescheo, still held in Ahmad's grasp, +to their leader, and waited. + +With grim ceremony he presented them to the Maharaja. + +Sadescheo bade them a reluctant welcome. + +"With your permission, noble sir," suggested Ahmad, "we will proceed +to your hall of audience. There the Rani's title will be proclaimed, +and we will rest upon our return to Jhansi." + +Before an hour had passed the Rani of Jhansi's banner was flying +beside that of Sadescheo, and Ahmad's troops had replaced those of the +Maharaja on the walls. + +That night the two nobles set forth on their return to the capital. + +The burst of the monsoon in Jhansi had for the time passed over, so +they rode leisurely through the clear atmosphere. First, they discussed +the general prospects of the rebellion, then their successful descent +upon Sadescheo, and lastly the condition of their personal affairs. + +"You carried your life upon the blade of your sword, when you entered +Sadescheo's fortress," remarked Prasad admiringly. "It was an intrepid +act." + +Ahmad laughed carelessly. + +"In truth no," he returned. "There are some men, I grant you, with +whom it would have been a venturesome thing to do. It would be a +dangerous trick to play upon such a one as Dost Mohammed, whose valour +and resource rise with the greater odds against him. But with this +Sadescheo"-- + +He uttered an exclamation of contempt as he concluded: + +"Upon him you have but to frown, and he shivers from his turban to his +slippers." + +They rode on in silence for some distance across a wide plain, the +troopers following in a long procession, phantom like by the light of +the moon. + +Ahmad, apparently deep in thought, at last spoke in a reflective manner. + +"Thou art a fortunate man, friend Prasad. Providence hath undoubtedly +taken thy affairs into her special keeping." + +"How so"? the other asked. "If by casting obstacles at every turn of my +way she is doing me good service, then only am I the most fortunate of +men." + +"Why, good comrade," returned Ahmad. "Is it not great fortune to stand +so high in the beautiful Rani's favor. What could man desire more"? + +Prasad turned a glance quickly upon the Mohammedan, but his companion's +head was bent downward toward the pommel of his saddle. + +"If I stand high in her favor," he replied, "then she well keepeth it a +secret." + +"Dost thou not count it a favor"? asked the Mohammedan, "to be +appointed to the supreme command of her troops when many crave so +honorable a post." + +"She hath not appointed me to any office," replied Prasad, "except upon +this expedition, which was owing to thy suggestion." + +Ahmad raised his face upon which rested a well feigned look of surprise. + +"Truly you astonish me," he exclaimed. "But the Rani is a prudent +woman, and doubtless waits a favorable moment to give it to thee. At +the _Darbar_ she will probably pronounce thy name in honor." + +"I doubt it much," returned Prasad, "though I grant you she is a +mistress in the art of not making clear her mind." + +"Tut, tut," ejaculated Ahmad soothingly. "Woman like, she is but +playing with thee awhile. But I know well she holdeth thee in high +esteem. How could she do otherwise than appreciate the gallantry of +so fine a soldier. For me," he added indifferently, "I possess little +influence with the Rani, and at any moment I may be called away to set +the Emperor's house in order. But when I make my report of this little +business, be assured I will not fail to keep thy name in mind. If a +humble word of mine can do thee service, it shall not remain unspoken." + +The eyes of the two men met in a steady gaze. Upon the Mohammedan's +face stern and cold as it appeared, Prasad could detect no sign of +hidden motive. He had yielded homage to the man's reckless valor; might +there not, he argued, after all dwell beneath the rough exterior, a +generous nature, carried away at times by mad impulse. + +"If thou wouldst do this for me," he returned, "thou wilt have placed +me under obligation of a life. To command the Rani's troops is now my +great ambition." + +For an instant a sarcastic smile flickered about the Mohammedan's lips. +But it was gone before it could be detected. + +"Gladly will I take an oath upon the holy book to do it," he answered. +"These officers of the Rani are well enough, but they lack that proper +martial spirit which, as a soldier, I have noted plainly in thy +conduct. For myself, my aims now lie elsewhere than in Jhansi; but even +were that not so, I would willingly yield to thee the office, as it is +but right a Hindu noble should command the forces of a Hindu queen." + +"Ahmad," Prasad cried enthusiastically. "I have done thee an injustice. +More, I have ever done the same as those of thy religion. It is said a +Moslem can never be a friend. Henceforth I vow that such is false." + +Ahmad bowed his head in acknowledgment of the other's confidence. + +"Everyone hath an enemy," he replied, "who will misrepresent a good +intention. If influence of mine can do thee service, by the holy +_Kaaba_ I swear the Rani will go into _Darbar_ with but thy name upon +her lips. + +"Come! The day breaks," he concluded, "and we are still some leagues +from Jhansi." + +Again he halted to dismount and pray with his face toward holy Mecca. + +Ahmad's devotions were of short duration. He concluded with a petition +to Allah to witness the truth in his heart. Then vaulting into the +saddle, he drove his spurs into his horse's flanks. With arms glinting +in the sunshine, at a canter, he bravely led the cavalcade. + + + + +Chapter VII + +_HOW AHMAD KEPT HIS OATH_ + + +Ahmad returned alone to the Rani's palace. To avert all suspicion of +his conduct, he dismissed his Afghans to the cantonments on approaching +the city. With the plea of furthering Prasad's interest, he had advised +the Hindu noble to absent himself when the report of their expedition +was made. It would be difficult, he explained, to properly advocate the +claim of another, if the person chiefly concerned were present. + +Prasad clearly perceived the force of the Mohammedan's suggestion. He +relied implicitly upon the other's good faith, and readily acquiesced. + +"Make my best _salaams_ to the divine Rani," he enjoined Ahmad on +parting, "and say that I will come to her side as soon as I have +changed my attire for garments more suitable to the presence of a +queen." + +Ahmad vowed that he would leave no compliment unsaid on Prasad's behalf. + +"In truth," he reflected, as he proceeded on his way, "I may be wrong, +but this Rani of ours seems rather to prefer the smell of powder to the +most delicate perfume of Teheran. I fancy the courtier finds less favor +in her eyes than the man-at-arms. Ah what a treasure! What an _houri_. +She must, by the God of Islam, she shall be mine, if I am compelled to +play a hundred different parts in turn." + +As Ahmad dismounted, the beggar who had petitioned everyone entering +the palace that morning, ceased his cry for alms. He crouched further +into his corner as instinct told him it was the fierce Mohammedan at +hand--one whose boast was that he neither feared nor pitied any human +being. + +Ahmad remarked the beggar's action. + +"Thou poor wretch," said he in a voice into which he threw as much +compassion as he could assume. "Art dumb now as well as blind."? + +Surprise was depicted on the face of the beggar, who had learned by +past experience to expect a curse if he ventured to address Ahmad Khan. + +"Noble Lord," he faltered. "Is it truly the voice of the great Ahmad +that I hear"? + +"Whose voice else"? demanded the Mohammedan in return. + +The beggar shrugged his shoulders. + +"Lord I know not," he answered. + +Ahmad cast a small coin at the beggar's feet, and ascended the palace +steps. + +On the porch Bipin had been an interested spectator of the scene. + +"Blessed Devi," he reflected. "What next will happen? Perchance we +shall behold Ahmad Khan robed as a _Mollah_ calling his people to +prayer, from the balcony of a minaret. Everyone seems to be what he +is not. To think that the well-looking Prasad should possess so +villainous a heart, and the black Mohammedan display compassion for the +unfortunate." + +Bipin was still in a most unhappy frame of mind. That morning another +circumstance had occurred fraught with ill-omen. A white cat bereft +of one eye had persistently endeavored to sharpen its talons in his +legs. To fathom the significance of the beast's actions, Bipin had +promptly repaired to his friend the astrologer, who for a monetary +consideration, had assured his client that they betokened the swift +unfolding of Prasad's design. As a consequence, Bipin had armed himself +with an ancient and rusty flint lock pistol, the massive butt of which +protruded from his waistband. + +The weapon at once attracted Ahmad's notice. + +"What," he cried with gruff humor. "What do I behold? The worthy Bipin +Dat, the man of peace, armed for mortal combat." + +"Illustrious Lord," returned Bipin gravely. "When every man goeth +armed, he is a fool who doth not follow the prevailing fashion." + +"True, O Secretary," returned Ahmad, laying a familiar though heavy +hand upon the other's shoulder. "Come, I like thee all the better for +thy display of spirit. Soon thou wilt be wielding a sword with the best +Afghan in my troop." + +"And why should I not," rejoined Bipin. "One need not be born in a +fortress to make a good fighter." + +Ahmad threw back his head and laughed heartily. "Bipin," he replied, +"I am inclined to think thou hast mistaken thy calling. Thou shouldst +have been a soldier. Come! I will beg a commission for thee from Her +Highness, so that thou mayest win the title, _Singh_." + +"Not so fast, good sir," replied Bipin. "In dangerous times arms are +well enough for protection, but he who makes a profession of exchanging +blows receives too many for my liking." + +Ahmad laughed again. "Well! well! Bipin," he exclaimed. "I make no +doubt when the moment comes thou wilt acquit thyself with the best of +us. But in the meantime I would see the Heaven endowed Rani." + +Bipin turned, and beckoned Ahmad to follow. He led the way into the +palace. + +The Rani had feared that in spite of the solemn injunction she had laid +upon Ahmad, his uncontrolled nature might have led him into some overt +act against Sadescheo. She was relieved, early in the report, to learn, +that he had managed to enforce her authority upon the Maharaja without +igniting a racial conflagration within her territory. + +"Ahmad," she cried with a display of satisfaction. "Thou hast done well +indeed. How can I reward thy services sufficiently"? + +"Noble Rani," he answered. "Thy approval of my actions is all the +recompense I ask." + +A momentary expression of added relief crossed the Rani's face. + +She was afraid he might demand that which his soldierly qualities +entitled him to claim, but which she still hesitated to give. + +"If all others were only like thee," she returned, "how much easier +would be my lot, how much more secure would be our position." + +"Fair Lady," resumed Ahmad. "My position is uncertain, for I know not +how soon I may be called away to sharpen the blunted teeth of Bahadur +Shah's overfed soldiers. Wrangling among themselves over the plunder +that has fallen into their hands at Delhi, they will scatter to the +jungle like a band of jackals at the voice of the Foreign hunter. But +if Ahmad Khan might presume to offer the great Rani some advice in +certain matters, he would consider himself well repaid for any service +he has rendered." + +"Gladly will I hear thee, friend Ahmad," acquiesced the Rani. + +"Principally is it," continued Ahmad, "in reference to the offices thou +wilt doubtless make in _Darbar_ to-morrow. Above all things it would be +advisable to appoint a commander of the troops, to whom both thy Hindu +and Mohammedan subjects will look with respect and confidence. If thou +hast determined this already, then will the voice of thy humble servant +remain silent." + +"No Ahmad," returned the Rani thoughtfully. "I have not done so as yet. +That matter troubles me more than all else. There are so many worthy +aspirants that it is difficult to select the one who would suit the +office best. Willingly will I listen to thy advice." + +"Then, noble Rani," Ahmad proceeded, "Taking into account the +conflicting aspects of the question, the man to be chosen must possess +more than one qualification. Courage and daring must first of all +be his birthright, but equally important is a knowledge of military +strategy--none the less valuable if intuitive rather than acquired +by experience, and in which rapidity of action must be the outward +manifestation of an alert mind. To these must be added firmness of +character to enforce discipline even to the point of seeming cruelty, +holding human life in his own person and in that of others as of no +account when necessary, yet not unmindful of the needs of his soldiers +whose affection he will thereby gain in return. If, further, he should +possess youth and a gallant bearing it will be to his advantage, for +the trooper is ever the more eager to follow a captain of distinguished +presence. If he possesses these qualities, noble Rani, even though +thy selection were to fall upon a comparative stranger to the state, +be assured thou wouldst act most wisely. Such a one I dare to have in +mind." + +Unconsciously Ahmad had faithfully portrayed the character as yet +undisplayed of the girl before whom he stood. + +In the pause which ensued it was evident the Rani was mentally +reviewing the faces of those known to her who would be most likely to +coincide with Ahmad's description. + +"Ah"! she exclaimed at last. "Dost thou refer to Prasad Singh"? + +A look of slight astonishment broke upon Ahmad's face. + +"Prasad Singh"! he ejaculated. "Noble Lady," he protested, "for aught +I know to the contrary Prasad Singh _may_ possess all these qualities +and more. Untried in any important affair, he _may_ prove to be a great +captain, though in our little ride to Shahpur, but for the banter of +his rough companion, I think he would more than once have turned back. +But Prasad surely is a good comrade and a handsome fellow, even if his +name doth not hover on my lips." + +"Whose name dost thou have in mind, then"? asked the Rani somewhat +perplexed. + +"It is the young officer Dost Ali, noble Lady," replied Ahmad +confidentially. "Thou wilt have heard his father was a Maratha who was +driven into exile by the Foreigners, and dying left his young son to +the protection of the illustrious Dost Mohammed. Brought up by such a +leader, he has well learned the trade of arms. By birth a Hindu and a +Mohammedan by adoption, both factions in the state might well unite to +serve under him. Moreover, such action on thy part would surely please +the great Amir of Afghanistan, some of whose troopers are now a part +of thy forces, and whose doubtful attitude toward the Foreigners might +thereby be determined in support of India's cause." + +The Rani turned from Ahmad and gazed out of a window pensively. There +was forming quickly in her mind an ulterior object that might be +promoted by following Ahmad's suggestion. Among her older officers +there was a marked disposition to regard her opinion in military +affairs lightly, as that of a mere girl whose judgment in such matters +could be of no value. A younger man, susceptible to her personal charm, +would, she thought, be more likely to follow, unhesitatingly, the +dictates of her will. + +"Thou hast observed the young officer of whom I speak, my Rani"? Ahmad +asked with a shade of anxiety in his voice, as he waited on her answer. + +"Truly I have," she answered. "I have remarked him well several times. +I like his manner and appearance. There is much discernment in what +thou sayest. For a space I will think over it, and to-morrow make known +my decision." + +Ahmad _salaamed_ low and withdrew from her presence. + +So far, he was satisfied with the favorable view the Rani seemed to +take of his covert plan of installing a _protégé_ of his own in one of +the most important offices of the government, and the deeper project of +eventually destroying his rival by that means. + +The Rani proceeded to an inner court, and called her chief waiting +woman to her side. + +"Rati," she began. "I am curious to know what other women--the ladies +of the _zananas_--think of me. Tell me, O Rati, thou who learnest such +things, what is the opinion in such places of Lachmi Bai"? + +The girl looked nonplussed. + +"Speak truly," enjoined the Rani. "Flattery enough I can have for the +wish." + +The girl's uneasiness increased visibly. + +"Noble Rani. They say. They say"--she hesitated. + +"Yes, what do they say"? the Rani demanded impatiently. + +"That thou art well gifted, O noble one," the girl replied evasively. + +The Rani turned a look of displeasure upon the girl. "I did not ask for +that," she spoke authoritatively. "Tell me what else do they say of me"? + +"Some affirm that thou art as beautiful as the opening lotus, but +others"-- + +The girl broke off timidly. + +"Others," concluded the Rani with a smile. "Others are afraid for their +sweethearts, aye Rati"? + +"Perchance, noble Lady," acquiesced the girl. + +The Rani's humor displayed itself in a silvery laugh that was echoed by +the walls of the court. + +"Rati," she commanded, "what more do they say"? + +"O great one," petitioned the girl, "urge me not in this manner, lest +thou become offended." + +"Offended surely will I become unless thou doest as I bid thee." + +The girl paused a moment, then proceeded fearfully. + +"They say, O Rani, that thou art vain of thy beauty, and forgettest +thy modesty as a Hindu woman by so openly consorting with soldiers and +gallants." + +"Say they so," the Rani cried passionately, stung to the quick by the +implication. + +The girl fell at the Rani's feet and implored her not to visit +punishment upon an unwilling offender's head. + +"Pardon, O Queen. Thou didst force me," she besought fervently. + +"I am not angry with thee, poor girl," the Rani replied in a softened +tone. "But while my actions are seen by all, to what do many of these +_zanana_ beauties stoop? The shutters of their windows can best tell. I +will show them, these women of such fine sensibilities, how the Rani, +for all her pride, observes a custom too much falling into disuse among +the rich and great. I have heard that my honored _guru_[3] cometh to +aid me with advice, that he even now approaches Jhansi. Go, therefore, +order my bearers, so that I may go forth to receive him with all the +respect due his office." + +The girl rose, and departed to obey the Rani's behest. + +The Rani raised a hand wearily to her forehead. + +"So much discussion to appease," she murmured, "so much jealousy and +envy among those who should assist, rather than thwart the only one +who dared to do what has been accomplished. Love! Ah, only it seems do +the poor and afflicted truly love the Rani. Even Prasad, who vows by +all things sacred that my image beatifies his sleep, hath ever a favor +uppermost in mind." + +Presently a state _duli_[4] with curtains to screen the occupant from +view, was carried to the entrance of the palace. + +To the surprise of her servants the Rani came forth without her +_burkha_, or long mantle, invariably worn by native ladies of rank to +conceal the whole person in public. + +She promptly ordered the curtains of the _duli_ to be removed. + +For a moment her servants hesitated to comply. Never before did they +recollect such an order to have been given. + +"What," she cried. "Dost thou not hear my command? Take those hangings +away. I am not a Mohammedan, but a Hindu Rani in my own right. Of old +time our princesses were not afraid to show their faces to the people. +It is my pleasure that they shall know well the features of Lachmi Bai." + +The curtains were hurriedly removed. The Rani entered her chair, and +surrounded by her servants was borne in the direction of the city gate, +through which it was expected her _guru_ would enter. + +At the head of the procession, the worthy secretary, Bipin Dat, marched +with pompous dignity. Against all contingencies, he had prudently +further armed himself with a long sword, that trailed in the dust at +his side, and made him an awe inspiring object to the beggars that +chanced in his way. + +As the procession passed through the streets, the people saluted the +Rani with terms of affection. Many turned to catch a glimpse of her +face. + +"See," they cried. "The Rani of Jhansi fears not the gaze of our eyes." + +It had gone little more than half the distance to the gate, when it was +met by a bullock cart in which rode an old man of venerable aspect. + +The Rani seemed to instantly recognize his features. She commanded her +bearers to halt. + +"It is my dear _Guru_," she cried. "Ah, how glad I am to see him." + +On his part the old man recognized the rich liveries of the servants +as those of his godchild, the Rani. With an effort he dismounted from +his cart and would have prostrated himself before her, had she not +anticipated his action. + +She alighted quickly and knelt at his feet. She embraced them +affectionately, and cried in a voice which all might hear: + +"O _Guru_, live forever. Grant a blessing to thy godchild, Lachmi Bai." + +For a moment the old man's face reflected the astonishment of the crowd +that had gathered. That she should thus humble herself in public was +certainly a surprising act. But its significance was not lost upon the +people, who, as the old man raised her in his arms tenderly, called +down a thousand blessings on her head. + +The first greetings over, the _Guru_ was about to again climb into his +rickety vehicle, when the Rani interposed. She insisted that he take +her place in the _duli_. + +At first, the old man demurred at so great an honor being accorded him. +But the Rani was persistent. + +"Before, I have ever met thee, dear _Guru_," she cried, "as but a poor +captive in Jhansi. Now that I am the Rani, I desire my people shall see +I am not unmindful of the ancient customs of our race." + +Thus she followed on foot behind her _Guru's_ chair, as the procession +returned to the palace. + + + + +Chapter VIII + +_THE DARBAR_ + + +The great hall of the palace presented a splendid, an imposing +spectacle. Its pillars were decorated with banners and trophies, +its walls hung with rich draperies from the looms of Kashmir and +Sind. At the further end a throne of ivory inlaid with silver and +mother-of-pearl, was placed under a gorgeous canopy. It stood upon a +platform approached by a short flight of steps, covered with a Benares +carpet of black velvet embroidered with gold thread. The subdued light, +the atmosphere of antiquity, that pervaded the audience chamber of the +Rani of Jhansi, enforced that reverential feeling, by which the human +voice naturally sinks into a whisper. + +As yet the throne was unoccupied. + +In the body of the hall were groups of magnificently attired maharajas, +rajas, and military officers, awaiting the entrance of the Rani. +Diamonds blazed in turbans of many colors, ropes of pearls hung about +their necks, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, scintillated in barbaric +profusion amid the gold embroidery of their robes of state. + +Amid these dazzling personages, Ahmad Khan, the humble servant of God, +was a conspicuous figure by the simplicity of his martial uniform. In +his new character he had evidently curbed his passion for outward +display. In place of jewels he had mounted a green badge in his turban, +as a sign that he was one among the Faithful who had obeyed the +commandment of the Prophet and made the pilgrimage to the Holy City. +Slung from his shoulder was a plain leather band suspending a sword +encased, also in a plain leather sheath. But the sword was as sharp as +the arm was strong to wield it. He gazed proudly round upon the throng. +Was there any man who cherished evil in his heart? If so, his enemy was +careful to display no outward sign of animosity. + +Indeed, it was the knowledge that this awe inspiring warrior had openly +espoused the Rani's cause, the report of his descent upon Sadescheo, +carried swiftly to the boundaries of the state, that had brought many +wavering nobles in haste to tender their allegiance at the first +_Darbar_ of the Rani. + +Among the last to enter the hall before the hour set for the council +was Prasad Singh. He had undoubtedly spent much time and thought in +arraying his handsome form to striking advantage. A diamond aigrette +rose from the folds of his turban directly above his forehead. A collar +of emeralds encircled his neck, his long outer garment was stiff with +embroidery, the velvet scabbard of his sword was encrusted with gems. + +Ahmad who seemed to have been watching for Prasad, at once strode to +the Hindu noble's side and greeted him with every outward mark of +friendship. + +He drew Prasad apart and spoke in an undertone to avoid being overheard. + +"This is thy day, O Prasad," he said congratulatingly. "Thou wilt +be reckoned as among the most fortunate of men. Thou mayest prepare +thyself to receive the felicitations of both those who wish thee well +and those who envy thee." + +Prasad returned the Mohammedan's salutation responsively. + +"What did the Rani say," he asked, "when thou spoke to her of me"? + +"What could she say," replied Ahmad, in a tone as if he had advocated +the other's cause so well that there could be but one conclusion drawn. +"What could she say! I swear never did eloquence so flow from my tongue +in any man's behalf, as it did for thee, my Prasad. I vowed to the Fair +One that the appointment thou seekest should by every right be thine. +Upon the Holy Book I swore that but for thy dash and bravery, even the +war scarred veteran, Ahmad Khan, might have been compelled to turn +his back before the fury of that night of storm, and the strength of +Sadescheo's frowning walls." + +Prasad's gratitude manifested itself in a warm tribute to the other's +friendship. + +"But," he protested with a slight accent of concern, "I fear thou +mayest have performed thy task too well, O Ahmad." + +"Not I," returned the other. "Fear not that one who has trod the +pavement of the Afghan court has not learned to pick his way most +warily. Be assured thy desire is already granted." + +A sound of distant music broke upon their ears. + +"Hark"! enjoined the Mohammedan in a whisper. "Hark! The Rani cometh to +_Darbar_." + +As the music drew nearer the nobles ranged themselves on either side +of the hall leaving a passage in the center for the Rani and her +attendants to approach the throne. A profound silence fell upon the +brilliant assembly. + +Nearer rolled the sound of an inspiriting martial air. Presently amid +a loud clash of cymbals and the beat of drums, the foremost of the +procession swept into the hall. Fans of peacock feathers waved aloft, +emblems of state were borne before her to whom all eyes were directed. + +"The Rani, the Rani," passed in an impressive whisper from mouth to +mouth. In turn, each of the nobles made a low obeisance. + +She walked with a stately, measured pace, a little apart from the +rest of her suite. As she moved along the human aisle, the earnest +expression on her beautiful features gathered an abstracted look, +as if the thunder of the music crashing upward to the roof, carried +her vision beyond the brilliant spectacle of the moment, to some +perspective scene yet to be unfolded. + +For the occasion she had robed herself with great magnificence after +the Mohammedan rather than the Hindu fashion of ladies of high rank. +Her reason was, perhaps, that it afforded her a better means of +impressing those to whom a sumptuous display of jewels and fine raiment +formed a considerable part of their existence. + +In place of the simple, graceful _sari_, she wore an outer garment of +scarlet cloth of gold, disclosing beneath, silken skirts of delicate +hues and of such filmy texture that one might have supposed it was by a +miracle the intricate embroidery of pearls had been stitched upon the +material. Upon her head there rested lightly a cap of scarlet velvet +set with pearls, that contrasted with the dark color of her gathered +tresses. Pearls, lustrous, priceless pearls, adorned her neck, her +ears, even her slippers. Upon her fingers, diamonds of Golconda served +to draw attention to the symmetry of her hands. + +"In the Paradise of the Prophet," murmured Ahmad as she passed, "could +there be found such a one"? + +Following in the Rani's train, the worthy secretary, Bipin Dat, marched +with a lofty air, as if he trod upon the necks of the nobles present. +His glance chanced to rest upon Prasad Singh. An inward tremor caused +his spirit swiftly to descend to earth. + +He hastily grasped a talisman that he had purchased from his friend the +astrologer at great cost, and muttered a prayer. + +"May holy Devi protect her servant from the accursed designs of the +evil one." + +The Rani approached the throne and seated herself with quiet dignity. +On her right, the aged man, to whom she had accorded so great honor on +the previous day, took up his station. Behind her, grouped themselves +the personal retinue of her court. + +The music ceased. Amid the silence which ensued, Ahmad Khan strode +forward to the lowest step of the throne. He _salaamed_ thrice before +the Rani, then turned, and in a loud voice proclaimed her title. + +"Behold," he cried. "The Pearl of Jhansi, the noblest of our Queens. +Long live the fair Rani, Lachmi Bai." + +The nobles gravely echoed the Mohammedan's salutation. + +Then, one by one, they came forward, and were in customary form +presented. They returned after the ceremony to chairs of state, or to +seats upon the rugs spread on either side of the throne. + +For each she found a suitable expression of greeting, but to Prasad she +spoke in a gentler tone, and bade him take a place of honor at her hand. + +"What did I tell thee," whispered Ahmad aside to him. + +The Mohammedan had also been similarly favored by the Rani. + +"What did I tell thee, friend. But I do not blame thy qualms. Lover +like, thou canst not see a flower open until it is in full blossom." + +A smile of gratification lit up Prasad's face, clouded for a moment as +the Rani singled out the young Dost Ali, to stand upon the dais. + +The presentations over, the Rani then rose to address the gathering. +She spoke quietly but in her voice there was an unmistakable note of +authority. It penetrated clearly to the furthest recesses of the hall. + +First, she graciously thanked the nobles for their response to her +summons to the _Darbar_, and their spontaneous recognition of her +sovereignty. In return she assured them that her one aim was to promote +the welfare of her state and people, that to everyone should be secured +justice in his person and property. + +"I who had suffered so much in that respect," she cried, "can never be +unmindful of the misfortunes of others." + +She then proceeded to confirm the nobles in all their ancient rights +and privileges, and reviewed the situation as it related to the cause +of India as against that of the Foreigners. The news from Delhi, she +regretted to inform them, was unsatisfactory. Disrupted by internal +dissension, the position of Bahadur Shah was fast becoming desperate, +in the face of the investment of the city by the Foreigners. It was +surely a warning to them in Jhansi, she declared emphatically, to +submerge all personal animosities in the common object of defending +to the death, the freedom they had regained with so much difficulty. +She had, the Rani further related, dispatched trustworthy messengers +to urge speedy action, on behalf of the cause, upon the powerful +Maharajas, Gækwar of Baroda, Sindhia of Gwalior, and the great +Mohammedan Nizam of Haidarabad. There was little reason to doubt that +if they could only be persuaded to follow the unmistakable sympathy of +their troops and people, Delhi might yet be preserved to the Emperor, +and the Foreigners driven into the sea. + +"But, my Lords," she cried, "we, at any rate, must prepare ourselves +to defend the State of Jhansi against enemies from whatever direction +they may come. The fortresses that have fallen into decay under the +dominion of the Foreigners must be repaired speedily. New cannon must +be cast forthwith and mounted on the walls. Ammunition and stores of +grain above all our likely needs accumulated, and more troops raised to +guard the passes. With your loyal co-operation, I have no doubt this +necessary condition of affairs may be brought about with little waste +of time." + +The Rani paused for a short space; an interval that was utilized by her +hearers in expressing their approval of her words. + +At the commencement of her address they were impressed by her beauty +and dignity; but as she proceeded amazement at her clear perception +of the danger and needs of their position, gave place to all other +feelings. More than one exclaimed: + +"Truly the voice of Lachmi Bai is that of a great Rani." + +With a motion of her hand she regained their attention, and continued: + +"My Lords," she said. "To direct our best efforts for the end I have +explained, there must above all things be established a firm central +government in Jhansi. Not that I aspire to deprive any noble of his +rule within his own district, but all authority must emanate from the +throne it is mine by right to occupy. For this purpose certain officers +of government must be appointed." + +Ahmad's countenance remained impassive, while Prasad's gathered a look +of eager expectancy. + +"It is," the Rani continued, "partly to gain your approval of such +appointments that I have called you to this _Darbar_. By such action, I +trust, no jealousies will be aroused, no mistakes made that will stir +up internal discord." + +She paused for a moment, but as the countenances of the nobles thus far +indicated approval of her words, she resumed. + +"First, it is my desire that my honored _Guru_ present, whose advice +hath ever been of great benefit to me since my childhood, shall occupy +the office of minister of state. In choosing him, you all know I am +but following many ancient precedents, whereby _Gurus_ of kings and +princes have, by their wisdom, added luster to the crowns worn by their +godchildren. Have I your approval of the appointment"? + +Perhaps for the reason that no one particularly aspired to the office, +perhaps because they might have thought there was little to be feared +in the person of the venerable form at the Rani's side, the reply came +unanimously, that the Rani's worthy _Guru_ should be appointed her +minister of state. + +"It is well, my lords," she cried. "Now to a more difficult matter. It +must be known to you all that an army without a chief commander, whose +orders must be obeyed by everyone without question, is a mere rabble +in the face of the enemy. But the difficulty in Jhansi is, that all +my officers are so brave and competent, that to single one out from +amongst the others for the high honor in my gift, is an impossibility. +I have, therefore, to suggest a remedy in this way." + +She moved forward to the edge of the dais and stood before them, a +majestic figure. + +"My Lords," she cried, stretching forth an arm. "I, Lachmi Bai, the +Rani, will command the forces of the State. If anyone doth say me, nay, +he hath the right to let his voice be heard in council. I will listen +to him patiently." + +At critical moments in the lives of those destined to play heroic parts +in the eyes of their fellow creatures, it not infrequently happens, +that nature appears to cast a vote in their favor, by a striking +manifestation of sympathetic accord. To many, such may be no more than +coincidences, but to some, particularly to the Oriental, they are +fraught with deep significance. + +The sun mounting over the Palace discovered a rent in the awning of +one of the windows set in the roof of the _Darbar_ hall. It sent forth +a shaft of dazzling light that, penetrating the darkened chamber, +descended full upon the form of the Rani of Jhansi. In her robes of +state, for the moment, she appeared in a blaze of splendor, that to +her audience betokened a supernatural power guiding her destiny. +Against such, what was man, that he should dare to raise a voice in +protest? Was it not clearly a sign that the blessing and protection +of the great God rested on her head. Even to Ahmad Khan, surprised +and dumbfounded by the Rani's unexpected action, as seeming to again +baffle his carefully laid plans, the incident was not lost upon his +sense of superstition. Prasad's mind merely reflected the feelings of +the others. A profound silence followed the Rani's declaration. No man +ventured a yea or nay. + +The Rani waited patiently a few moments for their answer, then again +spoke. + +"By your silence, my Lords, am I to gather your consent"? she asked. + +A Raja rose from his chair of state and replied: + +"Surely thou art the Rani," he exclaimed. "Is it not the will of God +that thy word shall be a law with us. Thou art the commander of us all." + +"It is the will of God," came without a dissenting voice from all parts +of the hall. "Aye, it is the will of Mahadiva." + +The Rani warmly thanked the nobles for their confidence. She again +eulogized their valor and loyalty, assuring them that when the moment +of danger threatened, she would not be found wanting in courage, if +necessary, to lead her army in person. So gentle yet so stirring was +her appeal, that even the hearts of those before given over to sensual +indulgences, were moved to do brave actions in her behalf. + +They sprang to their feet and shouted enthusiastically. "Thou art our +Rani. We will follow thee to the death, O Queen of Jhansi." + +An expression of surpassing happiness rested on her face. + +"Then, my Lords," she cried, "I bid you all attend me to-morrow when I +will repair in state to the White Turret, and raise upon it my banner +as the emblem of my military authority." + +"And let him who dares," she concluded, "lift his hand against it." + +The walls trembled with the applause which her concluding sentence and +her defiant air brought forth. + +Again she enjoined silence by a gesture. + +"Before the _Darbar_ closes," she added, "I have yet to speak a word +to you. With much thought I have decided that the well tried valor of +the noble Ahmad Khan, entitles him to the subordinate command of the +forces quartered in the cantonments, as long as he shall remain in +Jhansi. Further, for certain reasons, I will appoint as my lieutenant +of Jhansi, the noble, Dost Ali, lately come to us from the great Amir +of Afghanistan, Dost Mohammed." + +Briefly she recapitulated the reason urged by Ahmad Khan for the +Dost's appointment to the greater office. No voice dissenting she then +declared the _Darbar_ closed. + +Kindly she turned to Prasad and invited him to accompany her to her +private apartments. + +With intense chagrin, jealousy, and disappointment in his heart, he +bowed haughtily, and pleaded as an excuse a pressing matter requiring +his presence elsewhere. + +For a moment a look of pain crossed her face. + +But the music again sounded, the fans of state waved on high, the +procession re-formed, and between the ranks of _salaaming_ nobles, the +Rani retired from her first _Darbar_. + +Ahmad Khan had scarce time to adjust his plans to the unexpected course +taken by the Rani. But in the appointment of his _protégé_, even to +the lesser position of honor, he beheld a dagger by which to stab his +rival's favor with the Rani, a fatal blow. + +Prasad strode toward the door, wrapt in gloomy, bitter feelings, +without exchanging a parting salutation with anyone. + +Ahmad followed quickly and caught up with the Hindu noble before the +latter had crossed the threshold. + +"Stay, good friend," he cried. "Thou art in a great hurry to shake the +dust of the _Darbar_ hall from thy feet." + +"Aye," returned the other, with sullen ill humor. "And it will not be +long before I shake the dust of the accursed city from my feet." + +"Why so"? asked Ahmad with assumed astonishment. + +"Why so," retorted Prasad angrily. "How canst thou ask, why so, after +thy cajolery"? + +Ahmad shrugged his shoulders deprecatingly. "Friend, Prasad," he +asserted. "I give thee my word, no man in the _Darbar_ was more +astonished than Ahmad Khan when the Rani grasped the sword of state +herself." + +For once he spoke the truth honestly. + +"Of that I make no complaint," retorted Prasad. "If the Rani so wished +it, hers was the prerogative; though a strange one for a woman to +assert." + +"Then to what hast thou taken so much offense"? asked the Mohammedan +with apparent innocence. + +Prasad, in turn, regarded Ahmad with a look of astonishment. + +"Art thou so guileless, O Ahmad Khan"? he asked, "after all that has +passed between us, not to imagine that I might be offended with the +Rani's action, in giving to another--a stranger--that which she knew I +besought of her favor." + +"Ah! as to that, my Prasad," returned Ahmad, pacifically, "there may +have been many reasons in the Rani's mind, apart from the chief one +given. She may have assumed thou wouldst not have cared for the lesser +honor conferred upon Dost Ali--by the way a handsome fellow too; or, +woman like, mind, I say no word against the beauty, wisdom, and courage +of the Rani, she may have admired the gallant bearing of this fellow. +A new favorite, perchance. Thou must remember, good Prasad, she is a +woman as well as Rani, and turneth her gaze first upon one, then toward +another." + +Prasad's brow scowled threateningly. + +"By God," he muttered. "She shall not treat me so." + +"Nay, nay, Prasad," Ahmad rejoined restrainingly. "Thou canst not +dictate to the Rani. She would care little even if thou didst menace +her with a sword. With her thou must fence with other weapons. I make +no doubt it is but a passing fancy she hath conceived for this Dost +Ali." + +"Dost Ali"! Prasad muttered fiercely, "Dost Ali! Dost Ali had better +look to the sharpening of _his_ sword." + +"Come! come, good Prasad," continued Ahmad, laying a friendly hand upon +the other's arm. "Dost Ali hath no weight in the Lovely One's esteem. +But display thy spirit and she will quickly turn again to thee, for she +loveth thee in her heart, I could swear to it. Be advised in this way. +Absent thyself from the ceremony of to-morrow. I will tell her I know +not what ails thee, that thou art falling sick, perchance. Then behold +how she will fly to thy side. Then see how speedily she will grant +anything thou askest." + +"Ahmad," the other returned gravely. "I know not what to think of thee. +Thy ways here may win for thee the Seventh Heaven of thy Prophet's +Paradise, or the lowest pit of his Inferno. But thou givest shrewd +advice, I make no doubt." + +Ahmad laughed. "Come, friend," he rejoined. "Clearly thou dost not +understand a woman's ways. She delighteth in men striving for her +favor, but let the chosen one display indifference, and she is at his +feet. In the meantime let us to my house without the city. There," he +added insinuatingly, "thou wilt discover a little treasure that may +amuse thee--a Kashmir dancing girl of no ordinary charm, my Prasad. +True her eyes, her lips, her form, are not comparable to the endowments +of the superb Rani, but she hath a way with her that pleaseth many. +Some of the _Giours'_ spirits have I, too; and though as one of the +Faithful I may not taste of such, yet thou mayest in their subtle +waters, forget the passing cloud until the sun shall again blaze upon +thy turban. Come! Let us away, and forget our disappointments. All will +yet go well with thee." + +To this proposal, after some demur, Prasad reluctantly consented. + +With a courtly bow that concealed the sinister smile upon his face, +Ahmad motioned the Hindu noble to take precedence of him, by passing +first out of the _Darbar_ hall. + + + + +Chapter IX + +_AT THE HOUSE OF AHMAD KHAN_ + + +The house of Ahmad Khan, with numerous out-buildings, was situated +in a large compound, pleasantly shaded by willows, and overlooking +the placid waters of the lake that stretched over a wide expanse +to the eastward of the city. Both externally and internally its +atmosphere suggested the impression that the owner was not averse to a +comfortable, even a luxurious retreat after the hardships and dangers +of his military exploits. + +If the stables filled with high-bred chargers, the walls decorated +with a splendid collection of trophies, and the large retinue of armed +servants unmistakably emphasized the profession of Ahmad Khan; the +shaded halls, luxurious divans, and the soft rugs woven in rich colored +arabesque patterns, told that he possessed other tastes than those +pertaining to the field of battle. + +To Prasad he remarked these evidences of another life apologetically. + +"For Ahmad Khan, O Prasad," he said, "the step of a mosque, or the bare +ground for a sleeping place is enough; a bowl of rice and a cup of the +coffee he has learned to drink in foreign lands sufficient provender; +but for those who honor his roof with their presence, he is bound by +the law of Islam to provide more generous entertainment." + +"Truly," returned Prasad, as his eyes wandered over the handsome +furnishings of the house. "Truly if thou keepest all these things +solely for the benefit of thy guests, thou must indeed be a prince of +hospitality." + +Ahmad consigned his friend to the care of a skillful barber, who, for +an hour previous to the evening meal, deftly shaved, perfumed, and +assisted in attiring the Hindu noble's person in garments befitting one +to whom the Lord of the House desired to extend the greatest honor. + +In order to avoid the least semblance of offense to his guest's +susceptibilities, Ahmad had ordered the dishes of the repast to be +prepared separately, those from which Prasad was to partake being +cooked by a Brahman. For a similar reason water was served by one of +that caste. + +The meal was sumptuous, both in the display of gold and silver plate, +and in the long succession of courses spiced to tempt the palate of an +Oriental epicure. + +Prasad's ill humor was plainly marked in his meagre appetite. Savory +dishes, of which he would, under ordinary circumstances, have partaken +with avidity, he barely tasted. Others, he let pass without even +inserting his fingers to test their quality. + +"Come," cried Ahmad, at the conclusion of the banquet, "thou shalt now +drink of the choicest of the _Giours'_ spirits. I warrant that after +the first cup thy peace of mind will be restored. Thou wilt forget past +disappointments in the happiness of the present." + +Wine for Prasad's benefit, and coffee for the Mohammedan were then +served. _Hookahs_ were set before them and lit by obsequious servants. + +Prasad cast restraint to the winds and drank deeply, while his +companion watched him craftily, encouraging his libations. But the +insidious spirits of the Foreigners, looted from their bungalows, only +served to intensify his dejection. + +"Accursed life," he muttered. "What am I, that I should submit so +tamely to the fickle humor of the Rani"? + +"Patience, good friend, a little patience," returned Ahmad assuagingly, +yet with an added sting. + +"Dost Ali is but a passing fancy. Forget him in the pleasure of +the moment. Drink, and thou wilt surely feel a new man before the +_Mollah's_ voice at sunrise, calls the Faithful to their devotions." + +He raised his hand as a signal to an attendant, a heavy curtain was +drawn back and a group of musicians, accompanied by dancing girls +arrayed in yards upon yards of silken drapery, entered the apartment. +They advanced to the divan upon which the two nobles sat languidly +drawing from their _hookahs_ and _salaamed_ deferentially. The +musicians then seated themselves in a half circle in front of the +divan, while the girls awaited the first bars from the instruments. +Presently an inspiring air rose in the chamber, the girls assumed +individual poses, and the _natch_ commenced. + +Their graceful actions, glancing steps, and sensuous attitudes, +frequently called forth words of praise from the Mohammedan; but +Prasad's gloomy thoughts remained unconquered. + +"Surely thou art hard to please," remarked Ahmad, as the girls retired +for a brief rest. + +"Thou knowest the distemper of my mind," replied the other sullenly. + +"Aye, but wait," exclaimed Ahmad. "The jewel that shall bring fire into +thine eyes hath not yet appeared." + +He again gave a signal. The curtain was once more withdrawn. Upon the +polished surface of a slab of ebony, uplifted upon the shoulders of six +stalwart _harkars_, Ganga, the star of _natch_ girls, was borne into +the room. + +For a moment, even Prasad's gaze rested approvingly upon the seductive +form of the famous dancer. Her supple figure, attired in elaborately +embroidered shawls, and colored silken skirts, artistically disclosed, +one beneath another, was displayed with an effect well chosen to +captivate those whom it was her profession to enthrall. Flowers adorned +her hair. Her neck, arms, and ankles were ornamented with jeweled +trinkets. + +Upon the _harkars_ halting before the divan, she raised her arms above +her head, and assumed a graceful pose. In a low, fascinating tone, she +commenced a dreamy song of love. Presently her feet caught the rhythm +of the music, and to the accompaniment of tiny silver bells attached to +the bangles on her wrists and ankles, she portrayed by her actions, in +turn, the passions of love, hope, jealousy and despair. + +From time to time Ahmad uttered exclamations of satisfaction. Prasad, +in spite of himself seemed to be fascinated by her charm. + +[Illustration: "Didst thou mark that languorous glance she cast on +thee"?--Page 105.] + +Ahmad quickly noticed his guest's brightening humor. + +"What did I tell thee," he whispered insinuatingly. "Miserable indeed +would be the man whose soul was insensible to the eyes of such a one. +Didst thou mark that languorous glance she cast on thee"? + +Prasad sighed heavily. + +"I grant you," he replied, "with but one exception, she hath a +matchless form. At any other time she might have made a fair +impression. Now, chains bind my soul about a thankless vision." + +The girl finished her part by lightly springing from her elevated +position, and prostrating herself before the nobles. + +Ahmad took from his waistband a handful of gold coins and tossed them +to the girl. + +"Take them, O Ganga," he cried. "By _Allah_! Thou hast almost performed +a miracle. Thou hast found favor in the eye of the inconsolable." + +A slight note of sarcasm marked the Mohammedan's concluding sentence. + +Far into the night the two nobles watched the repeated efforts of the +dancing girls, stimulated by cups of wine, to outdo their previous +displays of art. But after the first surprise on beholding Ganga's +charms, Prasad relapsed within his cloud of dejection. + +At last, the early shafts of dawn penetrated the reed blinds and +mingled their light with that of the silver lamps suspended from the +roof; a warning that the moment of sunrise was at hand. Twittering of +awakened birds, and the voices of men and beasts proclaimed for the +multitude the passing of the hour from rest to labor. + +Prasad rose wearily from his recumbent position. + +"Ahmad," he exclaimed. "In truth, I feel as if I may be sick. Perchance +thou wilt not be obliged to resort to subterfuge in my behalf." + +Ahmad turned a penetrating look toward his guest. + +"Thou wilt not attend the ceremony of to-day"? he asked. + +"As thou advisest," returned the other. "Do what thou thinkest best +for me. I am sick with love, with jealousy, with I know not what, for +yonder Rani." + +He turned and slowly made his way toward one of the exits from the room. + +Ahmad also rose to a standing posture. + +From the balcony of a minaret near by, the voice of a _Mollah_ +resounded through the clear atmosphere. + +"There is but one God and Mohammed is the Prophet of God." + +Ahmad strode from the room to a porch facing the west. He knelt and +reverentially bowed his forehead to the pavement. + +"Thanks be to God," he murmured devoutly, "for the countenance He +turneth toward His servant." + +Then he uplifted his face to the brightening heavens. He stretched +forth his arms above his head, as he cried in a deep, sonorous voice: + +_"Allah! Allah! Allah"!_ + + + + +Chapter X + +_THE WHITE TURRET_ + + +In the open space before the main entrance to the Rani's palace, a +crowd of nobles, soldiers, and sightseers had collected. High mettled +horses led by grooms, paced back and forth, while their owners in +dazzling groups discussed the news of the morning. Peddlars of trifles, +beggars, and ascetics, plied their various callings profitably in the +interval awaiting the Rani's departure for the White Turret. + +Before the door a suite of officers and servants in gala liveries, +surrounded a royal elephant, gorgeously caparisoned with plumes, and +scarlet velvet cloths embroidered with gold thread. To its back was +strapped a canopied state _houdah_ for the use of the Rani. + +Near by, a groom with difficulty controlled the impatient spirit of +a pure blue-black Arabian charger, the property of Ahmad Khan. The +Mohammedan noble had entered the palace to make his daily report to the +Rani. + +Presently, without ceremony, the Rani came forth. A short period of +confusion ensued as the nobles hurriedly sought their horses, and the +soldiers pressed back the throng surging about the palace. + +The Rani paused on the steps and gazed round as if she missed a +familiar object. In so doing her eyes chanced to rest approvingly upon +Ahmad's mount. + +"Whose brave steed is that"? she asked of an attendant. + +Ahmad strode forward and acknowledged himself as its owner. + +"A gift from the Amir of Bukhara," he explained, "in recognition of a +slight military service rendered. I prize the beast more than all the +occupants of my stables together. No one hath ever crossed his back but +myself, and," he added, "I doubt if anyone would care to try." + +"Ah," laughed the Rani. "Dost wager a challenge then on Akbar's behalf"? + +"Not I, fair Rani," returned the Mohammedan, "for it might mean a +speedy death to one so venturesome." + +Impulsively the Rani walked toward the beast. "Akbar," she cried, "Dost +recognize a friend with those clear eyes of thine"? + +The animal started, arched its proud neck, and snorted defiantly. + +"Come, good Akbar," exclaimed the Rani soothingly. "Come. Thou art too +noble a beast to display malice to a woman." + +Fearlessly she raised her arm and affectionately stroked the glossy +neck, passing her hand gently downward across its face. + +A tremor passed over the beast's frame. It stamped the ground and +whinnied as if half pleased with the caress, yet still uncertain in its +humor. + +Ahmad hurried to the Rani's side, while others watched with expressions +of alarm. + +"Noble Lady," he urged. "I pray thee touch not the beast. Its temper is +so uncertain that I cannot answer for your safety." + +The Rani again laughed lightly, as she permitted the animal to sniff +her hair, her face, and hands. + +"Akbar knoweth whom to trust," she cried. "See, he discerneth a true +Maratha, of whom it has been said, he is born in the saddle with a +sword in his hand. I vow, O Ahmad," she added, "this day I will ride +your Akbar, or go in no other manner to the White Turret." + +Before Ahmad could interpose a further objection, she had gathered the +reins in her hand, placed her foot in the stirrup, and sprung lightly +on to the charger's back. + +The horse swerved violently, then halted, with ears set back and form +rigid. + +A moment of suspense for those watching followed. + +"Come Akbar," urged the Rani firmly, while gently patting the beast's +neck. "Come, thou must curb thy temper for thou canst not throw a +daughter of the Marathas." + +The beast pricked up its ears at her voice, and neighed its subjection. + +"Ah, Ahmad," she cried with taunting pleasantry, "thou must seek +another mount. Why not ride in the _howdah_ of my elephant. How much +didst thou wager, friend"? + +"Surely the devil is in the girl," he muttered in astonished accents. +"What will be her next performance"? + +A servant approached the Rani deferentially. + +"If my Lady Rani," said he, "elects to ride on horseback, will she let +her pleasure be known concerning the noble elephant"? + +"Truly," she replied. "If Ahmad Khan likes not to go in so much state, +let my worthy secretary, Bipin Dat mount on high. From that exalted +perch, he can survey the heavens and the earth complacently, frown +majestically upon the populace, and imagine that he has at last become +a Maharaja." + +The Rani shook the reins and curveted to the front of her nobles. + +Gallantly she led the brilliant cavalcade through the bazaars and +streets to that part of the walls upon which the White Turret had been +specially erected to fly her banner. + +Plaudits saluted her progress on all sides. The people were accustomed +to witness the exercise of greater personal freedom on the part of the +Maratha ladies, to what is usually accorded women of high rank in other +parts of India, but it was the first time they had beheld a princess of +such beauty and high spirit leading, instead of being surrounded by the +retinue of her court. + +With admirable skill she controlled Ahmad's restive charger, until +shortly, as if proud of its lovely burden, the beast followed +obediently the guidance of her hand. At the bastion of the White Turret +she dismounted and approached the spot where a group of officers +awaited her arrival. + +Her banner was already bent to the halliards, and held by a lieutenant +so that its silken folds might not be sullied by contact with the +ground. Near by, a soldier stood at a gun ready to ignite the powder of +a first salute as the flag rose upon its staff. + +The nobles grouped themselves about the Rani. An officer holding the +halliards begged to know her command. + +For a moment she hesitated. Then as if a sudden impulse had taken +possession of her mind, she took the ropes from his hand and turned +toward the nobles. + +"My Lords," she cried. "The Rani will herself raise her banner on the +walls of Jhansi, aye, and defend it, against whatsoever enemy may come." + +Slowly hand upon hand she pulled upon the rope. Slowly the banner, +embroidered with her device, rose upon the staff. It reached the top +and waved proudly in a gentle breeze against the pale blue morning +sky. A white cloud of smoke for an instant hung over the ditch below +the bastion, as the tongue of the cannon saluted her military rank. +Spontaneously swords flashed in the bright sunlight: spontaneously a +loud chorus rose, mingled with the repeated roar of the cannon, hailing +the fair defender of a throne. + +"Lachmi Bai! Lachmi Bai! Rani of Jhansi," they cried. + +She gazed round with joyful gratitude. A moment later, the same wistful +look that marked her countenance upon the palace steps, came back into +her eyes. + +She beckoned Ahmad to her side. + +"Where is the noble Prasad Singh"? she asked. "I have not seen him +since the _Darbar_ of yesterday." + +An expression of regret settled upon Ahmad's face. + +"Noble Rani," he explained. "Prasad Singh is sick." + +His manner and intonation, whether intentional or otherwise, clearly +implied a desire to conceal another reason. + +The Rani returned his gaze penetratingly. + +"I would speak with thee upon our return to the palace," she enjoined. + +Ahmad bowed his compliance to her wish. + +The ceremony was over. The Rani thanked the nobles for their renewed +demonstration of affection. She again urged them to lose no time in +repairing the defenses of their fortresses, and in the arming and +drilling of fresh troops. She bade them farewell until she would again +summon them to _Darbar_. + +So while the Rani's banner fluttered defiantly from the peak of the +White Turret, the procession retraced its way to the palace. Upon the +Rani's countenance happiness called forth by the enthusiastic greetings +of the people, was occasionally shaded by a look of disappointment. +Something evidently had been wanting to complete the gladness of the +hour. + +On dismounting she summoned Ahmad to follow her into the interior. + +"My Lord," she said, when they were alone, "thy reply concerning Prasad +Singh causeth me to suspect that something hath gone amiss with him. +Hath the foolish fellow taken umbrage at some new imaginary slight"? + +Ahmad looked uneasy. He hesitated to reply, as if under the necessity +of exercising prudent dissimulation. + +"Thou dost not answer me," resumed the Rani, in a tone of some +impatience. "Tell me, I command thee, why it was that Prasad Singh did +not comply with my invitation to be present at the ceremony of the +morning"? + +"Fair Lady," Ahmad replied evasively, "surely the truth is, that the +noble Prasad Singh is sick. I doubt not he was unable to be present." + +"Sick is he," the Rani echoed, "Aye, but thy manner leadeth me to +suspect another cause. I beg thee, good Ahmad, to tell me the nature of +his malady. Is it a distemper of the mind"? + +"Noble Rani," returned Ahmad, "Prasad Singh is sick. I ask thee to urge +me to no further explanation." + +"But I will urge thee," retorted the Rani imperiously. "I will have the +whole truth from thee ere thou dost leave the palace." + +Ahmad Khan appeared a victim of deep confusion. + +"Most gracious Rani," he besought her, "I trust thou wilt not visit +thy displeasure upon one who is my friend, my good comrade. Verily +do I love Prasad as a brother. Ill would it seem in me to expose the +pardonable follies of a gallant youth." + +"Follies," exclaimed the Rani petulantly. "Speak! What follies hath +Prasad Singh committed"? + +Ahmad assumed an apologetic mien. + +"Merely, noble lady," he replied, "the usual overflow of spirit in one +of his high birth. He hath indulged too freely of the accursed spirits +of the Foreigners." + +A look of disdain settled on the Rani's face. + +"So," she cried. "Like too many others he forgets the precepts of his +caste. This, I did not think of Prasad. The spirits of the Foreigners! +Truly one of the many curses brought to India in their civilizing +wake." She concluded with intense bitterness in her voice. + +"Noble Rani," continued Ahmad. "It was to draw him from the evil habit +that I took him to my house; but alas! by some means he procured the +_Giours'_ intoxicating drink, and--" + +He checked himself suddenly as if he would draw back from disclosing a +moral precipice yawning beneath Prasad's life. + +"And," caught up the Rani quickly. "And what more, good Ahmad Khan. +What more hast thou to tell of Prasad"? + +"Noble Rani," he petitioned with apparent earnestness. "I implore thee +now to close my mouth." + +"Nay, thou shalt open it the wider," she rejoined. "Speak, tell all +thou knowest, I command thee." + +"Miserable, faithless friend, that I must appear," he exclaimed self +reproachfully. + +"Thou wouldst be a disloyal servant if thou didst not obey thy Rani," +she retorted. "Come! It is the Rani who commands thee." + +He spoke in a tone of regretful emotion. + +"Thou hast heard, noble Rani, of the charms of a certain _natch_ girl, +Ganga, by name"? he asked. + +"Aye," she replied tersely. + +"Alas! then," continued Ahmad. "The noble Prasad lyeth sick or drunk, I +know not which, of the Giours' spirits and the subtle influence of this +dancer of Kashmir." + +For a moment even Ahmad quailed before the display of jealous anger on +the Rani's face. She raised her arm with a threatening gesture as if +about to give full play to her resentment; but as suddenly as the flame +of passion had been called forth, as quickly it yielded to her control +of temperament. + +"Go," she commanded in a quiet voice, made more impressive by the +emotion with difficulty suppressed. "Go, tell Prasad Singh, the Rani +orders his presence hither immediately. If he delays, he may mount his +horse and ride forth from her state. + +"I have spoken," she concluded, turning from the Mohammedan. + +"Noble Lady," petitioned Ahmad, "thou dost not blame thy servant for +disclosing that which his conscience had enjoined him to conceal. Alas! +Prasad hath eaten of Ahmad's salt." + +"Thou hast obeyed my command," she replied. "In so doing thou didst +well." + +Ahmad bowed low and left the apartment. + +The Rani turned again to watch his retreating form. When it had +disappeared from view, sorrowfully she unfettered her emotion. + +"Oh! that Prasad--Prasad, whom as a woman I have loved, and as the Rani +I would honor, should appear in such a weak, a worthless light. Prasad, +my Prasad," she cried, "that thou of all men shouldst be the shadow to +darken my hour of happiness." + +A sob broke from her lips. She covered her face with her hands. + + + + +Chapter XI + +A SHREWD DIAGNOSIS + + +In spite of the Rani's urgent dispatch, Ahmad returned leisurely to his +house. If gravity rested on his face, his spirit was grimly elated at +the successful progress of his design upon Prasad. + +"The accursed Hindu," he muttered at intervals. "He is well enmeshed in +the net God has placed in the hands of His humble servant." + +Prasad expectantly awaited his host's arrival on the porch. He marked +the Mohammedan's serious aspect and begged of him the reason. + +"Hath something gone amiss, good friend"? he asked anxiously. + +Ahmad waved his hand indifferently, as he drew Prasad to a room apart. + +"It is nothing that can be defined clearly," he returned, "but a +feeling of uneasiness caused by the Rani's capricious humor. One knows +not what to expect of her next. At the ceremony of the morning she +first insisted upon riding to the White Turret on my Arabian charger, +Akbar; and then raised her banner with her own hands. In truth, +though," he cried with a note of genuine admiration, "I cannot but own +she made a brave display of spirit. She looked as gallant a captain as +ever rode at the head of a troop. The people worship her, the nobles +prostrate themselves at her feet, even Akbar, who never yet submitted +to the caress of any mortal being, acted like a lover at the sound of +her voice, and followed the guidance of her hand as obediently as a +faithful hound. I confess I know not what to make of her." + +"True, O Ahmad," acquiesced Prasad. "Thou hast in part stated my own +sentiment in regard to her. I know not what to make of the peerless +Rani. But tell me," he urged, "did she notice my absence? Did she by +word or sign indicate her feeling"? + +Ahmad replied thoughtfully. + +"I make no doubt the Rani marked thy absence, O Prasad, for it seems +nothing of any moment escapes her notice. But as she loveth thee, she +is far too circumspect a woman to disclose her tender sentiment in +public. A favor she may cast here and there, as in the case of this +Dost Ali; but the expression of her deeper feeling she will keep for +thy ear alone. Thou wilt doubtless hear from her in some covert manner. +She will, in turn, up-braid thee for thy negligence, and lavish upon +thee tributes of her devotion. Have patience, good friend, for it is no +boast that Ahmad Khan hath not mingled in more than one court intrigue +without learning somewhat of the devious ways of women. Thou must +control thy passion for a little." + +"Patience"! exclaimed the other with every sign of impatience. "How can +I have patience when I think she may, even at this moment, be casting +her ravishing smiles upon Dost Ali." + +"Ah! Dost Ali," Ahmad returned contemptuously. "Think not of him. He +is but a feather wafted to her feet to-day, and to-morrow blown by the +wind of Fate, God alone knows whither." + +Prasad cast himself wearily upon a divan. + +"Ahmad," he exclaimed. "Verily am I sick. I know not what it is that +ails me." + +Ahmad regarded his guest with apparent concern. + +"Aye," he responded, "thou dost look unwell. Thy brow is feverish. +Thou art out of humor, and hadst better see a skilful physician who +will soon set thee in order. One such as I have in mind, the worthy +doctor and astrologer, Mohurran Goshi. He hath mastered all the ancient +schools of medicine; a man of profound learning, a sure foreteller of +things about to happen." + +"I beg thou wouldst send for him quickly," besought Prasad, "that he +may relieve me of the burden that seems to be crushing me to earth." + +Ahmad readily complied. He summoned an attendant, by whom he dispatched +an urgent call to the astrologer. + +In the meantime he regaled Prasad with the gossip of the court. He told +of the ceremony at the White Turret, referring insinuatingly to the +favor displayed toward Dost Ali, and of the Rani's varying humor. + +As a consequence Prasad's restlessness and jealousy increased, in spite +of the mollifying clause which Ahmad invariably subjoined. + +The jolting of a bullock cart as it rumbled along the uneven road +leading up to Ahmad's door, told of the astrologer's arrival. + +Ahmad went forth to meet him alone. As soon as the astrologer had +alighted, the Mohammedan engaged him in a whispered conversation. + +"Thou fully understandeth thy part, learned Astrologer," he said in +conclusion. + +"Most rightly, noble Lord," the other answered obsequiously. + +"Thy reward shall be greater than even thy mind can conjure, if thou +art successful in ridding Jhansi of this meddlesome interloper," Ahmad +promised. He conducted the astrologer-physician to Prasad's side. + +In a bag slung over one shoulder, Mohurran Goshi carried his medicinal +pills and ointments; while in the hand of the other arm, he grasped +his calendar, and certain instruments pertaining to the occult branch +of his dual profession. He approached Prasad and felt the patient's +pulse gravely. Gravely, too, he examined Prasad's tongue, shook his +head several times significantly, and then betook himself to a seat on +the floor near by, where he absorbed his mind in a deep scrutiny of his +calendar, intermittently muttering an unintelligible jargon. + +As a result he finally delivered a sage diagnosis of the case. + +"It is clear, noble sir," he said, addressing Prasad, "that the origin +of your malady lies in the evil influence of an enemy working through +the affection of one upon whom your heart is set, but whose notice he +has temporarily beguiled. Most fortunate is it that you have called to +your assistance, in time, a physician-astrologer, by profound study and +long experience, well fitted to combat such designs." + +Mohurran Goshi glanced craftily toward Ahmad, and gleaning that thus +far his opinion was being well received, proceeded: + +"By a sure sign I can demonstrate to you, great sir, the truth of what +I affirm, that I am able to avert impending misfortune on your behalf, +restore the object of your affection to your arms, and further you in +your ambition. Soon will your sickness pass away like darkness before +the rising sun. Is it the noble Lord's pleasure that I should do this"? + +Prasad had not escaped the atmosphere of superstition in which the +majority of his race had from time unknown been reared. In his +condition of mind he was more than ready to fall a victim to the wiles +of the astrologer. + +"Do so," he replied. "From what you have said I feel great confidence +in your ability." + +The astrologer first called for a bowl of water in which he requested +Prasad to wash his hands and forearms. Then he produced a splinter +of bone which he required his patient to hold in the water, while he +muttered in a low tone for several minutes. + +The incantation over, he bade Prasad withdraw his hand from the water, +when there appeared, a little above the wrist, the blotch of a human +form impressed upon the skin by some dark stain. + +The astrologer pointed to the mark on Prasad's arm with triumph. + +"Behold, my Lord," he cried, "the image of thine enemy, the one who +seeks to do thee so much injury." + +Both Ahmad and Prasad expressed their astonishment at what appeared to +them a miraculous display of the astrologer's skill. + +"Now, my Lord," resumed Mohurran Goshi. "If it be thy pleasure that I +should foil this enemy of thine, thou hast but to give thy command." + +Prasad well understood the covert allusion to a fee in advance implied +by the astrologer, and produced a handful of silver coins to secure his +valuable services. + +These, the astrologer tucked safely away on his person, and then +proceeded to destroy the malign influence aiming for his patient's ruin. + +From Prasad's hand he took the bone, and smeared it with an ointment, +which he declared was composed of the most precious ingredients--the +fat of a cobra, the blood of a white rat, salt, and the hoof of an +animal unknown to them. He then rubbed the blotch on Prasad's arm with +the bone for a space, again muttering unintelligibly, when lo! the +image had disappeared. + +The astrologer solemnly held up the bone before his patient's eyes. + +"Into this, noble sir, have I gathered the influence which causes you +so much bodily and mental anguish." + +With wonder, the eyes of the two nobles gazed upon the bone fraught +with so much magic charm. Though as a Mohammedan, Ahmad affected +to scoff at the mysterious science professed by the astrologer, +his hereditary instinct at times caused him momentary qualms, when +inexplicable demonstrations of its power were afforded. + +The astrologer next called for a metal tray, a seed, and a gold coin. +These produced, he placed the seed, the gold coin, and the piece of +bone together on the tray, and once more solemnly muttered incantations +over them. As Ahmad and Prasad watched intently, in a twinkling the +bone leaped into the air and disappeared. + +"Thus, my Lord," cried Mohurran Goshi, "will thy trouble depart from +thee, if thou art careful to follow my directions." + +Prasad breathed a deep sigh of relief as if already a great weight had +been lifted from his mind. + +The astrologer then took the coin and passed it several times over his +patient's head, muttering incantations as before, and finally inserted +it in a fold of Prasad's turban. In the process it strangely changed +from the precious metal into copper, another convincing proof of the +astrologer's extraordinary power over inanimate things. + +He then took the seed, and wrapping it in a sheet of paper bearing +cabalistic signs, handed it to Prasad. + +"This," said he, "is to place beneath your pillow, which, with the +coin, will surely ward off a return of the evil influence. Now as to +the medicine for your body." + +From his bag he drew forth several pills, compounded, he asserted, of +ground pearls, coral, and an herb of wonderful medicinal virtue, only +found with difficulty in the high altitudes of the Himalayas. These he +enjoined Prasad to take at certain intervals, setting a price upon them +that might have warranted their curative power over any ill to which +mortal flesh is heir. + +"Now," said he, "it will be well for you not to leave the illustrious +Ahmad Khan's roof for some days, during which I will call to mark your +progress, but," he added insinuatingly, "if through the medium of a +discreet friend, the object of your affection could be brought to your +side, there is no doubt you would attain a speedy recovery. A slight +cloud is still suspended over your head, but with my aid, be assured, +it will be dispelled at the fitting moment." + +Mohurran Goshi then gave some directions regarding the patient's +food, gathered his effects together, consigned the two nobles to the +protection of God, _salaamed_ several times before them, and went forth +to climb into his rickety bullock cart. + +"A sage and skilful physician," remarked Ahmad approvingly. + +"Undoubtedly," coincided Prasad. "Now that he hath assured me that the +accursed Dost Ali will be removed from my path, I feel a change for the +better." + +"Did I not assure thee that with patience all would come well," +rejoined Ahmad. + +"Aye, truly, good friend; but didst thou remark the last advice of the +learned physician"? asked Prasad. + +"Regarding the mission of a discreet friend"? queried Ahmad in return. + +"To be sure." + +"That is an easy matter," exclaimed Ahmad reassuringly. "To-morrow +when I make my report to the Rani I can prudently disclose to her thy +unhappy condition. No one, good Prasad, can for a purpose assume a more +sympathetic tone of voice, or a more pleading expression, than thy +friend the man of arms. In a moment, I warrant, the fair Rani will be +at thy side." + +"Do this for me," returned Prasad in a grateful voice, "and there is +nothing thou canst not ask of me." + +Ahmad vowed solemnly that it would be his chief duty on the morrow. + +"And now," said he. "If thou art ordered a meagre diet, the learned +astrologer-physician said nothing against a bountiful feast for the +eyes. Let us see what the fair Ganga can do to assist us in passing a +leisure hour." + +"As thou wilt," returned Prasad, evincing but little interest in his +host's suggestion. "Ganga is well enough doubtless for one whose soul +is not captivated by an incomparable form." + +Ahmad glanced with the suggestion of a smile toward his guest. + +"The swine," he muttered underneath his breath. + + + + +Chapter XII + +AHMAD AGAIN NONPLUSSED + + +In the furtherance of his design, Ahmad anticipated what might be +termed a scene when he made his report to the Rani upon the following +morning. He fully expected, from his observation of the character of +women in general, that he would find her enraged and vindictive with +Prasad, as the result of the Hindu noble's failure to respond promptly +to her summons. In this respect he was again destined to experience a +surprise, if not a disappointment. + +She received him sedately as became the nature of the business to be +transacted, and without a reference to the event which had caused her +to display so much feeling on the day before. If Prasad's image still +occupied a place in her mind, no mention of his name came from her lips +to mark her sentiment toward him. Had her heart been entirely free from +the tender passion, she could not have appeared more composed, more +secure in all that related to her nature as a woman. + +From time to time Ahmad gazed upon her with wonder. In order to draw +forth from her an outburst of the fire of resentment which he was +convinced burned inwardly, he more than once skillfully turned the +conversation in the direction of her truant lover; but the Rani as +skillfully declined his lead, passing on naturally to matters of public +importance. + +She absolutely refused to disclose, from the beginning to the end of +the interview, what her thoughts or intentions were in regard to the +Mohammedan's rival. + +As he was about to leave her presence, Ahmad paused on the threshold +with the hope that she would yet make some reference to Prasad. + +The Rani glanced toward him interrogatively. + +"Hast thou more to say, O Ahmad"? she asked calmly. + +"Nothing, nothing, great Lady," he answered falteringly, as he saluted. + +She returned the salute with dignity. + +"Then I wish thee good fortune until the morrow," she concluded. + +He left the palace with uneasy speculations rising in his mind. +Treacherous to the core of his nature himself, the Rani's reserve of +manner, caused him to suspect that treachery was lurking somewhere +among his own following. + +Could that rascal of an astrologer be playing a double part? was the +first thought that flashed into Ahmad's brain; or could Prasad be +acting in the Rani's confidence as a spy upon his actions? If the +latter happened to be the case, he reasoned that the Hindu noble must +possess a power of deception of which he had certainly not displayed +the least symptom as yet. Ahmad decided that this was unlikely. If, +then, the astrologer was in reality conspiring against him, for greater +pay on the part of someone else, a possible enough contingency, it +could easily be detected. In any case he perceived the necessity +of bringing Prasad's complete ruin in the Rani's estimation to a +speedy issue, or a chance disclosure of his intrigue might engulf him +hopelessly in the ditch, he had so well excavated for his rival. + +He set spurs to his horse and rode quickly to the astrologer's house. + +A prolonged conversation with Mohurran Goshi apparently satisfied +Ahmad that he had nothing to fear from the duplicity of that crafty +personage. He handed the astrologer a well filled purse as the best +tonic to stimulate his continued fidelity. + +"Thou wilt call, then, to see thy patient later in the day, learned +Astrologer," Ahmad remarked, as he prepared to turn his face homeward. + +"At thy command, noble Lord," acquiesced the astrologer submissively. + +"It is well," exclaimed Ahmad. "I warrant thou wilt find him in an +excellent humor for thy purpose." + +Ahmad tested the speed of his horse until he approached within a short +distance of the compound surrounding his dwelling. Then he slackened +his pace and assumed an air of grave dejection. + +"Good Prasad must believe that the heart of Ahmad Khan goes out to him +in sympathy," he soliloquized, "while the disclosure of the Rani's +faithlessness is drawn forth unwillingly from his friendly lips." + +Prasad awaited the Mohammedan's return in a state of feverish anxiety. +He remarked Ahmad's gloomy visage immediately. + +"Thou art the bearer of ill news, O Ahmad," he exclaimed, ere the usual +greetings had been exchanged. + +"Alas"! returned the other. "My countenance doubtless reflects the +sadness of my heart." + +"Speak," enjoined Prasad. "Tell me the worst thou knowest, for I feel +assured it hath to deal with my unlucky case." + +"The worst may be told quickly enough, good friend," replied Ahmad. +"Yet, I would that thou urgest me not to such an unpleasant office. Let +us discuss other matters, and leave the disagreeable topic to a later +hour." + +Prasad waved his hand impatiently. + +"Tell me quickly," he cried. "Bad news is like decaying fruit. It +becomes the more rotten with the keeping. Did the Rani refuse to +hearken to my request"? + +"Aye, she did even more than that," came the reply. "She refused to +have thy name mentioned in her presence." + +"So"! ejaculated Prasad. "What else hast thou to tell, my emissary"? + +"Why, good Prasad, as I hold thy interest at heart it pains me deeply +to speak thus, but it doth seem the Rani hath cast herself body and +soul into the arms of this new favorite, Dost Ali. Her actions have +become the scandal of the court." + +Prasad raised himself upon his elbow. His brow contracted and his eyes +flashed threateningly. + +"Tell me more," he hoarsely muttered. + +"In truth, there is little more to tell," rejoined Ahmad, "except, that +she rides, walks, and feasts with him, and, the court gossip saith, +yields somewhat more besides. As for me, my business over, she excused +my presence speedily. I would have kept this from thee, but rumor would +surely have broken through my desire." + +Prasad rose and paced back and forth in ominous silence. Suddenly he +turned and spoke vehemently. + +"Ahmad, sick or well, I vow I will not be supplanted by this Dost Ali. +Immediately will I go to the palace. Toward the Rani I mean no harm, +but with her lover, I will find an excuse to bring this matter to an +end between us. Either Prasad Singh or Dost Ali shall fall into the +dust." + +Ahmad laid a restraining hand upon the Hindu noble's shoulder. + +"Prasad," he enjoined, "thou canst not do this." + +"Why should I not"? the other asked tersely. + +"Because there must be no strife within the Rani's palace. It would be +an act against her pleasure, her authority. Deeply do I sympathize with +thee, O Prasad, but I cannot countenance thy project." + +Prasad returned his host's gaze with astonishment. + +"Then, in heaven's name, what wouldst thou have me do"? he demanded. +"Lie here like some decrepit hunter while another goes off with the +quarry. Not I forsooth"! + +"Come, good friend, curb thy ambition, passion, and impetuosity for a +season. Await with patience the fitting opportunity for achieving all, +without resort to violent means, that would implacably offend the Rani. +Thou, must remember her palace is not a camp, a field of arms." + +"Oh"! exclaimed Prasad sarcastically. "These are indeed strange words +from Ahmad Khan. Is it so long ago that he and his followers swept into +her palace little heeding her authority. Truly that scene resembled an +assault." + +Ahmad winced at the retort but managed to preserve his equanimity. He +replied in a contrite tone. + +"It is even as thou sayest, but the hour was full of tumult. If my +action seemed wanting in respect for the Rani's dignity, surely I have +made the amends I swore upon the holy book." + +Prasad laughed cynically. + +"Loyal Ahmad," he cried. "I see not very well how thou canst prevent me +settling with this Dost Ali." + +"What I will prevent," the Mohammedan answered, as if conscious of a +virtuous motive, "is the hasty action of a friend leading him on to +certain ruin, aye, even if I surround the house with soldiers and hold +him as a prisoner. Prasad, the Rani in her present temper would never +forgive thee. Thou must, nay thou shalt have patience, for thine own +interest. Even if thou dost curse thy friend now, he knows thou wilt +presently call down blessings on his head." + +The two regarded each other fixedly. On Ahmad's face, entreaty that +gave place to determination. Prasad's countenance, a display of +conflicting emotions. + +"Come," resumed Ahmad soothingly. "Subdue thy resentment. I tell thee +thy trouble will pass over, and thou wilt find thyself high in favor +with the Rani. In the meantime enjoy thy enforced absence from her +court as becomes a noble of high spirit. Drink of the Foreigner's +spirits, and," he added in a lower tone, "if thou wilt, of the charms +of the fair Ganga. There are hundreds who would envy thy present +opportunity." + +"A curse upon all this mischief," Prasad returned impatiently. + +"Hath not the learned astrologer told thee all will come well"? asked +the Mohammedan reassuringly. + +"A curse upon him, too," added Prasad. "If he observed a little more +carefully events passing on the earth instead of keeping his gaze fixed +upon the heavens, he would be able to prophesy more surely. The fool! +Were I the Raja of Jhansi, I would soon find a means to make him lament +his fate, for having disclosed such a budget of nonsense." + +"Thou knowest that as a follower of the only true Prophet," replied +Ahmad. "I set little store upon his trade as an astrologer; but as a +physician, he hath a reputation whereby he is sought by the greatest +nobles and princes." + +"I care not for him or his reputation," returned Prasad sullenly. "To +me, it seems, as if all men, aye and all women, are leagued against +me." + +"That is because thou art sick. Wait a day or two and thou wilt see +things more reasonably. Because for the moment the flower thou longest +to possess lies a little beyond thy reach, content thyself with others +that are near to hand. Now I go to the cantonments to inspect the +troops. When I return we will together discuss a means of getting rid +of this Dost Ali without offending against the susceptibilities of the +Rani; for in that, upon the oath that I have made, I can take no part." + +With a further profession of his unalterable friendship, Ahmad departed +to his military duties. + +He had gone but an hour or so, a period consumed by Prasad in bitter +reflections and vows of revenge upon his supposed rival, when the +bullock cart of the astrologer again rumbled and creaked its slow +progress to the Mohammedan's door. + +Prasad received him in illhumored silence. + +The astrologer-physician nevertheless methodically proceeded to unpack +his bag, and to an examination of his patient. + +As before, he gravely felt Prasad's pulse, observed his tongue, and +then expressed himself as being highly satisfied with the sick man's +improved condition. + +"I had purposed advising thee to take a bath of oil," said he, "but I +find it will be unnecessary." + +"Truly thou art a wise physician," remarked Prasad sarcastically. "Tell +me now, I beg, how the heavens look this evening for the attainment of +my wishes"? + +The astrologer scrutinized his calendar for a space, then replied in a +satisfied tone. + +"All goes well, noble sir. The moment of triumph over thine enemy draws +nigh. She whom thou lovest will fly to thy arms speedily." + +"Now of all the nonsense uttered by man, thou art talking the +uttermost," replied Prasad in angry accents. "Dost know, learned +Astrologer, that only this morning, after all that gibberish of thine +yesterday, I heard the worst news possible"? + +The astrologer instead of displaying offense at such a disparaging +summary of his ability, appeared to expect the news. + +"Noble sir," he argued in response. "That is as I anticipated. It often +happens that a clearing sky is preceded by a thunderstorm. If thou wilt +but hold thy patience for two days, then the moment for a determined +action will have come." + +"How do you mean"? asked Prasad doubtfully. + +"Noble Lord," continued the astrologer in a confidential manner. "First +I must have thy assurance that thou wilt not disclose a word of what I +am about to unfold to thy illustrious host, Ahmad Khan. + +"In truth he is thy friend, but in the enterprise which it will be well +for thee to undertake, he will render thee no assistance, on account of +a certain oath he has taken." + +Prasad appeared to resume an interest in the astrologer's words. + +"Proceed quickly," he urged. "Thou hast my promise." + +"Then great sir," continued the astrologer. "Be pleased to know, that +the fair one with whom thou art enamored, lies under the influence of +one from whom she would gladly be delivered. If thou wert to repair to +her side accompanied by a few trustworthy followers, at a favorable +hour, she would hail thy appearance with joy, and thou couldst subdue +thine enemy with ease." + +"Come, learned Astrologer," interposed Prasad, his humor brightening +perceptibly. "Now I realize thou art a man of action, and consequently +a man of sense. Speak more plainly how thou wouldst advise. Be assured +thou wilt be rewarded relatively with my success." + +"Little further is there to say, noble Singh," returned the astrologer +"except that the signs in the heavens declare midnight two days from +hence to be the auspicious moment." + +Prasad thought deeply for some minutes. At last he again spoke: + +"Secluded here as I am, sage Doctor, it would be difficult for me to +arrange the plan of action. I would that you suggest one for me." + +The astrologer glanced round suspiciously as if to note that they were +not overheard. + +"That is an easy matter, noble Lord," he replied. "If thou wilt keep +in mind my injunction not to breathe a word of it to Ahmad Khan, and +repair to the tomb of Firoz Khan, nigh the temple of Siva, overlooking +the lake at one hour before midnight, I will arrange to have two or +three good fellows to meet thee there. A greater number would arouse +suspicion at the gate, but for thy purpose they will be sufficient. The +palace will be asleep, and thine enemy taken off his guard." + +"Thou seemest to know well the secrets of this affair, learned +Astrologer," remarked Prasad. + +"Such is my profession, noble sir," replied Mohurran Goshi, with a note +of pride in his voice. + +Prasad again buried himself in thought before he spoke. + +"Yes, learned Doctor," he rejoined finally. "If thou art sure thou +canst aid me in the way suggested, I have more than made up my mind to +follow thy counsel." + +A momentary flicker of satisfaction crossed the astrologer's crafty +face. + +"As certain, noble sir," he replied emphatically, "as that the sand in +the hour glass of thine enemy's fortune hath all but emptied itself +into the lower vessel." + +"Then I will be there," decided Prasad, "at the appointed place and +hour." + +"Good, noble Lord," exclaimed the astrologer. "Be assured I, too, will +keep my part of the agreement. Hast thou taken the medicinal pills +regularly"? he asked with professional concern. + +"To the devil with all pills and ointments," retorted Prasad. "My +stomach yearns for other diet." + +"Nevertheless, sir," enjoined the astrologer in his character of +physician. "They possess among other virtues that of stimulating the +heart with courage." + +"I want no such stimulants," retorted Prasad. "An enchanting form ever +present in my mind is stimulant enough for any act requiring courage. +If they would only assist me in controlling my impatience for the hour +to come, then I might regard them as of some benefit." + +"That they will also do, noble sir," asserted the astrologer. "Their +extraordinary value lies in the fact that they are beneficial for any +bodily or mental ailment." + +"Then they must be as remarkable in virtue as they are in price," +returned Prasad tersely. + +He took a jewel from his turban and handed it to the astrologer. + +"This," said he, "is but a small portion of the reward I will bestow +upon thee, if thy plan turns out as well as it promises." + +The astrologer expressed his gratitude in effusive terms. + +"But be careful that not even the walls shall hear of it"? he enjoined. + +"Fear not," replied Prasad. "At an hour before midnight I will be at +the tomb of Firoz Khan on the day after to-morrow. See to it that the +men are awaiting me." + +"Without fail, noble sir," reasserted the astrologer. + +He solemnly called down a thousand benedictions upon Prasad's head, +_salaamed_, and with an air of profound mystery, retired to seek his +bullock cart. + +"Now," ejaculated Prasad triumphantly. "We will see how this Dost +Ali can be brought to an accounting in spite of Ahmad's qualms of +conscience." + +He called for a goblet of the Foreigners' wine, and drank with evident +appreciation of its quality. + + + + +Chapter XIII + +_WHAT BIPIN OVERHEARD_ + + +Bipin Dat was returning from his morning prayers at the temple of +Vishnu absorbed in thought. His brow was puckered, his eyes directed +toward the ground, as he made his way slowly through the press in the +bazaar. In his mind serious doubt had arisen regarding the power of the +good tempered God of the great middle caste to avert the calamity which +the astrologer persistently reasserted was suspended over his head. +Manifestly, it was useless, he reasoned, to continue his offerings +at the shrine of a deity, who either could or would not protect him, +when the face of some other of the innumerable personages of the +Hindu pantheon was turned with vindictive anger upon his career. The +difficulty was to discover the God to be propitiated, as by an unlucky +chance he might overlook the very one causing him so much unhappiness. +Truly it was a perplexing situation for the worthy secretary. He almost +wished he were a Mohammedan with only one God from which to choose. + +With unbounded pride ever directing his vision to impossible heights, +he had come to believe that eventually he might forsake the God of his +birth and assume the right to pay tribute to Siva the mystical God of +the Brahmans; but clearly this was not the hour for the worship of a +deity enveloped in an abstract philosophy. A man with his ears and +nose, if not his life, in momentary danger is inclined to resort to a +more tangible incarnation of divine power, and possibly wrath. With +terror enthroned in his soul, what more human than that he should turn +to Siva in that deity's non-Aryan form, as the awe inspiring God of the +mass of the people, or his wife the bloody fury, the serpent crowned +Kali. On the morrow he determined to prostrate himself covertly in +the temple of the third person of the great Hindu Triad, and see if a +better result might not be obtained. He heartily wished he was within +reasonable distance of a shrine of holy Mother Ganges, for assuredly +immersion in the waters of the sacred river, could not fail to appease +all the Gods, by this one supreme act of devotion. + +So deeply absorbed was Bipin in this all important problem, that he had +failed to more than casually notice the actions of a small boy with +well fattened limbs, displayed to somewhat unnecessary advantage by a +string tied round his waist with a charm attached as his sole approach +to clothing. + +At every few steps taken by the secretary, the small boy ran forward +and interposing his chubby form, salaamed respectfully. + +Several times Bipin had stepped to one side under the impression that +the boy's intention was merely to show respect for one of such exalted +station, but at last becoming conscious of the youngster's persistency, +Bipin halted and frowned down upon him threateningly. + +"How now, boy"? he asked sternly. "What do you mean by continually +getting in my way"? + +"Great Secretary Sahib," replied the boy. "I am the son of Mohurran +Goshi." + +"_Wah_"! exclaimed Bipin. "So you are the son of Mohurran Goshi. Well! +what does the son of Mohurran Goshi mean by repeatedly making of +himself a stumbling block for my feet"? + +"Lord Protector of the Poor," replied the boy deferentially. "My father +bade me seek thee urgently with the message that thou art to repair to +his house, without fail, two hours after sunset." + +"Thy father bade thee tell me that I am to come to his house two hours +after sunset," repeated Bipin reflectively. "Did he say for what +purpose, dutiful son of Mohurran Goshi"? + +"Not he, great sir," replied the boy, _salaaming_. + +Bipin thought for a moment. It was possible that the astrologer had +discovered a charm that would forever confound the machinations of the +accursed Hindu noble. + +"What answer shall I take from the great Secretary Raja"? asked the boy +with a twinkle of innate cunning. + +Bipin gazed approvingly on the lad who flattered his vanity by the use +of such high sounding titles. + +"Thou art a well favored youth," he remarked, "and properly trained in +the respect due to people of importance. Go, tell thy learned father, +that I will be at his door at the hour appointed." + +As Bipin took a step forward the boy again interposed his person with +outstretched hand. + +"A present, Secretary Raja," he cried. "A present." + +"Ah, a present," returned the secretary. "What now do you want with a +present"? + +"To buy sweetmeats, noble Lord," the boy answered. + +Bipin discovered a small coin in his waistband, and gave it to the +astrologer's son. + +The boy _salaamed_ his thanks, and danced off to a nearby stall, making +a sly grimace at the vanishing back of the Rani's worthy secretary. + +A little before the time set by the astrologer, Bipin urged a matter of +importance as an excuse for his absence from the palace, and directed +his steps toward Mohurran Goshi's humble abode. + +He found the astrologer in a state of suppressed excitement. + +"There is not a moment to lose, worthy Secretary," said he. "Shortly +thou wilt be in possession of information that will enable thee to +frustrate thine enemy for all time. With it, thou canst repair to the +Rani and ask any reward at her hands. But be careful not to disclose +the source of thy information, or thou wilt surely fail in thy object. +Come, follow quickly, and hold thy peace at whatever thou mayest see or +hear, or our lives would go out as a torch flung into a pond." + +Mohurran Goshi rapidly led the Rani's secretary by dark, narrow alleys, +to one of the gates of the city, and thence out a short distance +along a by-path to a small hut secluded amid a clump of trees. The +absence of a light and the usual yelping of mongrel dogs, suggested +the inference that the place was, at least, temporarily uninhabited. +Mohurran Goshi again enjoined the strictest silence upon Bipin and bade +him remain in the shadow of an out-building, while he went forward +apparently to reconnoiter. Bipin watched his guide approach the door +cautiously and listen. In a few minutes the astrologer returned +stealthily, and beckoned Bipin to follow. He led Bipin round to the +rear of the house and halted beside an open window. From within two +voices could be heard in conversation, for the greater part in an +unintelligible undertone, but at intervals rising so that they could be +plainly overheard. + +"Dost make out who it is that is speaking"? the astrologer asked in a +whisper. + +"One voice rises familiarly on my ears," returned the secretary. + +"Hush"! enjoined the astrologer. "It is that of thine enemy, Prasad +Singh. Wait patiently and listen." + +Bipin shivered. A groan of terror was only suppressed by the greater +fear of being discovered. + +Presently the voice unknown to Bipin asked a question, distinctly heard +without. + +"Dost think, my Lord, that sixty men will suffice for the affair"? + +"They will be enough," returned that of the other speaker, which Bipin +believed to come from the mouth of Prasad. "We will carry the palace +by assault, and make away with everyone who intercepts our progress, +until we reach the person of the Rani." + +"To-morrow night thou hast determined on the attempt"? + +"To-morrow night. Be careful to come to the place of meeting at the +tomb of Firoz Khan near the lake, one hour before midnight." + +"As thou commandest. Hast thou a particular desire to make a prisoner +of anyone"? + +"Aye truly have I," came the quick rejoinder. "Thou wilt secure but +deal gently with that arch rascal, Bipin Dat." + +Without, the astrologer clapped a hand over the secretary's mouth to +prevent a wail of despair going forth upon the night. + +"Set thy knees and teeth, worthy Secretary," whispered the astrologer, +"or they will shake the heavens down upon our heads." + +"Be very careful of him," continued the voice within, "as I have +somewhat to say regarding his impertinence and presumption before +cutting his nose and ears off, and flinging his liver to the dogs. Of +all those about the Rani, him I detest the most." + +Bipin sank an invertebrate bundle of humanity to the ground. He +entwined his arms about the astrologer's legs in a mute appeal for +protection. His throat was incapable of uttering a sound. + +The astrologer stooped down and shook Bipin by the shoulder. + +"Go," he urged in an imperative whisper, "if thou wouldst save thy +life and that of others. Come, get upon thy feet. Fly to the Rani's +presence, and disclose to her this accursed plot. Remember that the +meeting place is the tomb of Firoz Khan at one hour before midnight, +to-morrow. I would come with thee but my bones are old, and must remain +to screen thy flight." + +Bipin crawled on his hands and knees to a little distance, and then +rising, ran as fast as his corpulency would permit, back in the +direction of the city. + +Of that journey he retained afterwards little recollection. More than +once he fell over some obstacle in his path, to rise with bruised +limbs and resume his terror-hounded course. He lost his slippers in a +ditch, and his turban in a thicket, into which he had strayed in the +darkness. Whether he entered the city by a gate or scaled the walls he +knew not, but panting, scratched, and with disordered garments, the +worthy secretary did at last reach the palace, and struggle in by the +astonished servants. + +At the hour of Bipin's return, the Rani was entertaining her court with +a _natch_ in one of the gardens. Among others, Ahmad Khan had availed +himself of an invitation to be present, leaving his guest, Prasad, in +a better humor than he had displayed for some days past. As a sign of +reviving spirit, he had even promised the Mohammedan to take part in +a boar hunt on the following morning. He had scarcely mentioned the +Rani's name since the astrologer's visit of the day before, except +to remark that he believed Mohurran Goshi's pills and charms were +assisting him to control his passion. + +By the light of torches the girls had delighted their audience with +several exhibitions of their art. In an interval refreshments of +sweetmeats and sherbet were being served, when the strange figure made +by Bipin Dat broke through the half circle formed by the girls and +musicians. Out of breath, with his dress in the utmost disorder, he +waddled to the Rani's position, and with a groan sank down at her feet. + +"Why, what is the meaning of this"? asked the Rani in accents of +surprise. "Truly, O Bipin, thou must have been chased by the terrible +white fox of which thou livest in such dread." + +"O great Lady," moaned Bipin, casting his hands upward despairingly. +"Alas! we are all, every one of us, now dead." + +"Dead"! exclaimed the Rani. "Not quite dead yet, I think, good +Secretary." + +"_Ah, hae, hae_"! Bipin continued to moan piteously. "Dead, all dead," +he groaned; "or before another moon has set, most assuredly we all will +be." + +"Now what dost thou mean by this nonsense"? demanded the Rani +impatiently. "Speak, what has reduced thee to such a condition of +distress. Thou art interrupting the pleasure of my guests." + +A groan as if drawn from the pit of his stomach came forth from Bipin's +lips. + +"O Rani," he spoke hoarsely. "The accursed Prasad Singh, may God send +his soul into the body of a scorpion for ten thousand years, he--he----" + +At the mention of the Hindu noble's name, the Rani started and gazed +inquiringly upon Bipin, who hesitated, as if he knew not how to +commence his horrifying disclosure. + +"Well," urged the Rani. "Well, what of the noble Prasad Singh. What +knowest thou of him"? + +"Oh! great Rani. He--the accursed Prasad Singh plotteth----" + +"Stay," interposed the Rani quickly. "Stay Bipin, I will hear what thou +hast to impart privately." + +"Ahmad Khan," she said, turning to the Mohammedan. "As Prasad is thy +guest, thou wilt come with us apart. Let the _natch_ continue," she +added to an attendant. "We will return presently." + +She led the way to a corridor at one end of the garden and then +addressed Bipin. + +"Speak now what thou knowest of the noble Prasad Singh, and be certain +that it is no idle tale, no unfounded gossip, or rest assured thou wilt +suffer real pain without any doubt." + +"Great Rani," returned Bipin plaintively. "Let my mouth be filled with +dust, and my face shaved only on one side as an object of ridicule for +all liars, if I do not speak the truth. From a wise man, for sometime +have I been warned that Prasad Singh had evil designs upon my nose and +ears. That----" + +The Rani interposed with angry impatience. + +"Thy nose and ears, fool! What would the noble Prasad Singh care for +anything that pertaineth to thy life or person. Did I not warn thee not +to trespass upon my good nature with such nonsense"? + +Bipin assumed an expression of wounded dignity, but replied with +submission. + +"Noble Rani, that is as may be; but the same wise man to make plain to +me Prasad Singh's accursed designs led me this evening to a meeting +place, where, in seclusion, I heard Prasad discuss a plot to assault +the palace to-morrow night. With six hundred, nay I believe it was +six thousand followers, he will put everyone to the sword, seize your +Highness's throne for himself, and, O great Lady, consign you for +evermore to a fortress guarded by terrible monsters. And as for me, O +noble one, alas"! Bipin whined in terror. "In revenge for my fidelity +to thee, my nose and ears are to be cut off and nailed to the palace +gate, and my body," he groaned deeply, "O holy Kali, chopped in pieces +and cast to swine. Alas! what a miserable fate lieth in store for all +of us." + +The Rani was about to reply when Ahmad interposed angrily. + +"What is all this thou sayest of the noble Prasad Singh? Dost know that +thou art accusing a high and loyal prince of the vilest treachery. +By the Prophet's beard! were it not that I regard thee as but a half +witted fool, for such lies upon a friend, I would cut thee on the spot +into the pieces of which thou speakest." + +He made an impulsive motion with his hand toward the hilt of his sword, +but the Rani restrained him. + +"Stay Ahmad," she enjoined. "Perchance somewhere in all this mass of +exaggeration there may lie a speck of truth. You must admit Prasad's +actions of late might warrant a measure of suspicion." + +"Noble Rani," replied Ahmad in a tone of excuse. "That Prasad Singh +may have been guilty of youthful folly, that he has not paid due +respect to your exalted office and person, I will not deny; but that +he should harbor a single thought, far less attempt an act against +your authority, I will swear it to be a lie upon the sacred book. Nay, +more, I will defend his honor in such a matter, with my sword, against +whoever may make the vile assertion." + +"Ahmad," returned the Rani thoughtfully. "It is to thy credit that +thou dost behold Prasad only with the eye of a friend; but I possess +my own reason for searching further into this matter. Now Bipin," +she continued addressing the secretary impressively, "state plainly, +and without resort to a riot of thy nervous fancy, what thou hast +actually seen and heard. As thou tellest the truth thou wilt meet with +recompense, but if thou liest, I swear I will carry out the doom thou +believest is in store for thee." + +With numerous checks upon his tendency to wander from the main thread +of his story, Bipin disclosed by degrees a full account of what he +had overheard at the window of the hut outside the city. In spite of +a strict cross examination on the part of the Rani and Ahmad Khan, +he held steadfastly to two points, that it was Prasad's voice he had +undoubtedly heard in the treasonable discussion, and that in his +terrified condition he had entirely forgotten the name of the wise man +who had conducted him to the spot. + +Bipin's interrogation was brought finally to a conclusion. The Rani +dismissed him with the assurance that he had acted wisely in her +interest, and might fear no evil from any direction. + +"Well, my Lord," she asked of Ahmad. "What do you now think of this"? + +"Truly, noble Lady," he replied, "my understanding is still unable +to give credence to such a report. I cannot believe it of my friend +Prasad, staying as he is under the shelter of my roof. By not a sign +or word has he intimated any such design to me. I thought him far too +much consumed with the fair Ganga's charms to care for any project upon +earth. Alas! one knows not what to think. So noble a fellow to fall +into such evil paths." + +The Rani bit her lip and clenched her hands tightly to restrain the +burst of jealous passion called to the surface of her nature by the +Mohammedan's insidious thrust. + +"Noble Rani," petitioned Ahmad, "I beg thou wilt permit me to return +immediately to my house. There, I will cautiously sound the noble +Prasad on this matter, and if I find a grain of truth in the report, so +display to him the ingratitude, the wickedness of such thoughts, that +surely will he express his sorrow and hasten to thy presence abjectly +craving pardon." + +"Ah"! cried the Rani with bitter resentment in her voice. "If it be +true, think not that I will accept his repentance or grant a pardon. +Nay Ahmad, thou art not to breathe a word of this to any mortal being, +or thou shalt fall under my unchangeable displeasure. For the moment +it is my intention to be present at this meeting in the tomb of Firoz +Khan, and if he be found plotting this damnable deceit, may the Gods of +India help him, for the Rani will show no mercy." + +The darkness concealed a smile of supreme triumph on the Mohammedan's +face. + +"As thou commandest, noble one," he replied in a voice of regretful +emotion. "I pray to _Allah_ that it may be proved this fool's wits +have gone far wandering than that my friend doth contemplate such +inconceivable treachery. How doth the noble Rani purpose to act +further"? he asked. + +"That, Ahmad, I am considering," she replied. + +She continued in a part soliloquy: + +"If Prasad is bent upon this mischief, there is no doubt he will gather +to his side a following. Divide Bipin's last total in half, and there +would yet remain thirty unhanged rascals. Why should not I number +myself as one of them"? + +"But consider the danger, noble Lady," protested Ahmad. He was +astonished at the daring of the Rani's project. + +"What care I for danger"? she returned in an off-hand manner. "Surely +you, above all men, will not deny that in the peril of a desperate +situation, there lies more charm than can be gained from watching +yonder seductive _natch_." + +"Aye for a man of arms, fair Lady. But thou art a woman." + +"And a Maratha born," she answered significantly. "Forget not that, O +Ahmad. Not even yet dost thou know the Rani of Jhansi. By God's favor +I will some day, perhaps, fight sword in hand on horseback with the +bravest of you." + +The dauntless spirit of her nature appealed to a counterpart in the +Mohammedan's character in a way that no other human quality could have +done. Though he realized it not, it was this force of her being that +held him bound to her service, in a sense, a comrade, as much as he was +a lover. + +He murmured a genuine tribute of his admiration. + +"Truly, I will not say thee nay, brave Rani. But how then wouldst thou +proceed. Surely thou wilt not go alone into this affair"? + +"No," she resumed. "I do not intend Prasad to gain quite so much +advantage. One against thirty would be too unequal odds to combat. +With me, Rati, shall number another of these villains, and within the +summons of my voice, thou wilt hold my Valaiti bodyguard in some +convenient place of hiding. Such can be done, can it not, good Ahmad"? + +"I know just such a place close to the tomb," he replied. + +"Then it is well or ill," she replied, "whichever way we may regard it. +To-morrow I, too, will keep an unexpected tryst with Prasad at the tomb +of Firoz Khan, and if he be there, as it hath been reported, the Rani +will herself determine how to deal with him. Come! let us return now to +the _natch_. Let no one suspect that anything hath gone amiss." + +Ahmad paused with a gesture of appeal. + +"May I not, O just Rani, say but one word for him who is my friend"? + +"Nay, not one," she answered. "If he be found innocent he hath +committed no offense against the Rani; if guilty, he hath well merited +his punishment. Come"! she urged impatiently. + +With dejected mien, Ahmad obediently followed. + +When the natch was over, he strode hurriedly from the palace. He made +his way quickly to Mohurran Goshi's home, and called the astrologer +from his slumbers. + +"But a word with thee, learned Doctor," he whispered at the door. "Our +star could not shine brighter. All goes well; but the Rani and one of +her women are to make two of Prasad's following. Dost understand"? + +The astrologer intimated that he would look to the addition of two to +the original number, provided for the Hindu noble's purpose. + +"Then good fortune to us all," concluded Ahmad. "The shadow of the +accursed Prasad vanishes as beneath the sun at noonday." + + + + +Chapter XIV + +_AT THE TOMB OF FIROZ KHAN_ + + +The city of the Rani slept. The bazaars and side streets were deserted. +But for an occasional light gleaming fitfully through a half opened +casement, and the dark forms of sentinels pacing back and forth in +noiseless tread upon the walls, Jhansi might have been a city of the +dead. In countless, glittering myriads, the heavenly bodies strode +majestically in their eternal courses above the silent night. By the +mercy of the supreme Parem-eswara, the labor of the day completed +with the departing sun, the people had lain down to rest; their joys, +sorrows, hopes, for a space, gathered into oblivion. Thus Jhansi slept. + +Three figures habited in male attire approached the eastern gate, and +gave a password. The gate was slowly opened, and the three went forth. +Behind them, the massive portals swung back into place upon grating +hinges. + +Direct from the lofty, frowning bastion, a road led toward the summer +palace on the borders of the lake. Here and there clumps of tamarind +and acacia rose indistinctly on either side of the way. Rapidly, yet +with caution to avoid intercepting the nocturnal adventure of some +poisonous reptile, the three directed their steps along the road. +Their feet impressed the thick coating of dust noiselessly. Not a word +was exchanged, and no sound broke upon their ears save the occasional +yelping of a startled cur or the dismal cry of a jackal summoning a +companion to a scent of prey. Once, only, a solitary figure met them at +a little distance from the city. If bent upon evil, he concealed his +purpose by a greeting of peace. + +"The blessing of God be with you," he cried. + +"And with you, O Stranger, peace," the foremost of the three answered +in a woman's voice, despite the conflicting evidence of her dress. + +Presently they came to a parting of the road. A narrow path led amid a +growth of trees to the brink of the lake. Massively the white square +walls of the tomb of Firoz Khan, with its central dome became visible +through the branches. The party halted. + +"What now, my Lord"? the owner of the voice that had returned the +wayfarer's salutation asked. + +"Noble Rani," that of Ahmad Khan replied, "yonder is our destination. +Behind the wall thou canst just discern to the right, lie, well +concealed, a hundred of thy Valaiti bodyguard; but I know not if the +conspirators are assembled." + +At the moment a white cloth was waved thrice above the wall. Ahmad +evidently took it for a signal. He spoke in a low tone. + +"Whoever the villains may be, they are now gathered together. Here I +will leave thee to pass in hiding to the guard, while if thou art still +determined upon the enterprise, thou hadst better advance boldly to +the entrance. For the rest, I make no doubt thine own judgment and +discretion, will serve thee better than any advice of mine." + +"Well said, my faithful Ahmad," the Rani answered. "Thou art certain to +hear my call if need be from yonder hiding place"? + +"Were it softer than the note of the bulbul, fair Lady, be assured, it +would reach me even at the gate of Paradise." + +Thus while Ahmad stealthily disappeared among the trees, the Rani +motioned her waiting woman to follow, and proceeded fearlessly toward +the entrance of the tomb. + +That those within had taken measures to prevent a surprise was +demonstrated by a challenge the moment that the Rani emerged into the +open space about the building. + +"Stand! who comes"? a voice demanded. + +The Rani replied promptly in firm accents. "Two followers of the noble +Prasad Singh." + +A short period of consultation among the conspirators apparently +ensued. Without, the Rani awaited the answer with deep emotion. Would +the report prove true or false, that he whom she loved was a traitor as +well as a libertine? + +Presently the response came. + +"It is well, advance." + +"Alas! it is ill," her heart murmured. "Ah God! the ingratitude, the +cruelty of it." + +She advanced to the open door and entered the main chamber of the tomb. +A shaded lamp dimly illuminated the interior. Her glance swept quickly +from the five or six armed men gathered in a group, to a stalwart form +she intuitively recognized as that of Prasad Singh, in spite of the +disguise he had assumed. He was pacing to and fro a little apart from +his companions, as if impatient of some detail of his plan yet to be +completed. + +He turned quickly on her entrance and spoke in a voice of stern rebuke. + +"Thou art late," he exclaimed. "Thou hast kept us waiting long after +the appointed hour." + +"Pardon, my Lord," replied the Rani, halting in the dark shadow of a +pillar. "Our steps were misdirected." + +"A curse upon the muddled brain of that astrologer," he muttered. "Now +hearken, while I tell thee briefly, what I have impressed upon thy +comrades at some length. We go now to the city as belated travelers, +with an admission at the gate that hath already been assured. Thou +wilt then follow my steps quickly and silently to the Rani's palace. +As the others have their allotted duty, thou wilt seek the garden gate +and hold it securely so that no one passes in or forth. If force be +threatened thou wilt in like manner threaten force, aye, and use it if +so need be. Thou hast arms"? he asked. + +"Aye, noble captain," she replied. "Arms have we. But if the Rani doth +herself come forth. What then, great sir"? she questioned in return. + +"Thou wilt detain her above all others, though careful to do her no +personal harm," he enjoined emphatically. + +"But should she command us to let her pass, my Lord"? she pressed +still further, in a quiet, assumed voice. + +"Thou wilt obey the command of him who payeth thee for thy service, +thou idle questioner," he returned. "Thy order is to hold her securely +until my pleasure concerning her hath been learned." + +There followed a momentary pause, then her voice rose solemnly to the +vaulted roof. + +"My Lord Raja, Prasad Singh, thou hast no need to go to Jhansi for the +Rani. Behold she is now before thee." + +She moved from the shadow and stood confronting him, an expression of +offended dignity visible upon her face. + +He uttered an exclamation of surprise mingled with dismay. Impulsively +he strode forward. + +"Stand where thou art," she commanded. "Move not a pace, a man of you, +for at the raising of my voice a hundred troopers, lying at hand, will +hasten to my side." + +With a muttered oath Prasad halted, while the Rani turned to the door +and summoned Ahmad. + +Almost upon the instant the Mohammedan noble and a score of the Rani's +bodyguard appeared before the entrance. + +"Alas, Ahmad," she said. "Our hope is dashed in pieces as a pitcher +hurled upon a rock. Bipin, poor fellow, hath earned my displeasure as +well as my gratitude for the truth that he has told. I would now, that +I could recompense him for being a liar concerning this night's work. +Take these duped fools into safe keeping, and then await my order. I +will speak with Prasad first." + +She motioned the shrinking forms inside the chamber to pass without, +and remained alone with Prasad. + +For several minutes there reigned an unbroken silence, as the Rani and +her guilty lover stood face to face. The moon had risen over the lake +and sent its pale light through a crevice in the dome of the ruined +tomb. It marked by deep shadows the recesses, and filled the chamber +with an atmosphere in sympathy with the chill that seized upon the +heart of the woman. + +She spoke at last in a measured tone. + +"How, now, my Lord Prasad Singh. A short while since you said the Rani +was to be held until she heard your pleasure. Behold, she now patiently +awaiteth it. What wilt thou do with her"? + +Prasad hesitated a moment, then cast himself at her feet. + +"Taunt me not, noble one," he petitioned. "I do not seek thy pardon; +but I do ask thee to hear me speak." + +"Aye, will I," came the response coldly. "Is it not to hear what thou +canst say for such surprising conduct that I am now waiting on thy +words." + +"As God sees my heart, my sole excuse is my all consuming love for +thee." + +"Thy love for me," she echoed. "Surely it is a most unusual way of +showing it, good Prasad. Thou gatherest here a company of rascals to +assault my palace, and order them to heed not my command, to hold me +a prisoner until I shall learn thy pleasure. Thy love for me. Oh"! she +cried with a note of scorn in her voice. "Thou must indeed cherish a +constant love for me." + +"Ah, fair one, be not so ungracious," he besought her. "Surely thou +hast tried me more than I was able to endure." + +"I tried thee," she repeated bitterly. "Aye, I did try thee, and thou +hast proved to be most woefully amiss. What art thou, a drinker of +spirits, a libertine, and Ah God! a traitor to thy Queen." + +Stung by her accusations he sprang passionately to his feet. + +"It is not true," he retorted hotly. "Upon all things sacred do I swear +to it." + +"Aye, thou art in a fitting situation for thy oath to carry weight," +she answered; "but, believe me I care not for thy escapades with +_natch_ girls, or thy drunken orgies. Of such I do not look for an +account. Thy reason for this company is what I seek." + +"Some accursed villain hath betrayed me," he muttered fiercely. "That +dog of an astrologer, or can it be my good Moslem friend, the noble +Ahmad Khan"? + +"Nay," she replied sorrowfully. "It is thine own false heart, O Prasad, +that hath betrayed thee. I know of no astrologer, and as for Ahmad +Khan, thou art only adding an injustice to thy other wickedness by +slandering the fidelity of a friend. Even when this villainy of thine +was made plain to me, he it was who stood firm as a champion of thy +miserable faith. I doubt not that now his heart is sore with grief." + +"Then fair Lady," he exclaimed. "Since the Gods have willed it, that +I shall appear in thine eyes as the vilest of creatures, life hath no +more object. Take it, O Rani. I yield it to thee as readily here, as I +would have done for thee amid the press of battle." + +He drew a dagger from his girdle and offered the handle to the Rani. He +bowed his head submissively. + +She gazed upon him with sorrowful eyes. She took the dagger from him +and for a moment grasped it tightly. Would she plunge it to his heart? +He waited resignedly. It would be an act of mercy was his only thought. + +Then she spoke in slow accents, first sternly, but toward the close +with a quaver in her voice. + +"As the Rani, I could, O Prasad, kill thee; but as Lachmi Bai +thou--thou art forgiven. Oh! why hast thou thus treated me"? + +The dagger flashed with a clatter to the pavement; her hand dropped +listlessly to her side. + +With a sudden burst of joy in his heart and arms outstretched, he +stepped forward, prompted by an impulse of the moment. + +She waved him back imperiously. + +"Nay, I command, do thou not touch me. If thou art forgiven by Lachmi +Bai, thou art not pardoned by the Jhansi Rani. Thy life she hath +returned to thee that thou mayest redeem thine honor by honorable +deeds, but thou canst not remain in Jhansi." + +He drew back with dejection stamped upon his face. + +She turned to the door and summoned Ahmad Khan. + +The Mohammedan responded with reluctant steps. He paused on beholding +Prasad, sighed deeply, and directed his eyes toward the ground. + +"Ahmad," she commanded. "It is my wish that thou dost now conduct the +noble Prasad Singh safely to the boundary of the state. He doth leave +me with a message to the Rao Sahib." + +She added this from the desire to screen the Hindu noble's public +downfall. + +"Noble Lady," petitioned Ahmad, ignoring her intention. "Thou placest +on my shoulders too heavy a burden. Prasad Singh hath grown to be my +friend. I cannot regard or hold one as a prisoner who hath so recently +been my honored guest. I beg thou wilt depute this unhappy duty to +another, such as thy faithful servant, the Dost Ali Khan, now without." + +"By Heaven"! cried Prasad angrily, a wave of jealousy sweeping all +other feeling to the winds. "To such indignity I will not submit." + +He stooped and seizing the dagger that had remained upon the floor, +stood at bay defiantly. + +For a moment surprise was depicted on the Rani's face, then she sought +his reason. + +"Why dost thou so object to the escort of Dost Ali"? she asked +innocently. + +"Thou askest me why I should object to this Dost Ali"? he retorted. +"No," he laughed mockingly. "In pleasant company forsooth with thy----" + +Something in the Rani's expression appealed direct to his sense of +honor, checking him in the utterance of the final word. Fortunately it +died upon his lips unspoken. + +As if she had penetrated his meaning the Rani started, her countenance +menacing with sudden passion. She clutched Ahmad so tightly by the +wrist that he was forced to set his teeth to withhold an oath of pain. + +The situation was also critical for him. If the Rani were to accept the +implied challenge of her virtue, the result might be a disclosure of +his deep intrigue. + +The danger, for Ahmad, passed as she replied with an effort of +controlled emotion. + +"Truly thou art mad, O Prasad. Thy folly and passion doth almost +accomplish its inevitable end. Fortunate is it, those who wish thee +well have pity for thee. To reason with thee would only be an act, +equally insane." + +She walked toward him fearlessly and laid her hand upon the dagger hilt. + +"Come," she enjoined. "Thou hast surrendered. Thou shalt obey my will +within my state, even if it be my pleasure that Dost Ali doth accompany +thee to the boundary." + +"A curse upon thy pleasure," retorted Prasad sullenly, relinquishing +the dagger to her hand. "The sooner that my feet are free from this +unlucky soil, perchance the more quickly will I gain some peace of +mind. I care not how I leave it, so I ride forth speedily." + +"Ah! in truth, good Prasad, how well dost thou display thy penitence," +she answered reproachfully. "This dagger will I hold as a pledge for +thy better nature yet to claim. Farewell, my Lord. I pray a kindlier +fortune may attend our next meeting." + +She moved toward the door, and pausing, turned upon him a look of deep +regret. + +Prasad's countenance betrayed no change of feeling. + +The Rani passed out into the moonlight, where her troopers had grouped +themselves about the tomb. Ahmad followed. He begged to know her wish +concerning the other prisoners. + +"Carry them also to the boundary," she ordered, "and let them go to +whatever place God wills. I pray I may never set eyes on one of them +again." + +"Doth the Rani now wish to return to Jhansi"? he asked, "or will she +accept the poor hospitality of Ahmad Khan. His house is within a little +distance." + +"Not now, good Ahmad," she replied. "I would be for a short time alone. +Remain here with those unneeded for the escort, while I go yonder to +the shrine. Presently I will return." + +She acknowledged the salute of the officers as they gazed with wonder +on her masculine attire, and moved slowly amid the trees to the temple +of the great god of Hindustan. + +"Thanks be to Allah," Ahmad murmured devoutly. "This night is mine." + +Black was the heart of the Mohammedan. The night was his--a night of +hell riot loosened in his soul. Passion and murder struggled for the +first place in his intention. Blood was already on his hands. Like a +tiger his thirst for more was now unquenchable. + +Mohurran Goshi called to his door earlier in the evening had received +his unreckoned due. Ahmad's dagger had forever settled the account +between them. The wise discerner of other's good and evil fortune, had +failed to calculate his own swiftly approaching end. + +In like manner a secret order to Dost Ali was to terminate the +conspirators' existence. Ahmad quickly planned that in some dark +ravine, before the boundary was reached, the deed might be easily +accomplished. Prasad to be dispatched in revenge, the others as a safer +fetter than money upon their silence. He quickly selected the escort, +and then drew Dost Ali to one side. + +"It is the Rani's command, O discreet Ali," he said in an undertone, +"that these rascals are to be conducted to the boundary; but thou wilt +easily gather her implied meaning. She declared she doth hope never to +set eyes on any one of them again. Dost understand, she trusteth to thy +sword, that not one of them may by chance return." + +Dost Ali drew himself up and replied tersely. + +"I understand her command that they are to be set free at the +boundary." + +"By Allah"! exclaimed Ahmad petulantly. "Thy mind doth evidence little +penetration. Clearly she doth not wish them to be set free at the +boundary, but in some convenient spot dispatched from further harm." + +"If such be her meaning," replied the other firmly, "she must express +it thus to me in words. Too well do I know my duty to place an +interpretation of my own upon her plain command. As the order stands, I +will escort them to the boundary." + +An exclamation of impatience burst from Ahmad's lips. The moment was +opportune for a still more wicked design. It left him no time to argue +the matter further. + +"Then get thee gone upon thy business," he retorted angrily. "For all +my trouble I see thou art poorly witted to rise in favor at the Rani's +court. Thy stupidity will interpose between a great reward." + +"To obey an order strictly was ever the injunction of my illustrious +teacher, Dost Mohammed Khan," the young officer replied firmly. "Alone, +by so doing, do I seek reward." + +He saluted Ahmad haughtily, and turned to order the mounting of his +command. + +"A curse upon the fool," muttered Ahmad fiercely. "Who could have +reckoned on a conscience from the Afghan school? But that the hour +has come to gratify a yearning hunger, I would beat submission to his +brain." + +He bade the rest of the troopers await his return, and set forth in +the opposite direction taken by the Rani. When beyond the range of +observation from the tomb, he turned, and quickly but cautiously made +a _detour_ with the temple also, as his destination. + +In his mind he beheld the woman of his passionate desire, practically +alone and unprotected. To the priests and attendants he wasted not +a thought. They would fly in terror at the first cry of alarm. She, +for whom he had jeopardized his soul by swearing falsely on the Koran +would then remain to suffer willingly or otherwise the purpose of +his mind. That the ground was sacred, mattered not. Dedicated to a +heathen God, it would have been an act of his faith to slaughter +the priests and raze the building to the ground. More, was not she, +also, an unbeliever, given into his embrace by the will of God. When +accomplished, a swift horse in waiting, would, if need be, carry him +far distant from the vengeance of the outraged woman. Of that he had +not been unmindful. + +The Rani had approached the temple with sorrow consuming her heart. +Her affection for Prasad had gone forth spontaneously almost at their +first meeting. She had beheld in him what she believed to be her ideal +of a chivalrous noble. That he possessed failings due to youth and +inexperience she was ready to admit; but that he should prove such a +hopeless failure in all his qualities, was a bitter disappointment. A +drunkard, a consort of other women, while he asserted his unalterable +love for her, a conspirator against her authority if not her person, +surely her affection could not have been bestowed upon a more worthless +object. Her temperament was not such as to display her anguish by +lamenting Prasad's faithlessness and her own wrong into every willing +ear; but none the less was there the necessity to obtain relief by +an outpouring of her spirit. In secret, before the great God she +worshipped, she purposed to seek consolation for her wounded heart; +then to go forth and bear outwardly before her people no trace of her +inward grief. + +The temple was wrapt in silence. In the outer building white robed, +recumbent figures of priests and attendants lay here and there where +they had chosen a resting place. With hushed steps the Rani stole +past these, crossed a courtyard, and entered the chamber of the God. +Save for the glow from an incense burner, the interior was veiled in +darkness, to emphasize the unknown mysterious element of Siva's being. +Before her, the figure of the God loomed a darker object, seated upon +an altar pedestal, wrapt in profound, eternal meditation. The morrow +was a festival and flowers had already been bountifully scattered upon +the altar, and, in wreaths, hung about the person of the sacred image. +She stood for a moment before the shrine, then knelt in prayer. + +"O great Siva," she petitioned. "All wise, all powerful, all just God, +Protector of Animals, Vanquisher of Death; thou, whose vision and +understanding doth penetrate all things from the infinitude of Heaven +to the deepest secrets of the human soul, behold the unhappiness of +thy daughter. Striving to be just yet ever suffering injustice, to +appease jealousy but to behold new dissension rise on every hand, and +O Holy God, loving only to receive ingratitude and faithlessness in +return. Give me, I beg of thee, above all things, a spirit of resolute +courage to combat the vicissitudes of life, and to hold death powerless +of terror in whatever form it shall come. Aye, and O Great God, give +to me this divine quality so that I may inspire the faltering hearts +of others, if need be to valiant deeds for the honor of our faith and +country." + +She raised her face upward to the protecting hands of the God, and +remained thus in silent communion. + +Ahmad Khan, too, approached the temple, and passed by the sleeping +figures. With noiseless tread he crossed the court, and stood upon the +threshold of the shrine. Before him, the woman still knelt in wrapt +devotion. For a moment his eyes feasted on her captivating form. Ah +_Allah!_ his at last. + +With the prize seeming to his hand, the intoxication of the moment +stayed his grasp. His opportunity was lost. A cry near by, shrill and +prolonged, as of a beast relentlessly attacked by some more powerful +adversary, rose upon the night. It echoed within the temple. The Rani +started to her feet as Ahmad took a hasty stride forward. She seized a +torch at hand and thrust it into the incense burner. Then facing him, +she held it high above her head. + +Ahmad halted suddenly and trembled. + +The figure of the Rani, majestic and awe inspiring, posed before the +dark image of the God, thrilled his soul with a first sensation of +terror. She appeared to gaze full upon him, yet beheld him not. Her +stature seemed to rise visibly before his eyes. The light of the torch +flaring upward cast into strong relief the ornate decorations of the +shrine, the countenance of Siva no longer buried in thought; but, in +his non-Aryan aspect, wrathful and menacing. Her lips moved, but no +sound came forth. She appeared to be enveloped in an ecstatic dream. + +Before his fixed gaze, strange beings floated in the air. Ancient Vedic +Gods, the bright and shining ones. Indra the rain bringer, Agni the God +of fire, Vayu of the wind, Rudra the ruler of the tempest; their very +names long since buried in oblivion to the multitude. + +They gathered about the transfigured form of the Rani, as if to protect +her from a shadow of harm. + +Was the scene but the effect of a feverish imagination? In +contradiction to the tenets of his religion, superstitious of all that +was visionary and inexplicable, Ahmad was ready to believe the whole a +dread reality, a manifestation of divine blessing resting upon the head +of the girl. + +He would have cried aloud for mercy, but terror had bereft his tongue +of speech. He clasped his brow tightly. For a moment he reeled, then +fell to the pavement. + +The night was lost and won. + + + + +Chapter XV + +_IN THE COURSE OF EVENTS_ + + +Many days had passed beneath the Rani's feet. Almost hourly the loom +of peril rose threateningly upon her position. From every source, with +unrelenting persistence, the worst news came to shatter the hopes of +those who had espoused the Native cause in Jhansi. + +First the report of the recapture and looting of Delhi was confirmed; +to which was added the intelligence that the aged Emperor was a +prisoner in the enemy's hands, and that his sons had been slaughtered. +Then that Lucknow was relieved, and the army of the Peshwa put +to flight. Reports of other reverses succeeded one another with +disheartening rapidity. + +The hour of the Foreigners' vengeance had come. Terror was the +weapon they now wielded to crush the rebellion. It was not without +satisfactory result in the interest of their dominion in India. The +undisciplined mobs led by generals suspicious of each other's actions +melted away before the impetuous onslaughts of the white men. Many +Native leaders sought to make peace while the hour of grace lasted. +Those still wavering quickly made up their minds that they had ever +loved the Foreigner as a parent. + +But for those taken in open revolt it was soon made plain that there +was to be no mercy. They were blown from the mouths of cannon to +end their lives in this world, and, according to the belief of the +sentenced, to exterminate their existence in the next. The demand rose +that as a lasting memorial of the triumph of the Christian faith as +well as of the Christian sword over both Hindu and Mohammedan, temples +should be converted into churches, and that on every tile of the Great +Mosque at Delhi a martyr's name should be engraved. + +In another part of the world the names of Christian martyrs may be +seen cut into the walls of subterranean passages bearing witness to +a triumph of their faith brought about by other means. But it was +the Nineteenth and not the Third Century. It was Cawnpur and not the +Coliseum to be avenged. + +Reports of these things, also, came to the Rani's ears. + +"See," she cried, "how faithfully do these Foreigners observe the +commandments of their gentle Prophet. Were a Mohammedan conqueror +raging through the land, his injunction to plunder and spare none could +not be more swiftly obeyed." + +With the news of each fresh disaster, the number of dismayed faces +turned toward the Rani increased proportionately; but upon her +countenance there was no reflection of the weakening sentiment. Her +spirit rose as that of an eagle threatened with the destruction of its +young. She realized that time was bringing for her, a supreme test of +forethought and endurance, as well as of courage. + +As she had surprised all with the wisdom displayed in the conduct of +her civil government--a curious reproach to those who had regarded her +as incapable to occupy a throne--her military judgment was marked by +intuitive sagacity of the highest merit. + +On the ramparts of the rock fortress new guns were mounted commanding +the whole plain; the massive walls surrounding the city on its three +other sides were repaired; the mamelon, or mound, at the south-east +corner, together with several flanking bastions, armed, so that they +bristled with guns. With untiring perseverance she had collected and +trained to a state of efficiency a defending force of eleven thousand +men, every one of whom had sworn to defend her person and honor to the +last extremity. + +Thus her outward life displayed no sign of the unhealed wound in her +heart. Of Prasad, she had received no intelligence directly. Rumor had +upon occasion reported his presence with the standard of the Native +general, Tantia Topi, so far victorious and vanquished in turn. Ahmad +Khan still remained as the most obedient of her lieutenants. + +From the pavement of the temple he had risen to go forth with a new +feeling regarding her. The element of his passion still remained, but +the absence of his rival cast the stimulant of jealousy into abeyance, +and a belief that in some way her person was sacred, prevented any +present contemplation of a renewal of his suit to the point of overt +action. Once only had he ventured with humility to touch upon his +unrequited sentiment. She quickly divined the purpose of his mind, and +interposed before a declaration. + +"Greatly do I appreciate thy faithful service, O Ahmad," she said, +"and in the strife I fear is quickly approaching, there is no one of +whose aid I would less willingly be deprived; but of thy longing for my +deeper affection thou must not speak again. Long since have I given my +love to the welfare of my people, to naught else." + +A sigh lightly escaped her lips. For a moment her gaze passed from the +immediate scene. Perhaps it sought the figure of a young noble fighting +bravely on some far off battlefield. + +"Fair Lady," Ahmad petitioned. "Canst thou not give me but a grain of +hope"? + +"Hope, Ahmad," she replied evasively, "of one kind and another we may +each cherish. It is well, for we know not what lies before us on the +morrow. Alas! we are as butterflies dancing in the sunlight. A cloud +sweeps across the Heavens, and behold, we and our hopes have vanished." + +With the worthy secretary, Bipin Dat, unhappy even in the happiness +of the banishment of his fancied enemy, and relief from the terrors +held over him by his late counselor, Mohurran Goshi; he was not slow +to discover another astrologer, who was quite ready to lighten the +weight of a well filled purse, in exchange for prognostications of +extraordinary good fortune. But the secretary's horoscope was, it +seemed, ever temporarily clouded by ominous signs, that could be +dispelled for a consideration. As with others of the populace, a +real terror rose above the horizon in the threatened return of the +Foreigners. It served to recall to Bipin's mind the fact that a long +period had elapsed since he had visited his family, dwelling in a +province removed from the seat of war. It was a remarkable coincidence +that with the daily advent of evil tidings, this filial sentiment grew +stronger within him. By day it interfered with his digestion; at night +it disturbed his rest. A final decision was brought about through the +attempt of a creditor to recover an overdue account. Money that should +have repaid the services of his barber, had been diverted into the +rapacious purse of the new astrologer; and the barber was wrathful, +even vindictive, in consequence. He took the usual course to enforce +payment by an endeavor to shame the unworthy secretary in public. + +Bipin sat in the shade of a pillar endeavoring to propitiate the barber +with compliments, while a blunt razor was unmercifully scraped back +and forth over his head. The mirror he held, in which to admire his +features during the progress of his toilet, reflected a wry countenance. + +"A handsome boy, that is of yours, most skilful Barber," he remarked; +as the barber grasped his customer's nose in a tight pinch. + +"Ah, yes," returned the barber dryly. "As thou sayest, I would like him +to enter the Rani's service but that all her attendants will shortly be +killed. _Ah, hae!_ Alas! The Foreigners now advancing will not let one +of them escape." + +He swept the razor significantly across Bipin's throat. + +Bipin started. + +"What is that you say"? he asked. + +"Be careful, good sir," enjoined the barber, "or I might damage an ear +destined for the Foreigners to cut off, after the city has been carried +by assault." + +Bipin shivered both in body and spirit. He mentally cursed the fate +that seemed bent upon depriving him of his organs. + +"Thou art a chicken hearted rogue of a barber," he replied excitedly, +in an endeavor to overcome the shock to his courage. "Dost know that +her Highness numbers among her followers some of the bravest fighters +in the land, who will drive away the Foreigners as deer before tigers. +Though not born to the sword, if such danger comes, I, myself, will +bear arms and fight upon the walls." + +The barber laughed tauntingly. His object was to incite the secretary's +anger to the point of an open squabble, so that he could then proclaim +his wrong and obtain payment through the adverse criticism that would +fall on Bipin's head. + +"You fight, worthy Secretary," he sneered. "Why a jackal would laugh at +your valor. You would run at the first discharge of a gun, but that you +are too fat, too corpulent." + +Bipin struggled out of the barber's clutches, burning with passion, +half shaved, a delightful object of ridicule. + +"Too fat," he gasped, striking the barber with the palm of his hand. +"Too fat, thou lean ghost. If the accursed Foreigners catch thee, be +assured thy bones will rattle well from the bough of a tree." + +Instantly the hubbub the barber looked for rose. A dozen bystanders +interfered, barking dogs rushed from corners, a score of voices +clamored in the interest of they knew not what. Above it all, the wail +of the barber proclaimed the secretary's remissness in his payment. + +Bipin soon perceived the disadvantage of his situation. He was in the +wrong, that was made plain. Reluctantly he drew forth the required sum +and begged the offended barber take his money. + +The offended barber at first swore by his God not to touch the smallest +coin, but at last yielded to persuasion. He even accepted an additional +payment as a solace for the personal affront, declared Bipin was to +him as an uncle, and vowed that unless permitted to proceed with the +shaving, the joy of his life would go out. + +Thus peace was restored, the dogs slunk back to their corners, the +bystanders directed their attention to other matters, and Bipin again +gave his head to the hands of the now obsequious barber. But his mind +was ill at ease. + +"The razor shaves to your liking, I trust, great sir," remarked the +barber, as he removed the roots as well as the stems of a tuft of +Bipin's hair. + +Bipin groaned with the pain, but from oft repeated similar experiences, +continued to submit patiently. + +"At least no worse than usual," he muttered in response. "But tell me +what thou hast heard about the return of the Foreigners." + +"Oh, little of any consequence," replied the barber light-heartedly. +"They are on the road that will surely carry them off the face of the +earth. The Rani's troops will rout them utterly. Thou wouldst make a +fine soldier, worthy Secretary," he added in accents of admiration. "A +brave figure on a horse." + +"Perhaps so," returned Bipin dubiously. "What you say may be true, but +at present I am considering another matter of importance. When is it +reported in the bazaars that these Foreigners are likely to arrive"? + +"Noble Secretary, that is not certain. Indeed, it is the general +opinion they will never arrive except as prisoners." + +The expression on Bipin's face did not reflect the barber's sudden +optimism. In his mind he beheld the much more secure retreat afforded +by the abode of his family while the road was still open. At the +conclusion of his toilet he sought the Rani's presence. + +A secret council of war had just been held. A messenger that morning +had brought news of the rout of the Native army at Mandanpur only +eighty miles distant from Jhansi, leaving the whole intervening country +exposed, with the single exception of the fort of Chanderi. There +was no longer any doubt of the swift approach of the enemy, the only +question being whether to give battle at some advantageous point, or +defend the city until a relieving force could arrive under Tantia Topi. +The question still awaited a final decision. The Rani herself was in +favor of the former course, while her officers, with the exception +of Ahmad Khan, strenuously urged the latter as more prudent. Another +council was to meet later in the day upon the receipt of further +expected intelligence. + +Bipin _salaamed_ and proceeded to introduce his request for leave of +absence to visit his family, by a complimentary preface on the peaceful +condition of all things under the shadow of the Rani's authority. + +"Peace it may be for the moment, good Bipin," she interposed, in his +word ramble over the whole State of Jhansi. "But assuredly to-morrow +will find us all with arms in our hands." + +Bipin affected astonishment. As he had been excluded from the council +of war the news of the near approach of the Foreigners had not reached +his ears. Was it possible that some audacious raja contemplated a +revolt? he asked. Undoubtedly he would soon be brought to terms, and +the Rani continue to reign undisturbed for evermore. + +The Rani shook her head seriously. + +"Thou wilt hear of it all quickly enough," she replied. "But in the +meantime what is it thou desirest, for assuredly thou hast a petition"? + +Bipin then launched forth into the disturbed state of his conscience on +account of the long period which had elapsed since he had beheld his +dear parents, his honored uncles, his worthy brothers, and all the host +of his other relatives. + +"Alas! noble Lady," he reflected contritely. "What will they think +of their undutiful son. Most unfortunate would it be if they should +consider that in the exalted state in which it has pleased your +Highness to place me, I had forgotten their less fortunate condition. +To explain that only the burden of my office has kept me from them, +is the object of my seeking a few days absence from your Illustrious +Greatness's side." + +The Rani smiled in spite of the anxiety in her mind. + +"That is surely a most estimable desire, O Bipin," she replied. "But I +would suggest that instead of taking so toilsome a journey, thou dost +make thy regrets by letter, accompanied by a handsome present out of +thy savings. In that way, be assured, they will be well satisfied." + +Bipin's round face lengthened. The suggestion did not at all coincide +with his present inclination. + +"Noble Lady," he resumed gravely. "This would I gladly do, but that +there are some family matters that can only be discussed with propriety +by word of mouth." + +"Then, good Bipin, thou must depart, I suppose," she replied, "though +we shall be the loser by thy absence. But thou must use great caution +on the journey," she added naively, "for the horsemen of the Foreigners +may have already swept to the north, and if they catch thee, as a +servant of the Jhansi Rani, I fear thou wilt never behold the faces of +thy genial uncles." + +An expression of indecision broke over Bipin's countenance. In that +case, he quickly reasoned, the walls of Jhansi would undoubtedly be a +safer retreat than the open highway. + +"Then, perhaps, great Rani," he faltered, "I had better defer my +visit for a season. Not for a mountain of gold would I be absent from +thy side in the hour of danger. Upon my head would forever rest the +reproach that I had turned my heels to the enemy." + +"Nay," she answered thoughtfully. "Thou mayest go in safety, for as +thy road lies by the camp of Tantia Topi, thou canst be of service by +bearing a message to him from me. Thus far, an escort shall accompany +thee. But thou must be ready to start immediately." + +Bipin's face brightened visibly. + +"I am ready even now, noble Lady," he replied, "and doubt not, +will return with all speed in time to assist in the defeat of the +Foreigners, should they venture to direct their steps toward Jhansi." + +"Then take thy writing materials and set down as I dictate," she +commanded. + +Bipin produced a pen, a bottle of ink, and a pad; when the Rani +delivered an urgent message to the Maratha general, setting forth the +impending danger, and begging him to come speedily to her assistance. + +Within an hour Bipin's whole attention was directed toward a heroic +endeavor to keep his seat in the saddle of a spirited horse, while the +troopers unsympathetically set a rapid pace along the road to Charkari. + + + + +Chapter XVI + +_JHANSI BESIEGED_ + + +High above the city and the plain, from the loftiest pinnacle of the +fortress, the banner of the Rani waved in proud defiance. The city +gates were still open to admit a few stragglers fleeing to swell the +overcrowded caravansaries. The incessant bleating of goats and sheep, +mingled with the lowing of cattle, that rose above the human turmoil, +proclaimed forethought in sweeping the country bare of all live stock, +available as food for the advancing enemy. With similar prudence, the +already arid coloring of the land had been hastened and intensified by +the action of the Rani, in setting fire to the scrub jungle for miles +in all directions. By this means the horses and baggage animals of the +invading force would be deprived of local sustenance. + +By the eastern gate a group of horsemen were held in momentary +readiness to dash forth upon an urgent mission. + +From a commanding point on the walls of the citadel, the Rani, Ahmad +Khan, Dost Ali, and others of her officers, anxiously scanned the +uneven horizon to the southward. Her arms rested on the parapet from +which the rock fell away in a sheer precipice to the plain below. +To the east of the city beyond the lake, the waters of the Betwa, +gleaming in the afternoon sunshine, wound a sinuous course northward. +Directly beneath, the ruined bungalows of the Foreigners, the +dismantled Star Fort near the cantonments, and temples amid shading +clumps of tamarind, were indistinctly visible through the haze resting +lightly upon the surface of the land. + +The decision had been taken to defend the city instead of giving +battle in the open. As a consequence the whole of the troops had been +withdrawn from the cantonments to the walls. The latter presented an +animated appearance, manned at all parts ready for the advent of the +Foreigners. + +The Rani gazing upon this scene, suddenly raised an arm and pointing +afar off to a defile in the broken country, engaged Ahmad's attention. + +"Look, my Lord," she cried. "Dost thou not make out some horsemen +advancing yonder"? + +Ahmad shaded his eyes with his hand, and for a few moments looked +intently in the direction indicated. + +"Aye," he replied at last. "They come on the Chanchanpur road. It must +be the vanguard of the enemy." + +He leaned over the parapet as if by a more earnest gaze to make sure of +his opinion, then drew back with confirmation written on his face. + +"Undoubtedly they are of the Foreign Sahib's army, my Lady Rani," he +said. "I can tell by the action of their horses." + +The Rani turned to a soldier standing to a gun near by. She raised +her hand as a signal. Immediately a tongue of flame and a puff of +white smoke shot forth from the muzzle of the cannon. The report that +followed was borne above the city and echoed amid the crevices of the +rock. + +It had scarcely died away when similar reports boomed from rampart +to bastion along the circuit of the walls, a prearranged warning of +the Foreigners' approach. Commotion was manifested on the defenses as +the soldiers hurried to their stations. Instantly the troop near the +eastern gate clapped spurs to their horses' flanks and dashed forward +on the road to Charkari. They bore a message to Tantia Topi, that +Jhansi had been invested, and again called upon him for assistance. +Behind them the gates swung back upon their hinges, drawbridges were +raised, the siege of Jhansi had commenced. + +The watchers on the citadel beheld the troop race for life along the +Charkari road. They also beheld, with consternation, a flank movement +by a detachment from the main body of the Foreign cavalry to intercept +the messengers' escape. + +"See, my Lord," the Rani cried anxiously, "the Foreign cavalry are in +pursuit of our horsemen." + +Ahmad glanced quickly in their direction. + +"Aye," he replied, "but I doubt if they can reach the Betwa first." + +The Rani's troop evidently perceived their danger for their horses were +urged on to greater speed. Could the Betwa be reached they would be +safe from further pursuit, but it was yet a good five miles distant. + +Thus pursuers and pursued raced across the plain in full view of those +watching from the fortress. The Foreign cavalry gained ground steadily +in spite of the freshness of the others' horses. + +"Ahmad," suddenly exclaimed the Rani, as if an idea had flashed upon +her mind, "do thou go forth with my bodyguard and seek to draw off the +Foreigners; but enter not into any rash engagement as we need every +life in the defense of Jhansi. Hasten, good Ahmad, for Tantia Topi must +not remain in doubt of our position." + +Ahmad obediently hurried from her side, while the Rani anxiously +awaited the outcome of her order. + +Presently from the eastern gate she beheld Ahmad sweep forth at the +head of a body of Valaiti troopers with the object of, in turn, cutting +off the Foreign cavalry. + +This the Foreigners quickly noticed and wheeled about to meet the new +force. + +The Rani clapped her hands joyfully, for the manoeuvre enabled her +flying mission to gain an unrecoverable advantage. She beheld them +plunge to safety through the waters of the Betwa. + +Those on the walls also watched the movement and cheered loudly upon +its success. + +In the gathering darkness Ahmad Khan then withdrew his detachment to +the shelter of the walls. + +A sleepless night was spent by those in authority within the threatened +city. To a late hour the Rani sat in council discussing final plans +for the defense. A mandate was issued calling upon every male able to +bear arms to repair to the walls, and in her name, the Rani especially +appealed to the women and children to render assistance, not in vain +lamentations over the slain, but by carrying food and water to those +unable to leave their posts. + +At daybreak the enemy's cavalry was reported to have completely +invested the city, and before night again came round, the main body +of their army had arrived and were busily engaged erecting batteries +from which to bombard the walls. It was evident their intention was to +capture the entire garrison as well as the capital of the state. + +A suggestion that the Rani should make her escape while there might yet +remain an opportunity, was received by the fair defender with scorn. + +"Fear not," she retorted with animation, "that I will suffer the +indignity of capture at their hands. My dead body they may find, but +the spirit of the Rani of Jhansi will have carried more than one of +them to an accounting before the great tribunal of justice." + +In two days the enemy's batteries were completed, then the storm of +war burst with full violence upon the city. The garrison spiritedly +returned the fire shot for shot with many to the good, breaches +were made in the walls to be repaired by the hands of the women and +children, animated to heroic actions by the presence and inspiring +words of their beautiful queen, who seemed oblivious to any form of +danger. At all hours she visited the ramparts to encourage her soldiers +with stirring appeals. + +Day by day, for seventeen in number, the duel of cannon shot was kept +up on both sides, while watchers on the Jhansi citadel cast their +vision with anxious eagerness across the Betwa to the north and west. +Was Tantia Topi going to abandon them to the mercy of the Foreigners? +The question forced itself upon their minds. + +The situation was fast becoming desperate. Great rents had been made in +the solid masonry at strategic points that could not be repaired. The +dead and dying numbered hundreds. The besieged began to fight not with +the hope of victory, but with the courage of despair. + +At last the mamelon itself was reduced by the furious cannonade, its +guns silenced. A hand to hand conflict seemed imminent. It was then the +Rani performed an act of sublime courage which inspired admiration even +in the eyes of her enemies. + +Messenger after messenger had arrived at the palace bearing on their +faces expressions of dismay that told without words of the terror +seizing upon their hearts. One at length brought the worst news yet +received. + +"My Lady Rani," he spoke hurriedly. "The parapet of the mamelon is shot +away, the breach momentarily widens, Ahmad Khan who, although badly +wounded, still fights like ten thousand tigers, sends word that it must +shortly be abandoned. Alas! the troops are becoming disheartened, and +hesitate to obey their orders." + +The spirit of the Rani rose upon the instant to confront the impending +calamity. + +"No," she cried, "the mamelon shall not be captured, while I have a +voice to summon men to its defense." + +She repaired quickly to her private apartments and arrayed herself in +magnificent attire so that in the act she contemplated there might be +no doubt concerning her personality. Then she called for a horse and +rode swiftly to the threatened spot. + +As she approached the ramparts, evidences of the terrible devastation +wrought by the shell of the enemy confronted her gaze. Broken walls, +bodies horribly mangled where they had fallen, the forms of the +mortally wounded writhing in their death agony, terrified faces +cowering behind any shelter that could be obtained. A wide gap in the +outworks of the mamelon proved that the fire of the besiegers had done +effective work. + +A feeble cheer greeted the Rani's arrival. She allowed it to pass +unheeded. She dismounted, and without a moment's hesitation, strode +fearlessly, past ghastly forms and over shattered blocks of masonry, +toward the most exposed part of the walls. + +Panic-stricken men turned their eyes upon her in wonder. A pulse +of renewed courage began to throb in their hearts on beholding her +presence among them. What was she about to do? they asked of each other +in undertones. + +Overhead the shot continued to rain a hail of destruction, but she +pressed onward to the broken summit of the bastion. A shell struck the +ground a few yards in advance, sending a cloud of dust into the air and +scattering stones in all directions, but it did not cause her to swerve +a foot from her path. + +Ahmad Khan perceived her danger and hurried to her side. His +appearance told of the severity of the last few days of combat. One +of his arms was suspended in a sling, his turbanless head bandaged to +close the wound caused by the flying splinter of a rock, his stern +visage dirt begrimed, his beard matted with congealed blood. + +"Where goest thou, fair Rani"? he asked anxiously. "Turn back thy +steps, I beg of thee. It is certain death to go forward." + +She waved him back imperiously. + +"I am not afraid," she cried above the din of the bombardment. "This +scene is mine as a birthright. Did I not tell thee, I was a true +Maratha." + +He fell back and stumbled after her at a little distance. + +She lightly passed over the remaining obstacles and mounted the broken +parapet of the bastion. There in full view of the besiegers, in full +range of their guns, she stood, a dauntless, defiant, superb figure of +inspiring courage to all beholders. A gentle breeze played with her +silken draperies. With a contemptuous smile she gazed serenely toward +the enemy's battery. Fire, if you dare, seemed to be her challenge. + +A gun that was quickly trained upon her could have instantaneously +hurled her into oblivion, and thereby ended the siege of Jhansi. A +soldier stood by it ready to fire at the officer's command. But the +order did not come. To the credit of the chivalrous spirit of the +Foreign general, he enjoined that yonder heroic girl should not suffer +harm knowingly by his guns. + +For several minutes she thus stood upon the threshold of eternity, +gazing calmly into its unfathomed depths; then turned and waved a hand +encouragingly to those whose upturned faces regarded her safety in the +daring act as an interposition of providence. + +With a shout of renewed enthusiasm they rushed from their places of +shelter to reman the abandoned fort. The roar of the bombardment rose +higher than ever; but for the moment the city was saved from assault. + + + + +Chapter XVII + +_WITH SWORD AND TORCH_ + + +A grand salvo of artillery burst from the guns of the Jhansi fortress +and was echoed by those of the other bastions as a joyful salute to +the rising sun on that First of April. In the early light of dawn +the sentries on the citadel had discerned far to the north-west the +fluttering standards above the massed army of Tantia Topi marching to +their relief. As it advanced across the Betwa the main body deployed +into a long line of infantry, cavalry, and artillery, twenty thousand +strong, with outspread wings to encircle the besieging army and crush +it without affording a chance of retreat. + +The gloom that on the night before had settled upon every face within +the city, gave place to countenances transported with joy. The guns +continued to thunder the glad news, bugles sounded their inspiriting +notes, light hearts upon the walls gave expression to new hope by +shouts of defiance to the enemy, and by bursting into the choruses of +ancient war songs. + +"The Foreigners are already beaten," they cried one to another, in +accents of frenzied exultation. "Not one of them will escape." + +But unfortunately for their own safety, they estimated the resource +and courage of the enemy in a forlorn situation, at a computation that +would have been their own under similar circumstances. The Foreigners +were apparently not seized with a panic. Far otherwise, they seemed to +be making preparations for a desperate fight. A victory for the Native +army was not yet secured. + +Early in the previous night the Rani had been informed of the welcome +intelligence, and at daybreak had repaired to the citadel to watch the +advancing host. She there called to a consultation her chief officers +to discover the best means of assisting the Native general in his +supreme effort to relieve the city. + +After a careful survey of the situation, Ahmad urged the plan of +sallying out in force at a critical moment of the forthcoming battle +and attacking the rear of the Foreign army. It would undoubtedly throw +their front line into confusion and accelerate the complete rout of +their foes. + +This was quickly acceded to by the others. The Rani was about to give +an order for the collecting of the force near the eastern gate, when an +unexpected development of the enemy's plan stayed the command. + +The Foreign general instead of marching with his whole force to meet +that of Tantia Topi, divided his command into two parts, one to +continue the bombardment of the city, the other to give battle to the +Native general in the open. To the amazement of those on the citadel +they beheld a detachment of not more than fifteen hundred strong set +out to combat a force over thirteen times superior in men, and almost +as much more formidable in guns. + +A sortie from the city was thus for the moment considered inadvisable, +but the guns were ordered to return the fire of the besieging batteries +with redoubled vigor. The men on the walls shouted and cheered to +encourage the onward sweep of their deliverers. + +From her elevated position the Rani anxiously watched the advance of +the two forces toward each other, the result of which, though there +could scarcely be any doubt, was fraught with so much consequence to +herself. If the Foreigners were beaten and Jhansi relieved, the effect +would be to enkindle the dying flames of the rebellion all over India. +A long period must then elapse before Jhansi could again be threatened, +if indeed the Foreigners would ever reappear before its walls. + +But in the excitement of the momentous hour, other thoughts were not +absent from her mind. With Tantia Topi was the sole object upon whom +her real affection rested. A meeting between Prasad and herself would +probably take place before the fall of night. What would be his manner +toward her? How would she receive him? were questions to be answered. +In the joy of victory it was probable that on her side his past cruelty +would be forgiven, if not entirely swept from her memory. But would +he have learned wisdom in his banishment? Would he better understand +her nature and the difficulties of her position? That she loved him +still in spite of his apparent worthlessness had never been a matter of +doubt. She leaned her arms upon the parapet wondering over what part +of the advancing army he would have been given the command. + +Much time was not permitted for these reflections. The Foreign general +instead of waiting to be attacked, threw consternation into both flanks +of his foe by attacking those positions with his cavalry and horse +artillery in impetuous onslaughts. The guns of both armies, added to +those of the city bastions and besieging batteries, filled the air with +smoke and the deafening sound of their discharges. It became difficult +for those on the city walls to see clearly how the battle went. Still +they cheered their friends on lustily. + +Presently the roar of the cannon on the plain slackened. Were the +Foreigners already vanquished the Rani hoped and wondered. Then the +cloud of smoke rolled away disclosing to her appalled vision, not the +Foreigners defeated, but the relieving army cast into inextricable +confusion. Their wings had been doubled in upon the center at the +moment that the Foreign infantry had attacked that vulnerable part, +and the whole was being driven back upon the second line in a hopeless +rout. The shouts of encouragement from the city walls ceased. It was +perceived that the victory was not already won, but lost. No relief +would come that day to the beleaguered garrison. + +The Rani hastened to where her chiefs of staff were gathered. She +besought them to lead a sortie to draw off the pursuing enemy. But they +shook their heads despondingly. They pointed out that it would be a +fruitless waste of life. + +"If then there is not a soldier among you," she cried passionately. "I +will lead it myself." + +"Valiant Rani," petitioned Ahmad. "Surely thou wilt not accuse thy +servant of cowardice, but it would be a rash, a hopeless act, unless +yonder batteries were first silenced. Between them and the walls thy +men would be mown down as grass." + +She appeared to comprehend the force of his advice, though she stamped +her foot and returned vehemently: + +"If the day be lost, the Foreigners need not think that Jhansi hath +been captured. Go you," she cried, "and see that rocks and trunks of +trees are heaped about the walls, so that if an assault is made there +shall be many broken skulls." + +In the distance the Native army was retreating across the Betwa, but +the Foreign cavalry kept mercilessly upon their heels. They set fire +to the jungle to harass the pursuit, but amid the flames and smoke the +fight continued. The retreat developed into a rout. Twenty thousand men +fleeing before a less number of hundreds. + +Presently the sun went down, a blood red orb for a moment resting on +the horizon, ominous of the fate in store for those within the city. + +On all sides dejected faces surrounded the Rani. Even Ahmad Khan +maintained a gloomy silence in the despondency it was evident he felt. +One officer even had the temerity to suggest a truce so that the +enemy's terms might be learned. + +The Rani flashed upon him a look of intense scorn. + +"Not while I live," she cried, "hadst thou better do more than +contemplate so cowardly an act. By Heaven! had I but officers possessed +with daring like yonder Foreigners, they would not now be revelling in +their victory. Nay, Jhansi would never have been attacked. In truth, I +do not blame them for hanging all their prisoners. He who lives to fall +into their hands well deserves that disgraceful fate. Surrender," she +cried, "not while the Rani of Jhansi lives to teach you how to fight." + +Their sense of honor was stung by the reproach. + +Each swore loudly that he was prepared to die by her side. + +"Aye, my Lords," she returned, "and I have in mind a plan that will +strike amazement into the hearts of our enemies. Jhansi they shall +never capture. I will first make of it the greatest funeral pyre that +has ever blazed in India. It shall be even more sublime than that of +Chitor, when thirteen thousand Hindu women, led by their Queen, cast +themselves into a vast furnace, to save their honor from a conqueror." + +"Go," she commanded to Ahmad, "and see that firewood is collected in +houses in different parts of the town, and here in the palace. When the +walls are carried, we will fire the city; when the palace is taken, it +shall also be burned; and lastly, when the citadel can no longer hold +out, the magazines shall be exploded; and the heavens and earth stand +appalled at the last act of a Hindu woman defending her throne. Then +let the Foreigners gather what plunder they may from the mound of ashes +that was once the city of Jhansi. Truly history will record no more +wondrous _johur_."[5] + +The officers looked dumbfounded. Ahmad hesitated to execute the order. + +"Go," she cried, stretching forth an arm impatiently. "It is my will. +He who disobeys me at this hour is a traitor. With my own hand I will +relieve the Foreigners of any vengeance on his account." + +The officers left her presence marveling at her display of spirit and +determination. + +She turned to her waiting woman and bade her bring weapons from the +palace armory. + +"A dagger, I have, with the sharpest point ever yielded to a woman, but +pistols, good Rati, and see to it they are well loaded; for perchance +I shall be forced to take my own life out of the hands of these +Foreigners." + +The girl departed and left her mistress alone. + +The Rani drew from her girdle Prasad's dagger, and gazed upon it +thoughtfully. + +"Keen is this blade," she murmured, "and relentless. Ah Prasad! How +hath this day gone with thee, I wonder? Far hence our next meeting may +be destined to take place. If living, I pray thou hast redeemed thine +honor by a score of wounds. If dead, that thy body lies upon the field +of battle." + +A quiver hovered about the corners of her lips. She hid the dagger in +the folds of her sari gathered over her breast. + +There was no question that the defensive power of the Jhansi garrison +was reduced to the last extremity. They still manned the shattered +walls, and massed about the breaches, but the place could not hold out +for any length of time. One hope still remained. It was known that the +Raja of Banpur had collected a force at Kotra within marching distance. +To him, the Rani had dispatched overnight an urgent summons to come +speedily to her assistance. But it was unknown if the messenger had +been able to pass the enemy's lines. + +Meanwhile, the elated Foreigners were making preparations for the final +assault. + +It was delivered at daybreak on the second morning after the defeat of +the army of Tantia Topi. + +Suddenly from positions of cover they dashed to those parts of the +defenses leveled by the fire of their batteries. In the gray light of +dawn bugles rang out on both sides calling men to a ruthless slaughter +of each other. For a moment, a storm of bullets from the walls checked +the Foreigners' onslaught. Then besiegers and besieged met in death +earnest combat. + +From the ramparts, missiles of all kinds were hurled upon the heads +of those who strove to mount by ladders; through the breaches cannon +shot, rockets, and volleys of musketry swept scores of the enemy into +eternity. Again and again repulsed they still fought their way onward. + +At the part where the attack was directed by an attempt to scale the +walls, the Rani encouraged both men and women defenders to invincible +efforts. Ah God! how they fought with such inspiration. The ditch below +was filled with the dead and dying. Groans called forth in return +shouts of defiance. She still held the enemy at bay. + +Had the assault at other points been as valiantly repulsed, victory +might yet have rested with the besieged; but in the face of Foreign +courage and Foreign bayonets they were beaten back. Thus the Rani found +herself attacked in rear as well as in front. To defend the streets, +the palace, and the citadel, in turn, went forth as the last order of +the day. + +As a consequence each house became a fort, in the capture of which +no quarter was asked or given; every alley a stubbornly contested +battlefield in miniature. The slain already numbered thousands. + +At last the Foreigners fought their way to the vicinity of the palace, +when, to their dismay, flames burst forth on either side throughout the +length of the great bazaar. To retreat became impossible, to capture +the palace a necessity. + +They rushed forward across the open space, while a terrific fire from +the guns of the citadel turned full upon them further decimated their +ranks. With a supreme effort they battered down the doors to find every +room, court, and corridor filled with desperate men, who sought death +by the sword as a certain entry into Paradise. In the stables fifty +Valaitis held out until the sun hid its face beneath the horizon, +though the darkened heavens continued to reflect the angry glow of the +burning city. + +From the summit of the fortress, the Rani's banner still fluttered in +the breeze. By force she had been carried into the citadel. + +Her determination had been to perish on the steps of her throne. In +the great hall, surrounded by her bodyguard, she stood to hurl a last +defiance at her enemies, still unconquered, still resolute, in spite +of the horrors she had witnessed. Every moment the din and tumult +increased as the Foreigners fought their way to her position. While +bronzed sinewy hands grasped their weapons, hers sought the dagger of +her lover, lying near her heart. + +From a side entrance Ahmad Khan, a dishevelled, conflict-stained +object, rushed in, and without seeking her command, grasped her tightly +by the arm. Her protest he heeded not, but drew her quickly to a door +behind the throne, that opened into a narrow passage leading into the +interior of the fortress. The guards closed in on her steps and swept +her onward. In a few minutes she was in a place of temporary safety. + +Thus night fell as a curtain to veil the scene of carnage. + +Within a bare, stone walled room, the Rani had lain down upon a pile +of mats, worn out with her exertions. On the floor near by a lamp cast +a flickering light upon her features, that still displayed no sign of +yielding. Food had been brought to her side by rough, though loving +hands; but little of it had been partaken. For the hour, the silence of +the visitation of death had succeeded the air-filled tumult of battle. + +Presently the Rani turned her face to an officer standing near the +door, and asked if Ahmad Khan was within call. + +"He has been speaking with someone," the officer replied, "and now +cometh this way." + +In a moment Ahmad and a soldier entered the room. + +"Good Ahmad," she asked. "How long dost think we can hold the citadel"? + +"Noble Lady," he replied in a doubtful voice. "I fear not more than +two or three days at most. The ammunition is well nigh exhausted; food +and water are in scarce quantities. But this good fellow," he added, +referring to the soldier, "brings a message from the foot of the rock, +that a plan has been effected for your Highness's escape." + +"Escape," the Rani cried contemptuously. "Hast thou not heard me vow a +hundred times that I would perish with my people"? + +"Aye," Ahmad acquiesced. "But, noble Rani," he urged, "I beg thou +wilt listen to the best advice. Thy life and not thy death is of most +advantage to the cause, bravely as all know thou wouldst yield the +former. Tantia Topi now moves on Kalpi. Thy presence there is sorely +needed. Below the rock, fathered in the shadow, are three hundred of +thy remaining Valaiti troopers, together with a captain's escort from +the force of Tantia Topi. The spot may be gained with a rope, and then +fear not but that they will cut for thee a passage through a host of +enemies. I do beg of thee not to hesitate a moment." + +The Rani considered for a little, when it appeared as if she was about +to fall in with his suggestion. + +"But what will happen to these brave fellows, seemingly deserted in +their hour of need"? she asked. "Does it not seem a craven act to +abandon them to their fate"? + +"Nay, brave Lady," Ahmad reasoned. "In thy flight lies the only safety +for their lives. As long as thou art among them they will fight to the +death; but when thou art gone they will surrender, and the Foreigners +will show them mercy." + +His argument evidently impressed the Rani favorably. + +"True," she replied, "it would be a useless sacrifice. Besides, I may +be able to persuade Tantia Topi to return to fight again for Jhansi. +Are these troopers now in waiting"? she asked. + +"In all anxiety for thy safety," he answered. "I do beg of thee not +to lose a moment, for now that all the Foreigners are within the city +there is little danger in thy path of flight. By daybreak it may be too +late." + +She hesitated a moment, then rose with her mind determined on the act. +She drew a shawl over her face and shoulders as much to conceal her +features as a protection from the night air. + +"Lead quickly to the place," she enjoined, "or the sight of my brave +soldiers may bring about a change of mind. I will bid them no farewell. +I cannot, I dare not do so." + +Through the darkness Ahmad conducted her rapidly to a part of the +citadel wall, from which the descent to the plain though steep and +hazardous was yet possible with the aid of a rope. + +Without permitting her time for reflection, Ahmad secured one end of +the rope under his arm pits, and holding her round the waist, swung +down from the parapet. A soldier above slowly paid out the rope as +Ahmad directed by prearranged signals. More than once it strained +and quivered with their weight, several times his feet slid from the +ledges of rock upon which they momentarily rested. Above their heads +the fortress loomed a huge black mass; below their feet there fell away +an impenetrable abyss. The well-feigned cry of a night bird announced +to those below that the fugitives had left the fortress. In response, +there rose the howl of a jackal. + +Presently, it seemed an hour had passed, a familiar voice fell upon the +Rani's ears. There was no time permitted to ask its owner's name, for a +pair of stout arms relieved Ahmad of his burden, and she found herself +placed on the saddle of a horse. + +Ahmad quickly disengaged himself from the rope and sprang on to another +waiting mount, the cry of the jackal again rose as a signal that the +feat had been safely accomplished, and thus shielded by the swords +of her devoted troopers, the Rani commenced the second stage of her +escape. + +On the morrow, the citadel surrendered to terms; and the blind beggar +crept forth from his hiding place to resume his seat in the shade by +the palace doors. + + + + +Chapter XVIII + +_A PRINCE IN SCARLET_ + + +With caution, the troopers encircling the Rani, felt their way out from +the shadow of the rock. Then with loosened reins they rode, as with +the speed of a monsoon wind, northward to the rendezvous of the Native +forces at Kalpi. + +At first, they avoided the main road and, with unslackened pace, took +to by-paths that led over ditches and streams, through dense jungle +underbrush, and across rocky plains, until the danger of an immediate +pursuit was past. Throughout the night the form of the officer who had +taken the Rani from Ahmad's arms kept closely at her side. That his +order must have been to watch over her as a priceless treasure, was +evident from the care he took to guide her horse at dangerous places, +and to remove from her course an occasional overhanging branch that +might have caused painful if not serious injury. In the darkness his +features were indistinguishable. Indeed, it seemed as if he purposely +kept his face turned from her; though in the open, the brilliancy of +the starlight shining upon a closely fitting cap of steel, and arms of +ornate workmanship, proclaimed him a cavalier of rank. + +As in the early part of the ride silence was imperative, the Rani did +not attempt to broach a conversation with her companion. In fact, the +pace was too swift to permit even a consecutive flow of thought. Such +thoughts as did occupy her mind were naturally directed to the reasons +she would urge upon Tantia Topi for the immediate recapture of her +beloved city. + +Day was breaking when the troopers drew up before the fortress gates +of a friendly raja. The Rani glanced round to offer her thanks to the +officer who had so faithfully protected her from harm during the long +night ride; but he had disappeared. So also had Ahmad Khan. + +Upon seeking the reason for their absence, she was informed that on +striking into the main road, the former had fallen behind with a small +body of men to cover her retreat, and the latter had been compelled to +seek relief from his fatigue by a short period of rest in the seclusion +of the jungle. + +A sudden inspiration prompted her to ask the name of the gallant +captain of the escort. A look of disappointment crossed her face upon +learning that he was a northern chief attached to the army of Tantia +Topi, by name, Parma Nand Bai Bahadur. + +It seemed to the Rani that she had scarcely closed her eyes in much +needed sleep, when a trooper arrived in haste bearing the waking +message that the Foreign cavalry were in pursuit. + +"To the saddle," was the immediate cry. Within a few minutes she was +again flying northward, her escort reinforced by the presence and +body-guard of her recent host. + +Through the trying heat of day, with but momentary halts for +refreshment, she pressed forward over the hundred and ten miles +intervening between Jhansi and Kalpi. At nightfall a trooper caught up +with her party to deliver the welcome intelligence that the rearguard +had beheld the Foreign cavalry relinquish the pursuit. + +Thus she was enabled to rest for the night at a wayside village without +fear of personal danger. Before retiring, and again on setting forth +the next morning she had looked for the reappearance of the officer who +had so skillfully conducted her retreat; but it seemed he had turned +back upon the heels of the Foreign cavalry to make certain of their +actions. + +By easier stages she accomplished the remaining distance to Kalpi, +reaching her destination at sunset to find that she had outstripped +Tantia Topi in his more leisurely retreat from Jhansi. In the waning +light his vanguard was seen emerging from the ravines by which the +city is approached on three sides. On its fourth, the sacred waters +of the Jumna reflected the deep shadows of a long line of temples and +mausoleums, terminating in the rock fortress with the _ghat_ at its +foot. + +The Rao Sahib, who, as the nephew and representative of the Peshwa, had +for several months commanded the garrison and arsenal at Kalpi, was +advised of the Rani's approach. He sent forward an aide-de-camp to meet +her on the road, and with greetings conduct her to a house prepared for +her reception. He requested that early on the following morning she +would assist at a council-of-war to discuss the operations necessary +to turn back the victorious advance of the enemy. + +The Rani was concluding her evening meal, when raising her eyes they +rested with surprise upon the form of her worthy secretary, Bipin Dat. + +"Why, good Bipin," she exclaimed in accents of welcome. "Thou here. I +thought thou wert far off discussing intricate family problems with thy +genial uncles." + +"Illustrious Lady," Bipin replied gravely. "Such was undoubtedly my +intention when I departed from your Highness's side in Jhansi; but +alas! the pace of those rascally troopers thou gavest me as an escort, +so jolted my limbs, that on reaching the camp of the invincible Tantia +Topi, I could scarce crawl into his presence. For days my bones ached +to such an extent that a tortoise would have travelled faster to the +abode of my people. Then when I learned the straits in which your +Greatness was placed, how could I do otherwise than assist in your +relief." + +"I see," the Rani exclaimed. "Thy aches and pains vanished when it +became necessary to move faster than a tortoise, after that feat was so +gallantly relinquished." + +"Noble Rani," protested Bipin. "Had the great Tantia Topi only followed +the advice of thy humble servant and been more circumspect in his +method of attack, undoubtedly the Foreigners would all have been eaten +up like grass before a plague of locusts. As it was, with several other +observant fellows, I saw to it that no assault was contemplated in rear +while the battle raged in front--a responsible office, great Lady," he +concluded, self approvingly, "that Tantia Topi admitted had been well +carried out." + +"No doubt," acquiesced the Rani, expressing in her voice the contempt +she felt for the conduct of those in command of the Native army on that +critical occasion. "No doubt, good Bipin. The retreat, they say, was +conducted with masterly judgment. But tell me," she asked with greater +interest. "Hast thou seen aught of Prasad Singh with the army of Tantia +Topi"? + +Bipin started at the mention of the Hindu noble's name. + +"Thanks be to God, not I," he exclaimed. "By the will of the Almighty I +trust his spirit has long since passed into the body of a toad. I have +seen naught of that accursed man." + +The Rani's brow darkened for a moment as if Bipin's expression of +sentiment met with her disapproval; but she spoke again in reference to +another matter. + +"Good Bipin," she said, "I am glad to see thee once more, for thou +canst render me an immediate service." + +He _salaamed_ obediently, while she took a purse from her girdle and +handed him a considerable sum of money. + +"Go," she enjoined, "into the bazaar, and without disclosing who it +is that commissions thee, purchase for me a suit of male attire. I +would have thee buy a scarlet jacket and trousers, a white turban, and +red leather shoes to which spurs may be strapped. Get me also a sword +of the finest tempered steel, and pistols that will shoot straight. +Remember I care more for the quality of the weapons than for their +ornamentation. Let it be understood that the sword and pistols will be +purchased only if they meet with my approval. Thou hadst better order +several from which I can make a choice. Go, and do this speedily, as I +have a use for them upon the morrow." + +With an expression of surprise on his face Bipin hesitated, when the +Rani, emphatically repeating her order, he _salaamed_ and departed on +his errand. + +The sun had risen but a few degrees above the horizon on the following +morning when the Rao Sahib, Tantia Topi, Ahmad Khan, who had arrived in +Kalpi overnight, and other native leaders, were gathered about a table +in a room of the governor's house, awaiting the Rani of Jhansi's coming +to take a seat at the council. + +A curtain screening the doorway of the room was drawn aside and a young +officer entered. With the exception of his white turban, he was attired +in a blood red uniform from head to foot. It contrasted well with his +dark, handsome features, and admirably displayed his slender figure. +One hand, unusually delicate for a man, rested upon the butt of a +pistol protruding from his girdle, while the other rose to his turban +in a military salute. + +The Rao Sahib and Tantia Topi gazed inquiringly as well as with +admiration, upon the newcomer, whom it was evident they had never seen +before. Ahmad Khan with his back to the stranger's position had failed +to remark his entrance. + +[Illustration: With the exception of a white turban, she was attired in +a blood-red uniform from head to foot.--Page 213.] + +"Well officer," the Rao Sahib asked. "Dost bring us a message from +someone"? + +The young officer laughed musically as he assumed a captivating pose. + +"I bring you a message, noble Sahibs," he replied, "to say that the +Raja of Jhansi is now present at the council." + +"The Raja of Jhansi"? the Rao Sahib and Tantia Topi both echoed +interrogatively, while Ahmad turned impulsively in his seat. + +For a moment the Mohammedan scrutinized the young officer's features, +then gave vent to an exclamation of surprise. + +"By Allah"! he cried, "my Lords, it is the valiant Rani herself." + +The nobles rose from their seats and welcomed her effusively. For a +space the eyes of the Rao Sahib could discover no other object save her +form to gaze upon. + +She gracefully moved forward and took a seat at the board. The cloud +of misfortune that had overshadowed their faces was lifted by her +presence. As a ray of heaven's light to storm-beset travellers she came +among them. + +For a time the assembled nobles proceeded to discuss the events +leading up to the numerous reverses they had recently suffered, those +more directly implicated endeavoring by one plea and another to +shirk individual responsibility. In this useless wrangle over past +disasters the Rani's patience soon became exhausted. She perceived +that unless brought to a speedy termination it might lead, by way of +heated arguments, to the greater disaster of a feud among themselves. +Already Ahmad Khan and Tantia Topi had exchanged angry words over the +generalship displayed in the battle before Jhansi. + +"My Lords," she at this point interposed. "All this seems to me to add +little to the solution of our present difficulty, except in so far as +we may have gathered experience to bring victory out of defeat. With +deference to your greater knowledge of such matters, in my mind the +most important question, is how to insure a speedy turn of the campaign +in our favor." + +"Truly, thou speakest to the point, O Rani," the Rao Sahib remarked +approvingly. "Dost agree then with Tantia Topi, that we intrench +ourselves here in Kalpi and await the coming of the Foreigners"? + +The Rani rose to her feet with a gesture of impatience. + +"Noble Rao," she returned vehemently. "That plan will never do. If +it was impossible to hold Jhansi, a stronger position by a hundred +fold than any that might be afforded by the defenses here, how do you +suppose we could drive away the Foreigners from Kalpi? No," she urged, +"while I agree that the Kalpi arsenal must be saved to us at all costs, +I believe that the enemy must first be fought and beaten in the open, +at a time and place the most advantageous to ourselves. To a spot of +our own selection, I would move forward to encounter them on their way +from Jhansi. There, with our troops well rested and theirs exhausted +by a long march, the chance of victory will rest on our side. Aye, +I would so arrange the hour of battle that we fight in the heat of +noonday, when the sun will aid us as a powerful ally." + +"Well spoken, brave Rani," Ahmad Khan applauded enthusiastically. +"Hadst thou learned thy military lessons from the great Dost Mohammed, +thou couldst not have counseled us more wisely." + +"Nay, my lords," she protested, "it is after all but the opinion of a +woman; but if any remain still in doubt as to the advisability of the +plan, give into my hands the command of this affair and see what comes +of it. If a leader's courage can drive these people back, I vow they +shall never desecrate with their feet the eighty temples of Kalpi." + +The Rao Sahib was enthralled by the beauty and enthusiasm of the Rani +of Jhansi. He would willingly have granted her request, but that he was +fearful of offending the susceptibilities of his generals. He pondered +deeply before rendering a decision. At last he spoke authoritatively. + +"In what the Rani says there is certainly displayed much good +discernment of the situation. I agree with her that it is better to +intercept the Foreigners' advance than await them here in Kalpi. So if +she will accept the leadership of the cavalry under the supreme command +of Tantia Topi, I believe Kalpi may be saved." + +"Noble Rao Sahib," the Rani returned. "Most readily will I accept any +office which you may be pleased to give into my hands. But I would urge +that we set out forthwith, in order that we may have time to select a +good position. Be assured the Foreigners will not rest while another +prize remains to fall into their hands." + +"Thou art right, noble Rani," the Rao Sahib acquiesced. Then turning to +Tantia Topi he asked if any place suggested itself to his mind as the +best vantage ground on which to meet the enemy. + +Tantia Topi called for a map of the country, and for several minutes +studied it carefully. At last he gave it as his opinion that at Kunch, +forty miles distant, the nature of the country would afford the best +strategic position for a decisive battle. + +"It is a good place," he explained, "because lying half way on the road +to Jhansi, if the rout of the Foreigners be complete, a flying column +may push swiftly on to the Rani's capital, with a chance of surprising +and capturing the weak garrison that the Foreign general can only +afford to leave there." + +"Good, most sagacious Tantia Topi," the Rani exclaimed approvingly. +Then turning to the Rao Sahib she earnestly besought of him a favor. + +"My Lord," she said, "thou wilt not deny me the command of any force +detached for the recapture of my own city"? + +The Rao Sahib replied with gallantry. + +"Assuredly that thou shalt possess, fair cavalier. Tantia Topi now hath +my orders to give that command to no one else." + +"So to Kunch, my Lords," he added, "is our final decision." + +"Aye and to victory, forget not that," the Rani cried enthusiastically. + +The council then proceeded with a discussion of the details of the +expedition, to rise, at last, confident that with the greater number +of men and guns they could put into the field, together with natural +advantages on their side, the result of the battle could not be +otherwise than a victory for the Native arms. + + + + +Chapter XIX + +_A CALL TO THE HEART_ + + +Near the decaying town of Kunch the Native army had taken up a strong +position. In the shelter of woods and gardens, interspersed here and +there with temples, for the time being occupied as miniature forts, +the whole was fronted by a high wall over which a row of cannon peered +their sinister muzzles. + +For several days the retainers of numerous petty rajas, driven back +upon the main body by the advance of the enemy, had been arriving to +reinforce those who confidently believed they were about to deliver a +death blow to the Foreigners. The plan of battle had been skillfully +arranged. Under the supreme direction of Tantia Topi, Ahmad Khan +had been given the command of the artillery, the Rani of Jhansi the +cavalry, and Parma Nand Rai Bahadur, the officer who had rescued the +Rani from Jhansi, and who purposely or otherwise managed to keep +personally out of view, the duty of remaining in touch with the +vanguard of the foe. If the attack was made at daybreak, the order +was to hold the enemy at bay until the sun had climbed high into the +meridian, and then with the whole force deliver a counter assault that, +in the terrific heat of noon, must take the enemy at the greatest +disadvantage. It was with eager expectancy that both leaders and men +of the Native army awaited the battle that was to crush the power of +the Foreigners in the central provinces of India. All was in readiness; +only one element of doubt as yet remained undetermined--that the +Foreigners would fall in with the plans made for their destruction. + +It was early on a May morning that scouts brought in the intelligence +that the enemy was in sight of Kunch. + +The various arms took up their positions immediately. On the right, a +little in the rear of the infantry, the Rani of Jhansi galloped to the +head of her command and addressed to her men a few well chosen words of +encouragement. + +In response they cheered lustily, as they waved their swords in the +bright sunshine. + +"We will follow thee to the death, O valiant Rani," they shouted +enthusiastically. + +Of a truth, in both armies, there was on that day no more gallant or +inspiring figure than that of the girl in the scarlet uniform. From her +white turban there rose and flashed a diamond aigrette, a parting gift +of good fortune from the Rao Sahib, who had remained at Kalpi. He, too, +now regarded himself as an aspirant to her tender favor. + +Thus the men stood to their arms watching a running skirmish over the +plain between their outposts and what was believed to be the vanguard +of the enemy, when a terrible fusilade of musketry and artillery fire +burst upon their unprotected left flank and rear. + +The enemy had not fallen in with the plans for their destruction, +but with Occidental perversity had consummated others of their own. +The bulk of the Foreign army had, overnight, made a wide detour +unobserved, and was now perilously threatening the Native force's line +of retreat--a movement, that the Foreign general knew from experience, +the Native commanders would be unable to view with any other feeling +than dread. By this action the battle was won for the Foreigners before +it had even commenced. + +Tantia Topi cast a single terrified glance over the field and fled +precipitately; but Ahmad Khan quickly grasped the situation, in so +far as his own branch of the service was concerned. If he could only +bring his guns to bear upon the force advancing from the unexpected +direction, the Foreigners might be held in check until order was +restored out of the panic that prevailed. The infantry deserted by +their leader had become unmanageable, but the Rani of Jhansi still +held the cavalry together awaiting orders. To her, Ahmad dispatched an +urgent message begging her to cover his contemplated movement. + +She was about to respond promptly, when, glancing backward she noticed +a picket that had been driven in by the enemy engaged in a desperate +encounter with a larger body of cavalry. In the centre, fighting for +his life with no hope of escape, she beheld the form of the officer who +had succeeded in effecting her deliverance from Jhansi. The _mêlée_ +was too far distant to discern his features, but intuitively, without +a hesitating doubt, she knew that Parma Nand Rai Bahadur was one with +Prasad Singh. + +Ahmad's request, the peril of the Native army, both were swept from her +mind in the face of her lover's danger. Without another thought than +for his safety, she gave no order, but impulsively spurred her horse +at a broken part of the intervening wall, and dashed to his rescue. +Her command, not understanding what course to pursue, divided of their +own volition into two parties, the Valaiti troopers following their +mistress, the rest galloping after the infantry in retreat. Thus Ahmad +Khan, muttering all the curses in his vocabulary, was left to extricate +himself as best he could. + +With uplifted sword the Rani came down upon the Foreign cavalry like an +avenging spirit. At last she was hand to hand with them. Three Native +troopers of the enemy she hurled groaning to the dust. Right and left +she gallantly parried and delivered blows. Her Valaitis closed about +her, as she cut her way toward her lover's side. + +Prasad's horse had fallen. On foot he was fighting despairingly when +her image rose before his eyes, superbly animated with the ardor of +mortal combat. + +"Prasad! Prasad!" she cried. "The Rani of Jhansi cometh to thee." + +She raised her sword to parry a blow delivered at his head, but her +hand dropped lifelessly to her side. The scene became a hazy blur in +her vision, reeling in her saddle she lost consciousness. When she +regained her senses she was far from the battlefield of Kunch. + +The victory of the Foreigners had again been complete. The retreat of +the Native army, at first conducted with order, finally developed into +a rout, in which the Valaitis swiftly bore the Rani back to Kalpi. The +Rao Sahib seized with the same panic that had carried Tantia Topi from +the field to an unknown destination, quickly left Kalpi to its fate. In +the city all was confusion. The infantry vowed they had been abandoned +by the artillery; the artillery, through the mouth of Ahmad Khan, swore +that the cavalry had deserted them at the critical moment and thereby +lost the battle. Without a leader, the bulk of the troops were seeking +individual safety in the jungles. They believed the enemy was upon +their heels. + +Such was the situation to which the Rani opened her eyes, on recovering +from the glancing blow that had placed her temporarily _hors de combat_. + +Her first thoughts were of Prasad. She inquired anxiously of those +about her if any news of him had been obtained. The answer was in +part satisfactory. He had been seen during the flight from Kunch, and +was believed to have been ordered to escort Tantia Topi to a place of +safety. + +The Rani rose from her couch to view with silent contempt and outspoken +denunciation the craven spirit that had captured all who remained in +Kalpi. + +"The Foreigners are upon us," they replied to her entreaties to make a +last stand at Kalpi. "We cannot fight against them. They will kill all +the prisoners. It is better to fly while there is time." + +At this juncture news was brought to the Rani that the Nawab of Bandah +had arrived before Kalpi with a considerable force. The Rani hastened +to his presence, and besought him in fervent language to save the only +arsenal in their hands. But the Nawab of Bandah had just suffered a +defeat himself. He had trusted to share in the triumph of the Rao +Sahib after Kunch. He certainly had no stomach to become the hero of +a forlorn hope. Under the circumstances he was much more inclined to +discuss the safest place of retreat. + +In despair of being able to induce him to accede to her purpose, the +Rani was forced to summon Ahmad Khan to her aid, at a moment when the +Mohammedan's humor was deeply offended by her conduct at Kunch. + +"Ah," he returned sarcastically. "The brave Rani is anxious enough to +avail herself of Ahmad's services when it suits her convenience; but +when he has fallen into a ditch, he might summon the moon to his relief +with a surer hope of response." + +"Nay, good Ahmad," the Rani replied winningly, "truly I did not realize +thou wert in such distress. I only saw the desperate need of assistance +in which Bai Bahadur was placed." + +"To be sure," he answered tersely. "And who may be this Bai Bahadur"? + +"Thou knowest as much of him as I," the Rani replied. "But, good +Ahmad," she pleaded, "thou wilt, I know, support me with this Nawab"? + +"Assuredly," he acquiesced in a yielding tone. "Thou hast a power with +us, fair Rani, to gain an end possessed by no other. Verily, such an +obedient hound am I at the sound of thy voice, that I believe if thou +wert to order me to go forth as a _yogi_ and sit at thy door for the +rest of my days blinking at the sun, the eternal damnation of the +Prophet would not stay my following thy command. What wouldst thou have +me do with this Bandah Nawab"? he asked. + +The Rani explained the Nawab's faintheartedness and suggested that +Ahmad might use a little of the persuasion so effectual with Sadescheo. + +"Aye," he replied twirling his moustaches fiercely. "But say the word, +fair Lady, and for thy sake I will persuade my hand to cut his head off +as the beginning of my argument." + +"Let it be not quite so demonstrative," she enjoined. "But I would have +thee be emphatic none the less." + +"The battle yell of thy Valaitis will sound as a love ditty in his ears +afterwards," he returned, and continued. "Thou art determined then to +meet the Foreigners again"? + +"Aye," she replied with spirit, "and to continue meeting them until I +have won a victory or perished in the attempt." + +The result of Ahmad Khan's conference with the Bandah Nawab was a +prompt decision to make a last endeavor to save Kalpi. As a fortress +to withstand a siege it was indefensible, but the ravines and ridges +surrounding the city afforded the best field for intrenched positions. +By day and night, under the supervision of the Rani and Ahmad Khan, +men labored indefatigably upon these works, momentarily expecting the +appearance of the enemy. + +But the Foreigners were completely exhausted by the difficulties of the +long march to Kunch, and the subsequent battle. It was impossible to +follow up the retreat of the Native army and seize upon Kalpi before +discipline could be restored in the defender's ranks. By short marches +only could they advance further, to find that the girl whom they had +come to regard as the soul of the rebellion in Central India, was ready +to meet them in a more desperate resistance than ever. The Foreign +general realized speedily that she had rendered her position well nigh +impregnable. + +The Rani was not of the temper to await an attack from behind +earthworks, with ever one eye on her line of retreat. She took the +supreme command into her own hands, and so harassed the Foreigners' +advance with her cavalry, that when they beheld the labyrinth of +defenses raised as if by magic, on the three vulnerable sides of the +town, they did not contemplate a retrograde movement, but a victory +seemed more than doubtful. For both sides the day of another decisive +battle was at hand. + +In the meantime the Rao Sahib had heard of the successful efforts of +the Rani to bring order out of chaos in the demoralized condition of +the Native army after Kunch. He returned to reap the reward of a more +than probable victory, and as a consequence the supreme command again +reverted to his hands. At a council of war before the battle he was not +unmindful of escape in case of defeat. + +"We can cross the river and plunge into the jungles in that event," he +remarked. "The Foreigners will not follow us into those recesses." + +Scorn, anger, in a sense despair, were mingled in the Rani's voice, as +with burning cheeks and flashing eyes she retorted hotly. + +"Escape, my lords," she cried, "if we only set as little store upon +escape as do these Foreigners, not one of them would now remain in +India." + +She rose abruptly and strode without further utterance from the council. + +"A beautiful woman, a wonderful woman, with an accursed Afghan lion in +leash at her side," remarked the Nawab of Bandah; "but noble Rao Sahib, +thou dost well nevertheless to look to it, that we are not caught here +in a trap." + +Unfortunately for the Native army that sentiment dominated all their +actions. It was the weight that turned the scale of battle in favor of +the Foreigners at Jhansi, at Kunch, and lastly at Kalpi. + +When the first onslaught came, the Native army repulsed the Foreigners +with desperate valor. The sun again aided their efforts and decimated +the enemy's ranks as much with blasts of heat as did the storm of +shot and shell, poured forth in a blaze of fire from every ridge upon +which the attack was directed. The odds were too great against the +Foreigners. They wavered. + +In a ravine, the Rani held the cavalry in waiting for such a turning +point of the battle. She quickly noticed the reaction, and with a +cheer, caught up by the whole body of her command, dashed upon the +dismayed Foreigners. For a moment the battle seemed to be won, but only +for a moment. + +While she was engaged driving back the frontal attack, with ruthless +slaughter on both sides, the Foreign general had succeeded in again +effecting a flank movement threatening his enemy's retreat. + +The Rao Sahib and the Nawab of Bandah cast a despairing look across +the river to the jungles beyond, hesitated when they should have led +all their forces forward; a shell burst near them; they turned their +horses' heads and fled. + +Meanwhile the Rani, flushed with victory, was still driving her +opposing force before her, when glancing backward she beheld with +a sinking heart the Native army in full retreat. A cheer from the +Foreigners announced too plainly that for her, the day was lost. + +"The cowards," she muttered, as tears of passionate grief coursed down +her cheeks. "Oh, the cowards! Will nothing stimulate their courage"? + +With valor born of desperation she hurled herself upon the enemy still +in front and cut her way between their ranks. Once more surrounded by +her faithful Valaitis she was compelled to fly, on this occasion to the +shelter of the jungle. + + + + +Chapter XX + +_BIPIN TAKES A PRISONER_ + + +When the first messenger from Kunch rode into Kalpi, as if a thousand +demons were in pursuit, shouting wildly that the day was lost; the +worthy secretary, Bipin Dat, bitterly reproached himself for not +having, at all hazards, continued his journey to the abode of his +family. "_Ah, hae, hae_"! he groaned, "what God is unappeased by which +a peaceful man is continually involved in these affairs of bloodshed. +This all comes of not consulting an astrologer before setting out from +Jhansi. He might have so arranged matters with the heavens, that a +whirlwind would have scattered the Foreigners. Unfortunate is it, that +the great Rani sets so little faith in the all powerful astrologers." + +He quickly gathered a few trinkets together, carefully secreted them in +the folds of his turban, and was among the earliest to plunge into the +jungle. + +There, for several days he wandered about in fear of wild beasts, of +robbers, and of evil spirits. In what direction his footsteps were +bent, he had but a faint idea; his sole aim being to place between +himself and the scene of hostilities the greatest possible distance. An +occasional hut afforded him a sleeping place, where, in the universal +charity displayed to travellers, he was provided gratuitously with such +meagre fare as could be offered. + +How far he had wandered, Bipin could make no computation. The people of +the jungle knew only of their immediate neighborhood. It seemed to him +he must have travelled a great distance. In reality, like many under +similar circumstances, he had been rambling in circles. At the end of +two weeks he was still within thirty miles of the place he was eager to +view from a distance of two hundred. + +The day's tramp had been more than usually a toilsome one for Bipin. +He had taken a narrow path that seemed to wander capriciously amid +tangled underbrush with no particular destination. The sun had set +without a village or habitation in sight, and the mysterious silence of +the jungle, its ominous shadows, its majestic gloom, filled his soul +with dread. He was reluctant to go forward, afraid to remain on the +spot, and hesitated to turn back. His terrified fancy beheld the eyes +of a panther or a tiger glaring out at him from behind every bush. The +breaking of a twig, the sound of his own footsteps startled him nearly +out of his senses. Thrice that day had a fox crossed his path, the +worst possible omen. He beat his breast in his wretchedness. In turn, +his fat cheeks and brow became flushed, and chill as the damp slab of a +tomb. + +"Oh, what a fool have I been," he groaned, "to mix my life up in the +intrigues and ambitions of a court. How much better had I only remained +in my humble condition with my good uncles. I would never have come to +this unlucky pass." + +Before him the path made a bend. Through the branches he thought +he discerned a flickering light. It might come from a hut, or, he +shivered, from the watch fire of a detachment of the Foreigners. In the +morning he had heard that parties of them were beating the jungle for +fugitives. + +But in his deplorable situation, he reasoned, that it would be better +to fall into their hands with the chance of being able to prove his +innocence of rebellion, than remain where he was, a prey to some +malign influence that, for all he knew to the contrary, might change +him into a bat. He gathered his tattered garments about him, and moved +cautiously toward the light. He had not taken many steps when a hand +stretched out from the darkness laid a firm grasp upon his shoulder. At +the same moment a voice in his own language gruffly called on him to +halt. + +"Who art thou, and whitherward"? + +Bipin cast his arms above his head despairingly. His challenger might +be a robber, or the Native sentry of a Foreign encampment. + +"But a poor traveller--a devotee on his way to the holy river," he +cried timorously, "a man of peace seeking a shelter for the night." + +It was a fortunate inspiration that prompted him to pose as a pilgrim +to the bank of the holy Ganges. The vilest malefactor would respect +the sanctity of his person undergoing such a pious obligation. Had the +idea only occurred to him before, it would have saved many qualms of +nervous emotion. The accursed fox would have fled precipitately at the +cry of "_Ganga! Ganga_"! + +To Bipin's relief his captor replied in friendly accents: + +"Why, surely, thy voice is not unknown to my ears. Art thou not one of +the Rani of Jhansi's attendants"? + +Bipin was about to vow by all his Gods that so far from being in any +sympathy with the Native army, he detested their actions and loved the +Foreigners as his uncles. For a moment he was tempted to declare, that +never in his life had he beheld the face of the great Princess, and +reassert more firmly his sacred mission; when it occurred to him that +he might have stumbled upon a detachment of the fleeing Native army. He +promptly decided to make sure of this point before committing himself +to a confounding statement. + +"And thy voice, too, I seem to know," he returned. "Art thou not also +one of her followers"? + +"A servant of the valiant Rani, herself," came the terse response. + +"Blessed Devi," cried Bipin joyfully. "Am I not her worthy secretary, +Bipin Dat. Tell me, good fellow, where I may discover her Highness, for +whom I have been vainly searching in the jungle these many days past." + +"That is easily done, holy pilgrim," replied the other, with a laugh, +at the secretary's sudden change of garment. "She is encamped here with +a body of her Valaitis, in retreat from Kalpi. Come, I will take thee +to her presence." + +The sentry led Bipin a short distance to an open space in which two +or three hundred Valaitis were resting with their horses tethered at +hand. Near a small camp fire the Rani was seated gazing pensively into +the smouldering embers, kept purposely from rising into a blaze for +fear of disclosing her place of concealment. She did not notice Bipin's +approach until he had prostrated himself at her feet. Then she turned +her eyes upon him without speaking. + +"Great Rani," he at last exclaimed. "Behold thy worthy servant, Bipin +Dat." + +"Aye," she replied gravely but not unkindly. "Thou art a strange +creature, appearing where least expected. Better would it have been for +thee, good Bipin, if thou hadst taken another road than that which led +to the Rani's camp. I would urge thee to seek speedily thy home, for +with us henceforth there will be little use for thy pen." + +A note of sadness in her voice appealed to a sympathetic chord even in +the timorous nature of her secretary. It reproached him with cowardice +and infidelity to his beautiful, heroic mistress. + +"Lovely Rani," he cried penitently. "I vow hereafter I will never leave +thy side, come good or evil fortune." + +"Bipin," she replied with lighter spirit. "Though the present hour is +dark enough, it may yet be that those who follow me shall bask in the +brightest sunshine. If thou art determined to be among them, thou hadst +better seek thy rest, for by daybreak we must be far hence." + +A prudent man, the worthy secretary took a careful survey of the camp +before deciding on his sleeping place. Not that there was much choice +as regards a comfortable position. It was the bare ground for both the +Rani and her attendants; but in his turban there were still hidden +certain articles of value that might tempt the cupidity of the Valaiti +troopers. If in guarding his sleep they despoiled him of his remaining +possessions, he reasoned, that he would have paid overmuch for a +night's security. + +In this dilemma, his eyes chanced to observe the well spreading +branches of a tree, under which the Rani had taken up a reclining +position. They suggested to him a safe retreat. With some difficulty +he climbed the lower trunk and discovered a spot that nature might +have constructed to suit his present need. He curled himself up where +two stout limbs branched off into space, and amid the shelter of the +foliage was soon fast asleep. + +The silence of midnight descended on the camp, the fire died low, an +occasional grunt from the throat of a heavy sleeping trooper on the +ground, and a sonorous gurgle from that of the secretary aloft, were +the only noises distinguishable to the sentries. + +Presently the worthy secretary began to dream of the peaceful abode +of his uncles. It was a soothing picture to his troubled mind, but +unfortunately, like the reality of life, it was not destined to +last long without a counterpart of woe. In that absurdly impossible +procedure of dreams, the accursed barber of Jhansi appeared on the +scene, attired for all the world like a Foreign soldier--in fact, a +horrible nightmare, dual personality, endeavoring to shave off Bipin's +nose and ears with a two handed sword of immense proportions. In his +sleep the secretary struggled and gasped, for it seemed that the +barber-soldier had seized him by the throat and was endeavoring to +choke the breath out of his lungs. Indeed, the choking sensation became +so terribly realistic, that he awoke with a wail of anguish to find +that it was no dream at all, but that some huge, black monster, manlike +so far as he could discern its face in the darkness, had grasped him +round the neck, probably with the object of murdering him for the +treasures concealed in his turban. + +"Thieves! Murder! The Foreigners"! shouted Bipin, as loudly as the +little wind left in his chest would permit. He entwined his legs and +arms about a furry body and commenced a struggle for his life. + +At Bipin's cry of "The Foreigners," the camp was instantly aroused. +Horses neighed and pawed the earth, the troopers sprang to their feet, +the sentries rushed in and stood gazing up into the tree from which +there came a medley of strange noises. From the tumult, and the shower +of twigs and leaves that fell upon their upturned faces, it was evident +a desperate conflict was proceeding. + +"The Foreigners! Thieves! The accursed Foreigners. To the rescue, brave +Rani; oh! to the rescue, good comrades," the voice of Bipin saluted +their astonished ears. Then came screams and chattering in an unknown +tongue, with a fiercer renewal of the unseen combat. + +The Rani had been awakened with the rest. She was about to order some +of the men to climb up into the tree and discover the nature of the +disturbance, when, with a crashing of branches, a struggling black mass +fell into their midst. + +The troopers started back and then returned to separate the combatants +that still writhed and fought upon the ground, when the form of Bipin +struggled to his feet. He grasped a hairy baboon by the neck, and held +him a captive before the Rani. + +"Ah, what a ruffian," he panted, "to attempt to strangle me in my +sleep. Without doubt he must embody the spirit of some wicked enemy." + +In spite of her overshadowing misfortune, the Rani could not restrain a +laugh at the humor of the situation. + +"Thou art a brave fellow," she exclaimed, "and hast earned thy right +to fight with a lance instead of a pen. Some day, perchance, thou wilt +command a troop." + +"Truly," reflected Bipin, "whether I like it or no, Fate will have it +that I am to be mixed up continually in some accursed broil. If not +with men, alas! it seems with the animals. Such is the inscrutable will +of God." + +The troopers' voices echoed the Rani's sally with laughter. They +drove the baboon from the camp, peace was restored, slumber once more +descended upon their heads. Before daybreak the party were speeding in +a south-westerly direction toward a rendezvous of the Native chiefs at +Gopalpur. + + + + +Chapter XXI + +_THE GREAT COUP DE MAIN_ + + +It was but a fragment of the army defeated at Kalpi that had gathered +within the insecure walls of Gopalpur. + +Of the leaders, the Rao Sahib and Ahmad Khan had preceded the Rani of +Jhansi to that place. Tantia Topi and Rai Bahadur or Prasad Singh, +were hourly expected. Upon their arrival a council was summoned to +decide what was best to be done in the hopeless strait to which the +Native cause was reduced. To the North, East, and South; in whichever +direction their gaze turned, they beheld the victorious Foreign armies +closing in upon them with relentless force. + +It was one of those fearful days of heat preceding every rainy season. +The Rao Sahib awaited his companions under an awning on the roof of his +temporary residence, where any stray breath of wind, however sultry, +would be welcome. The sun had not yet risen to dispel the haze that +enveloped the surrounding jungle. + +The Rani of Jhansi arrived first, quickly followed by Ahmad Khan and +other chiefs. Lastly came Tantia Topi with Prasad Singh. + +The nobles saluted the Rao Sahib gravely as they appeared upon the +roof. Prasad's glance rested for a moment upon the Rani's form, but her +gaze was concentrated upon a map of the country. She was apparently +not aware of his presence. He took his seat the furthest from her +position, after exchanging with Ahmad Khan a formal greeting. + +Since his dismissal from Jhansi, Prasad had come to regard the +Mohammedan's actions leading up to that event with suspicion. He had +formed no definite charge to prefer against Ahmad, but if they should +meet again he had determined not to place so much confidence in the +other's protestations of friendship. He reasoned that they had not gone +far to assist him in the past. + +Toward the Rani, who appeared in his eyes more beautiful than before, +neither time nor absence had diminished his affection. It was true that +while he had come to regard the act for which his banishment had been +pronounced as inexcusable; the severe, the unjust criticism upon his +private life by one, who, if Ahmad's words were to be given credence, +was herself not blameless, for long rankled in his breast. + +But had Ahmad Khan spoken the truth concerning her? In the face of the +universal praise bestowed upon her virtue and bravery, a doubt had +risen in his mind of the Mohammedan's good faith. The doubt grew strong +within him during the night ride from Kalpi, and stronger still after +the manner in which she fought her way to his rescue at the battle of +Kunch. If Ahmad had slandered the Rani's character, had acted as a +traitor, he vowed he would slay him without mercy. But in the meantime +she had closed his mouth indefinitely. She had laid an interdict upon +any expression of his sentiment. He could not speak of these things +again until such time as she would grant permission. All he could do +was to prove the depth of his love by such actions as her rescue from +Jhansi. For the rest, he could only hope that fortune would give him an +opportunity to rend the veil of misfortune that had shrouded his life +in Jhansi, and appear before her in his true character--a character +much tempered by the trials and hardships he had since experienced. + +When all were assembled there ensued a period of silence. No one +among them seemed to find courage in his heart to speak. Indeed, what +was there that could be said? Their fortresses and arsenals had all +been captured; their armies vanquished and dispersed; the Foreigners +everywhere triumphant. It seemed that only one topic remained for +discussion--how to escape the vengeance that would surely fall upon +their heads. + +The Rani raised her eyes and glanced round upon their despondent +countenances. Upon not one of them could she detect a spark of hope +remaining. They were as cowed animals awaiting the lash of a master, +for offenses which they knew to be unpardonable, in defeat. + +"Well, my Lords," she spoke calmly, "I presume that being all gathered, +our business is to discuss the next place to give the enemy a battle." + +"Give the enemy a battle," Tantia Topi echoed in faint-hearted accents. +"What force of men, what guns, what ammunition, do we now possess with +which to give battle to the Foreigners. Where even can we fly, to gain +any but a temporary refuge"? + +"That," returned the Rani firmly, "may be the saving of our situation. +We cannot fly, therefore we must fight." + +"Fight," echoed Tantia Topi gloomily. "Have we not fought already, and +what has been the result? Perhaps the noble Rani," he added, with a +strain of sarcasm, "will instruct us how to wage a war without men or +guns." + +Tantia Topi had not escaped the feeling of jealousy among certain of +the leaders, as a result of the praise lavished by the troops upon the +personal valor of the Rani of Jhansi. + +She retorted with rising temper. + +"Ah"! she cried. "Have we not had some experience how fifteen hundred +men well-led can give battle to, and defeat over twenty thousand? Now +it is our turn to win a victory against overwhelming odds." + +"Perhaps the valiant Rani will instruct us further," the Native general +suggested, controlling his anger with difficulty, at the Rani's +reference to his Jhansi defeat. + +The Rao Sahib interposed, fearful of an altercation between his two +most skillful commanders. + +"Assuredly, fair Lady," he said, "any suggestion for a way to retrieve +our disasters will be most welcome." + +"Then, my Lords," she continued, as if suggesting a plan that presented +little difficulty of accomplishment, "it is simply, that either by +strategy, diplomacy, or assault, we do capture Gwalior." + +"Gwalior! Gwalior"! passed from mouth to mouth, while looks of +incredulous amazement broke upon all faces. + +"Gwalior, noble Rani," repeated the Rao Sahib. "Surely thou must mean +some other place, not Maharaja Sindhia's impregnable stronghold, +garrisoned by twenty thousand Foreign drilled troops." + +The Rani rose to her feet and spoke with gathering animation. + +"Aye, noble Rao Sahib, I do mean Gwalior, Maharaja Sindhia's capital +and no other. I beg your patience," she proceeded, "while I disclose +my plan further. With us here, we have, or may gather together on the +march, perhaps eight thousand troops--a force with which much may be +accomplished, as Tantia Topi knows." + +She glanced at the Native hero of numerous defeats with a slight +expression of contempt about her lips, and continued: + +"Good, then, with these I propose that we make forced marches +immediately upon Gwalior, and arrive there before Sindhia has been +warned of the coming of his guests. It is well known, my Lords, that +Maharaja Sindhia is, at heart, in sympathy with our cause. It is +also well known," she added with exquisite naïvete, "that he is a +young man not insensible to the charms of a fair woman. To Sindhia, +then, I purpose to dispatch a messenger beseeching him to grant me an +interview. If he doth grant it, be assured there will be no battle +before Gwalior. He will join us with all his forces. But if his crafty +minister, Dinkar Rao, or his Foreign councilor, doth persuade him that +the Rani of Jhansi's eyes will bewitch his reason to perdition, and +he doth refuse my emissary; then we will take his capital whether he +be disposed to yield or no. His people are our people; his troops our +troops; discreet messengers may induce many to join us at the critical +moment, if he elects to give us battle. Gwalior captured," she cried +with flashing eyes, "and all Northern India lies at our feet. The +Foreigners cannot march upon us immediately, for the rains will make +the roads impassable. Thousands will rally to our side. Our swords +will again flash across the heavens. Who knows not only Jhansi, but +Delhi may be recaptured. Is not this a prize worth staking our frail +lives upon? But even if defeat is again the will of God, if die we +must; is it not better to perish as warriors should, in a feat of arms +upon which the eyes of our enemies will gaze with marvel, than as wild +beasts hunted through the jungle? + +"Ah, my Lords," she appealed to them with superb emotional fervor. "Let +not us cherish despair, but take to our hearts that invincible faith +in ourselves, by which the seemingly impossible is often successfully +accomplished. Now is the hour when the steel of our courage is forever +determined. Let us at least drag from the unwilling tongues of these +Foreigners the admission, that the glorious traditions of our race +are not to be closed in the pages of history, without reference to a +sublime, a mighty funeral." + +The Rani's hearers gazed upon her in wonder. That the force of her +argument; the fire of her words, swept toward them as a blast from a +furnace of heroism, had kindled in their breasts a responsive flame +of her own dauntless spirit, was evident: but they were appalled, +dumbfounded at the audacity, the daring of her proposal. + +To march upon Gwalior in the demoralized condition of their army, +in their own sickening despair. Gwalior protected by the strongest +fortress in all India, that was regarded, even by Sindhia's Foreign +allies as impregnable. Gwalior the capital of the great Maharaja, +containing the pick of the Native army and vast stores of munitions of +war. No! It could not be done, they agreed mentally. The plan to their +minds did not offer the single chance out of a thousand in a forlorn +hope. + +The Rao Sahib sighed deeply. He gravely shook his head from side to +side. + +"It is impossible, I fear, brave Rani," he replied. "It would be easier +to recapture Delhi, than seize Gwalior from Sindhia's hands." + +"Impossible! Impossible"! the others echoed sadly. + +Even the fierce nature of Ahmad Khan for once failed to respond to an +enterprise of such overpowering odds. But in his mind, the reappearance +of his rival, had inflamed his jealousy and hatred to subvert all other +feelings. His eyes, at intervals, had glanced suspiciously from the +Rani to her lover. Though he had detected no signs of affectionate +regard pass from one to the other, he knew that between himself and +Prasad, her heart in its entirety, if not her favor, went forth to the +noble of her own faith. + +Despair, not of an ultimate triumph over the enemy, nor as the result +of the blood-stained conscience which certain among the Foreigners +asserted she possessed, but despair of her ability to move her +companions to one of those splendid achievements of warfare, by which +campaigns are turned suddenly in favor of the vanquished, seized upon +her spirit. It stimulated all the heroism of her nature to an outburst +of feeling. She could no longer withhold the whip of scorn to thrash +their courage into action. + +"Then stay, my Lords," she cried, "and rest yourselves in Gopalpur. The +weather is hot and uncomfortable, for such work as this of Gwalior. But +I--I with my Valaitis, even if not another one doth follow, will go to +Sindhia's fortress, and either bid defiance to the Foreigners from its +walls, or yield my life into the hands of God." + +Ahmad's martial spirit was stung by the taunt. He would have risen to +his feet in support of the heroic woman, had not a quicker action on +Prasad's part restrained him, in sullen humor, to his seat. + +The Rani had turned as if about to leave the council, when Prasad +crossed over to her side. He drew his sword and laid it at her feet. + +"If no other will follow," he cried, "I will go with thee to Gwalior, +or to wherever thou dost lead." + +The Rani rewarded him with a grateful look, in which he might have +discerned the shade of a more tender feeling. She bent down, and taking +his sword gave it back to him. + +"Thou shalt go with me to Gwalior," she spoke gently. + +The Rao Sahib had listened throughout the Rani's appeal with a growing +appreciation of its truth. Some great, some telling stroke must be +delivered in the emergency. It needed but an incident like Prasad's act +to win him over to her side. + +"Aye," he exclaimed. "Prasad Singh doth rightly. We will all go with +thee, valiant Rani. The command, too, of this business shall be given +to thy hands. If Gwalior is captured, the glory of it shall forever +rest upon thy head." + +The Rani was quick to encourage with praise the turn of opinion in her +favor. + +"Now do I know, as I had ever believed," she cried joyfully, "that thou +art all brave men. Within a week, I vow the Peshwa shall be proclaimed +in Sindhia's palace. + +"And so," she added, "that we are no longer divided in this matter, I +would select the one to go forward as my emissary to Sindhia. Ahmad's +valor would entitle him to the dangerous mission, but that, without +offense to any present, it would be better to dispatch a Hindu noble as +an envoy to a Hindu prince. Otherwise the Maharaja may regard our aim +as too much in the interest of the court of Delhi. Thus I would urge +that Prasad Singh doth set forth immediately on this errand, while we +close in upon his steps to-night." + +"I have said thy will shall be the order of our march, brave Rani," +returned the Rao Sahib. "Prasad Singh will go as thy messenger to the +Maharaja forthwith." + +The Rani turned toward her lover. + +"Go then, good Prasad," she enjoined, "and in thy most skillful manner +seek to obtain for me an audience with Sindhia, at some place without +the walls of Gwalior secure from treachery. Go, and may God's blessing +rest upon thy head. + +"So, my Lords," she cried. "Let us to Gwalior with cautious speed, and +good fortune smiling on our efforts." + +The nobles rose spontaneously and shouted with rekindled spirits: + +"To Gwalior! To Gwalior "! + +The cry was caught up by the soldiers on guard in the compound: + +"To Gwalior! To Gwalior! Death to the enemy. Victory for the Rani of +Jhansi." + + + + +Chapter XXII + +_VICTORY_ + + +From remote ages Gwalior had been one of the chief cities of India, +owing to the immense natural strength of its position. Many races, +succeeding one another, had reared their dwellings about the foot of +the huge pile of rock, rising in grim, deep shadowed precipices on all +sides, two to three hundred feet from a broken plain, to a plateau +crowned by the massive fortress, a mile and a half in length by three +hundred yards wide. By a single narrow path alone could the summit be +gained. + +Numerous had been the splendid palaces, temples, and mausoleums +erected in the vicinity by dynasties swept away, and ruins only of the +Baradari, once the most superb hall of audience in the world, marks the +site of the colossal residence of the Moguls. + +In part skirting the suburbs of the city, the Morar river winds +northward to its junction with the Chambal, thence its waters reach +the Jumna, to mingle finally with those of the holy Granges. Beyond +the Morar, at a considerable distance rocky hills bordering the plain, +afford a first line of defense, the few defiles being easily rendered +impassable by fortified works. + +Such was the place the Rani of Jhansi's daring spirit had determined +to seize. It was rich in long accumulated treasure to refill an empty +purse, rich in the heirlooms of one of the greatest Native families, +and in war material to arm new levies of troops, and thus prolong the +strife to an indefinite period. As a prize to fall into her hands, +there was scarcely its equal at the moment in India. The moral effect +of the successful accomplishment of the act, upon both parties to +the struggle, would almost equal that of the capture of Delhi at the +commencement of hostilities. + +On the morning of the Thirtieth of May, Maharaja Jaiaji Rao Sindhia, +the ruling prince of the great Maratha house of Gwalior, had finished +his devotions and was about to partake of his usual frugal early meal +of milk, bread, and fruit, when a servant delivered a surprising, and, +on the whole, an unwelcome piece of news. + +An emissary of the Rani of Jhansi had arrived at the palace, and +requested an immediate audience with his Highness. + +During the year past, Sindhia had heard much of the redoutable Princess +of Jhansi. He had been told of her beauty, her wisdom, and her valor. +He had followed with sympathetic interest the capable administration of +the government of her state, her defense of Jhansi, and latterly, with +secret regret, the misfortunes which had descended on her head. So much +for his private feeling toward the Rani. + +But in public he had followed the advice of his astute minister, Dinkar +Rao, who persuaded him to remain an ally of the Foreigners, against his +natural impulse to cast in his lot with the Native cause. This, for a +sufficient, if not a patriotic reason. While Sindhia bore no love for +the Foreigners, he experienced less for the Peshwa as the supreme head +of the Marathas, and less still, if not actual hatred, for the ruling +Mohammedan family of Delhi. + +"If," argued Dinkar Rao, "the Foreigners are driven out of India, +who will grasp the great scepter? Surely either the Peshwa or the +Emperor of Delhi. What then will become of Maharaja Sindhia? He will +be, as of old, a feudatory of an avaricious Native monarch. Better is +it to submit to the lesser evil, the comparatively light yoke of the +Foreigners." + +Maharaja Sindhia perceived the wisdom of his minister's argument, and +in spite of the execrations of his troops and people, remained the +Foreigners' faithful ally, when his influence cast into the scale on +the other side, might have ended their rule in India. + +His first thought on hearing of the arrival of the Rani's messenger, +was that she was about to look to him for an asylum of refuge. Under +the circumstances he devoutly wished she would seek the protection of +some other prince. Her presence in Gwalior would surely again stir up +his people, many of whom, without his permission, had joined the ranks +of the Native army. Then if he were compelled to hand her over to the +Foreigners, the act would be so unpopular, that it might be unsafe for +him to remain in his own state. He reasoned thus, while he sent in +haste for his minister to take advice before consenting to receive the +Rani's envoy. + +Dinkar Rao was as much perturbed as his master over the intelligence. +He hastened to Sindhia, resolved to urge a refusal of the Rani's +petition whatever might be its import. He, too, arrived at the hasty +conclusion that she was desirous of seeking a refuge in Gwalior. It +would, he reasoned with the unscrupulous nature of a born diplomat, +have laid the Foreigners under a lasting debt of gratitude, if she +could be tricked by fair promises to place herself in Sindhia's power, +and then handed over to the mercy of her enemies. But he feared +the vengeance of the people, who regarded her as the champion of a +righteous cause. At all costs the Rani of Jhansi must be kept away from +Gwalior. + +These sentiments he strenuously urged upon Sindhia, before it was +decided to accord the interview. + +Prasad Singh entered Sindhia's presence as became the emissary of a +great princess. He saluted the Maharaja with dignified respect, and +then proceeded to unfold his mission. + +The Rani of Jhansi, he announced, with other illustrious princes and +generals, and an army of eight thousand men, were now encamped at +Bahadurpur nine miles distant. + +Both Sindhia and Dinkar Rao started. This was not the usual way a +fugitive sought protection. They at once perceived a greater peril in +the situation than they had imagined. Not that they feared for Gwalior +itself as a fortress, but concerning the people. Could they depend upon +the fidelity of their troops in such an emergency? Against any other +leader, probably; but the name of the Rani of Jhansi made it more than +doubtful. In the temples prayers were constantly rising for her safety. + +Sindhia replied to the envoy, by asking the purpose of the Rani of +Jhansi at the head of so large a force within his territory. + +"Her Highness," Prasad returned evasively, "is but marching from +Gopalpur to the north, and has halted to pay her respects to the great +Maharaja of Gwalior. She is desirous of a personal interview with a +prince of whom she has heard so many words of praise." + +Sindhia's feelings were stirred conflictingly. He would have sacrificed +much personally to behold the woman, of whom all men spoke in such +enthusiastic terms. He would have been glad to receive her with the +highest honors; but the shadows of the Peshwa, the Emperor, and the +Foreigners haunted his mind. + +"Doth the Rani then desire to enter Gwalior"? he asked anxiously. + +"Such, my Lord Sindhia," Prasad replied, "is far from her Highness's +present intention. She trusts to meet the great ruler of Gwalior merely +in friendly intercourse at some point without the city. To this end +only do my instructions extend." + +Sindhia found himself in a dilemma. To refuse this apparently simple +request might seem an ungracious act. Besides, he was anxious to judge +of the beauty and charm of which others raved continually. Surely there +could be little harm in extending to her this outward mark of his +respect. If the Foreigners blamed him subsequently, he could plead the +danger of the situation. He might even assert that his object was to +urge upon her to surrender. + +But Dinkar Rao was of a different mind. His master's _zanana_, tenanted +by more than one beauty, was a conspicuous proof of the youthful +Maharaja's susceptibility to the charms of fair women. Whatever covert +object the Rani might have in view, and from her character he suspected +an ulterior design cloaked by the harmless nature of her request, +he feared that Sindhia would be carried away by her smile if not by +her force of argument. So he took upon himself to reply by a pointed +question. + +"Thus far, well, my Lord Prasad Singh, but the Maharaja Sindhia should +be informed first, how it comes about that the Rani of Jhansi prefers +her request with an armed force so near to Gwalior, instead of sending +forth her envoy from the boundary of the state, asking permission to +approach the capital. To my mind it does not display great respect on +her part for the authority of Maharaja Sindhia." + +The concluding statement was directed as much to the sensibility of +his master as it was by way of reply to the Rani's envoy. It had the +designed effect. Sindhia's pride was nettled. + +"Aye," he acquiesced. "My minister speaks wisely. Doth the Rani of +Jhansi suppose my territory is to be invaded at the will of any +neighboring ruler? That question must be answered to our satisfaction." + +"My Lord Maharaja," Prasad replied. "I have no doubt the Rani will, +herself, make her action excusable to your Highness. We live in times +of strife when the customs of peace are swept aside out of necessity. +Your Highness, as a great Indian prince, will surely not view with +disfavor the Rani's conduct in defending her rights against the +Foreigners." + +The appeal touched Sindhia's heart. Before his mind rose the image of +the valiant Princess, fighting for her throne, their united country and +religion. He hesitated to return an answer. It was a critical moment +for the fortunes of his house. + +Dinkar Rao quickly perceived the effect of the sympathetic chord +touched by the envoy. He seized the opportunity to impress upon his +master's ears a discordant note. + +"Of the misfortunes of the Rani of Jhansi," he said, "Maharaja Sindhia +cannot be unmindful, but," he added with significance, "among her +allies are representatives of the Peshwa and the Emperor. These are +no friends of Sindhia. Rather are they more his enemies than the +Foreigners. It is my advice that the Maharaja does not meet the Rani +with these people. It is my advice that he doth require the Rani to +immediately withdraw from his dominions." + +"Aye, thou speakest well, Dinkar Rao," remarked Sindhia. "The Rao +Sahib has no right to come with armed men into my territory." + +Prasad was not prepared for this trend of argument. He again besought +Sindhia to grant the Rani her request; but Dinkar Rao's policy +prevailed. Sindhia would not receive her in such company as that of +the Rao Sahib and Ahmad Khan. She must retreat beyond his borders +forthwith, or abide the consequences. Such was his ultimate decision. +He was probably glad to be afforded so plausible an excuse for refusing +hospitality to the Foreigners' enemy. + +Thus Prasad was reluctantly obliged to return to the Rani's camp with +the information that his mission had failed. + +"So Dinkar Rao," the Rani cried, "is fearful that I might win his +master to our cause. We will then take his capital." + +On the First of June the sun rose to discover the armies of the Rani +of Jhansi and Maharaja Sindhia confronting each other on the plain of +Gwalior. In the distance the great rock with its fortifications stood +out defiantly against the sky. + +Overnight, Sindhia had been informed that the Rani's forces, so far +from obeying his injunction to retire from his state, were advancing +upon the city. It left him no alternative but to give battle. + +Sindhia had occupied a strategic position on rising ground, his flanks +protected by squadrons of cavalry, his center formed by artillery. A +splendid body of six hundred nobles and retainers guarded the person of +the Maharaja. + +[Illustration: Her horse leaped forward, straight for Sindhia's +guns.--Page 255.] + +Across the plain, the Rani had thrown out a light screening force of +skirmishers. Behind these she had placed herself at the head of her +Valaitis, with Prasad bearing her standard once more proudly aloft. +Again in rear was her artillery and infantry, with the remainder of her +cavalry under Ahmad Khan in reserve, either to support her in case of +need, or to dash for Gwalior the moment the day was won. + +The Rani wore on her head a Persian cap of steel, richly ornamented +with figures of beaten gold, a spike of the same precious metal, and +feathery aigrettes. Her hands and wrists were protected by gauntlets +of metal scale work. It was evident she did not intend to direct the +battle from a spot secure from the danger of shot or blows. Every inch +did she appear as one of those intrepid Maratha warriors, who had +defied the power of the great Mogul, in order to carve kingdoms and +principalities for themselves out of his empire. + +Presently Sindhia's guns opened on the advancing foe. They swept the +open space between the two armies with devastating force, driving the +Rani's skirmishers back upon the main body. For a few minutes the smoke +hid the two forces from each other. It was the moment the Rani looked +for to deliver a telling blow. + +She turned in her saddle and raised her sword. A bugle rang out the +clear notes of the charge. Her horse leaped forward straight for +Sindhia's guns, with her troopers thundering in her wake. Onward she +dashed heedless, and unharmed by the shot and shell, up to the wall of +smoke, and through it to the belches of cannon flame. With a terrific +yell her troopers came upon the gunners, driving them from their posts. +Sindhia's first line broke and fled. The Rani had captured his guns. + +Sindhia's glance swept over the field in alarm. He had ordered his +infantry to support the artillery and they had refused to obey. If his +ears did not deceive him, they were shouting the Rani of Jhansi's name. +A decisive moment had come. Something must be done or the battle was +lost. He ordered his bodyguard to charge before the Rani's troopers +could reform or she could receive support. + +The Rani accepted the challenge, rallied her troopers as best she +could, and boldly fronted the oncoming force. The shock was terrific, +the ensuing _mêlée_ of cursing, shouting, fighting horsemen, desperate. +In the heart of it all the Rani's sword flashed above her head, +delivering sweeping blows. Wherever her standard, slashed and pierced +with sabre cuts and bullets, waved, there the fight seemed hottest. Her +life appeared to be shielded by a charm. At one time she had cut her +way near to Sindhia's person. + +"Sindhia! Sindhia"! she cried. "Art thou as much afraid of the Rani's +sword as thou art of her eyes. Stay but a moment, as I would exchange a +few strokes with thee." + +But Sindhia had seen enough of the day. The ferocious Valaitis were +routing his bodyguard, his infantry had gone over to the enemy, the +Rani's main force was advancing to cut off his retreat. In the distance +he beheld the enemy's reserve cavalry sweeping across the plain to +seize his capital. With a few horsemen, he turned and galloped from the +field to his Foreign allies at Agra. + +A great victory had at last crowned the Rani's arms, the battle of +Bahadurpur was won; she had kept her promise, Gwalior lay at her feet. + + + + +Chapter XXIII + +_HAIL! PRINCESS of the MARATHAS_ + + +Well might the Native leaders give themselves over to a transport +of exultation. The victory had been so complete, Sindhia's flight +so hasty, that not a rupee of vast treasure, not a gem of the hoard +of a century, had been saved from their hands. Within an hour they +found their condition changed from being little better than that of a +routed mob, to the possessors of an impregnable stronghold, a splendid +armament of modern guns, a new force of ten thousand well drilled +troops, stores and munitions of war in abundance. More than this the +people of Gwalior received them, not as conquerors, but as champions of +their race. + +Early in the afternoon the Rani of Jhansi rode into Gwalior on the +right hand of the Rao Sahib. Thousands of people came forth to meet +her, shouting her name in a frenzy of joy. As she approached the gates, +a salute of artillery burst from the fortress, high above their heads. +She gazed upward to behold her banner replacing Sindhia's on the +loftiest pinnacle. It was the result of Prasad's first order, on taking +possession of the fortress in the name of the Rani of Jhansi, as well +as that of the Rao Sahib. + +On the steps of the palace they were received by a group of liberated +Maratha nobles, who had been imprisoned by Sindhia to please his +Foreign allies. Their patriotism had so dominated their discretion that +the last few months had been passed within the walls of the Gwalior +fortress. They greeted their deliverers with effusions of welcome. + +In Sindhia's palace confusion reigned. The chief ladies of the +_zanana_, his wives and concubines, had heard from time to time of +the exploits of the Rani of Jhansi, certainly with astonishment. But +in the privacy of his family life, Sindhia had not been so fearful +of expressing his admiration for the heroic woman. Consequently she +found little favor in the minds of the voluptuous companions of his +leisure hours. In the atmosphere of gossip and jealousy in which they +existed, they were inclined to regard her as a bold creature of less +than doubtful virtue, otherwise she could not consort so openly with +men. Unlike the poor and humble of their sex, who beheld in her an +incarnation of the glorious Uma, the Goddess of Light and all things +beautiful, they ascribed her power to the influence of the sinister +Durga, under whose protection they charitably asserted she was +preserved from death. Thus she grew in their eyes to be a terrible, +awe-inspiring figure, and they fled from Gwalior faster than their +noble lord, the Maharaja, on the first news that she was about to enter +the city----, white bundles of humanity, riding for life across the +plain, with Ahmad Khan in vain pursuit. He was loath to be deprived of +the fairest spoil of victory. + +It was shortly decided that Sindhia's personal treasure was to be +divided equally among the Native leaders, all the jewels, silks, and +robes found in the _zanana_ to become the property of the Rani of +Jhansi as by natural right. From the state treasury a bountiful supply +of largess was to be drawn to recompense both their own troops and +those of Sindhia, who had joined them at the critical moment. A grand +_Darbar_ was summoned by the Rao Sahib to meet that evening in the +great hall of Sindhia's palace, to proclaim the Peshwa supreme Lord of +the Marathas, and to reward the leaders for their loyalty to the cause. + +In the enthusiasm of the hour, all signs of past misfortunes, or +of those which might yet descend, were swept from the exultant +countenances of nobles and officers, congratulating each other upon the +prize that had been won. + +When darkness had fallen, the _Darbar_ hall presented a scene of +unsurpassed magnificence. From huge crystal chandeliers suspended from +the roof, hundreds of candles illuminated the ornately carved pillars +and capitals, the inlaid pavement, the walls, a blaze of light in the +reflections of silver-framed mirrors. On either side of the throne +gilded chairs of state had been placed, but it was upon the contents of +sundry gold dishes, that the eyes of the gathering throng feasted. + +They were piled high with ornaments scintillating sparks of colored +fire from Sindhia's hoard of emeralds, rubies, diamonds, and sapphires. + +Upon one tray reposed a single jeweled casket, evidently containing +some priceless trinket. Several argued with each other over the +question for whom it was destined as a reward. + +Presently, the Rao Sahib entered the hall from a door near the throne. +Toward the figure of the Rani of Jhansi at his side the attention +of all was immediately drawn. Against her desire to appear in her +uniform, she had been persuaded to attire herself in the state robes +of the senior Rani of Gwalior, silks of many hues, stiff with pearl +embroidery. A splendid crown of rubies and diamonds rose above her +forehead, her girdle was heavy with precious stones. + +The Rao Sahib conducted her to a seat immediately on the right of the +throne, when as the Peshwa's representative he took a standing position +directly in front of the vacant chair of royal authority. Behind them, +and on either side, the nobles in their train grouped themselves +effectively. + +As they looked from the dais they beheld the great hall filled to its +utmost capacity with eager upturned faces. Curtains screening the +apertures had been withdrawn, disclosing crowded ante-chambers and +passages. Could their gaze have penetrated further they would have +seen a vast concourse surging about the entrance to the palace and in +the courtyard beyond. These did not so much await the proclamation as +another common object in mind. + +The Rao Sahib moved to the edge of the dais, and read a brief +declaration of the Peshwa's titles. + +It was received with applause, though it was apparent their enthusiasm +was restrained. + +He then proceeded to distribute favors. Upon the shoulders of the +nobles recently imprisoned for their sympathy with the Native cause, +he placed robes of honor. To others were given important offices and +commands. + +The recipients were each cheered loudly, but soon looks of mute inquiry +broke on many faces. + +Was there then to be no reward for her who had won all this glory for +their arms? + +Thus, while Sindhia's jewels were being divided, in the background, +several grew impatient. They began to call upon the Rani's name. + +"Shame! Shame"! they murmured. "Is it not the Rani of Jhansi who should +receive honor above all others"? + +One taller than the rest silenced the complaint for the moment. + +"The casket," said he, "yet remains. Hush! Perchance it contains the +greatest treasure for the Queen." + +The jewels were at last disposed of to the satisfaction of some and +the disappointment of others. The Rao Sahib turned, and took the Rani +lightly by the hand. He led her before the throne. + +Then was it that the enthusiasm of every heart burst forth in a mighty +cheer, that shook Sindhia's palace to its foundations. In the halls, +courts, and corridors, it was tumultuously echoed; the throng without +caught it up, and hurled it above the city to the black walls of the +fortress, where a woman's banner was fluttering in a gentle current of +air. + +They knew their valiant Queen was about to receive her reward. + +It was long impossible for the Rao Sahib to obtain a hearing. The Rani +seemed to shrink from the storm of affectionate regard her rising had +called forth. She realized that she had won a greater victory than +Gwalior, the laurels of which no enemy could snatch from her brow. She +had captured the hearts of the people. + +Again and again the Rao Sahib endeavored to enjoin silence, but it was +temporarily obtained in one part only to be lost afresh in half a dozen +quarters. At last he addressed those nearest to the dais. + +"My Lord Rajas," said he, "I need not present to you the great Lady +who stands before the throne. To the noble Rani of Jhansi belongs all +praise for the glory of this day. As imperishable as the fortress rock +of Gwalior, her name will stand forth in the history of our race. By +the will of the most illustrious Peshwa, I give to her the supreme +command of the army of Gwalior, and for her adornment Sindhia's most +cherished jewels. For the rest, is she not yours, to honor as you +please"? + +Prasad had left his place in the suite, and taken the casket in his +hands. He raised the lid and approached the Rani. Silence fell upon the +expectant throng. + +With care he took from the casket rope after rope of matchless pearls. +It was Sindhia's state necklace, once of the Imperial Regalia of +Portugal. + +He handed the casket to another, and then gently hung the treasure +about the Rani's neck. + +Swiftly he stepped back a pace or two. His sword flashed in mid-air as +his voice resounded throughout the hall. + +"Hail! Lachmi Bai, Rani of Jhansi. Hail! Victor of Gwalior, Princess of +the Marathas." + +His voice died away for a moment without response, then the storm of +enthusiasm burst forth anew. It grew into a frenzy almost approaching +madness. They shouted that she should be proclaimed Queen of Gwalior +as well as Jhansi. The Rao Sahib became apprehensive that she might be +swept on the wave of popular favor even to the dignity of the Peshwa's +throne. + +Without, the plaudits increased above the tumult in the hall. An +officer with difficulty elbowed his way to the dais. He delivered a +message to the Rao Sahib. + +"The people," he cried, "would have the Rani of Jhansi come forth so +that they may behold the light of her countenance." + +The Rao Sahib glanced uneasily over the surging mass and protested. + +"I fear for her person," he said. Then he asked. "Can they not be +appeased in some other way? If thou wert to scatter money among them." + +"Noble Rao Sahib," the officer replied. "A hail of gold _mohrs_ would +not satisfy their humor. They will see the great Rani, the Victor of +Gwalior." + +"Aye, my Lord," the Rani interposed. "Surely will I go to the steps +of the palace. These poor people. Do I not love them? If it pleases +them to see but a frail being like themselves, their desire is easily +gratified." + +She took the crown from her head and gave it to an attendant, replacing +it with the folds of a shawl. Then she moved down amid the cheering +soldiers thronging the hall and passages to the steps of the portico. +There a vast multitude confronted her eyes. Torches flared upward to +illumine exultant faces. Their plaudits were redoubled as they beheld +her come forth attended by the other leaders of the cause. She moved +a few paces in front of the pillars rising on either side, and stood +gazing wistfully, wonderingly upon the scene. It was to her, and to her +alone, that their admiration, their love went forth in a whirlwind of +vociferous applause; but she failed to grasp its entire significance. +She could have demanded the Peshwa's crown, and they would have set +it on her head. She received the tribute only as a vindication of her +actions in upholding her rights with the sword. + +It was her hour of triumph. + +The scene was less to the liking of the Rao Sahib even than that within +the palace. The Rani of Jhansi had clearly become the fountain of honor +and authority with the people. Had he understood her nature better he +need not have harbored fear. + +Presently those nearest to the portico would have it that they could +gaze upon her face more clearly. + +Obediently she threw back the folds of her shawl, disclosing all her +features to their view--strength, determination, heroism, displayed in +their classic outlines. + +"Ah, dear Rani," a trooper cried. "Beautiful Queen of Jhansi. Behold +how the people do love thee." + +The words smote her heart, causing a spring of emotion to burst forth. +On the instant she became the woman in place of the redoutable warrior. +She turned as if seeking a place of retreat to hide her feelings. + +Prasad in waiting near by, noticed her appeal, and strode to her side. + +The Defender of Jhansi, the Victor of Gwalior, raised her hands to her +face, laid her head on his shoulder, and wept. + +Prasad gently led the Rani from the scene. He conducted her through +a silent corridor to a door that opened into the palace gardens. +Thence to a pavilion set apart for the use of the ladies of Sindhia's +_zanana_. The noise and uproar died away, the stillness of night fell +upon them, for long neither spoke. + +At last the Rani broke the trend of a deep reverie. + +"Prasad," she asked. "Art thou not going to the banquet? See, there +are lights yonder in the windows of the great hall. Thou wilt miss the +feast in honor of our victory." + +"What care I for feasts, dear Lady," he returned, "so that I may stay +with thee." + +"Thou art changed then, Prasad"? she replied. + +"How dost thou mean"? he questioned. "Changed in some manner I pray +God I am; but never was there a time since I first set eyes upon thy +graceful form, when I hungered for aught else, but thee, fair Rani." + +[Illustration: "Never have I hungered for aught else but thee, fair +Rani."--Page 267.] + +"Ah! Prasad, surely thy memory is at fault," she retorted. "I no longer +blame thee for it, if truly thou art changed, but there was a time when +thou didst prefer to drink of Foreign spirits, and enjoy the charms of +_natch_ girls, rather than obey the summons of the Rani." + +"Never," he cried vehemently. "I vow it is not so. Explain more of this +I do beseech thee, so that I may perceive clearly the source of the +untruth." + +"I would not recall the matter, only to satisfy thee," she answered, +"but when thou wert a guest of Ahmad Khan, dost not remember his +enthralling dancer? Ah! fickle one," she rebuked him lightly. "Has +Ganga's face, too, vanished from thy mind"? + +"In truth," Prasad affirmed. "Her face never was in my mind to vanish +from it. With thy dear face ever before my eyes, I beheld no other, not +even as a passing fancy." + +"Say you so"? she spoke quickly. "Yet Ahmad Khan vowed most reluctantly +that thou wert so drunk with wine, so intoxicated with thy passion for +the girl, that thou couldst not be brought to listen to my voice." + +Prasad started, as the late suspicion of his friend's treachery began +to receive confirmation. + +"Tell me! Tell me"! he urged. "Did he convey my message to thee, that +I was sick, that I yearned for a glance from thine eyes to heal my +malady"? + +"Truly he did not," the Rani answered. "No such message did he ever +bring." + +Prasad sprang to his feet impulsively. + +"The lying, treacherous Moslem," he ejaculated fiercely. "Farewell +for a little space, great Rani. For this he shall answer even at the +banquet. I will slay him in his seat." + +"Nay, stay, good Prasad," she enjoined. + +"Aye, but thou dost not know all," he returned vehemently. + +"But I would know all," she answered calmly, "before thou dost commit +so rash an act." + +"Dear Rani! Ah God, that there could be such vileness coiled like a +serpent round any creature's heart. What wouldst thy order be, if I +were to disclose to thee, that yonder villain, had sworn thy ears were +too full of the love words of another Moslem to hear of my petition, +that his name so hung upon thy lips as to stifle any message in return, +thine eyes so captivated with his form that thou hadst yielded thy +virtue to his passion as readily as a lotus bending its fair head +before a storm? Such was thy case with Dost Ali; he swore upon his +cursed Koran, and so he stirred my nature until I lost my reason. What +now, great Rani, is thy pleasure, thy command"? + +He waited, breathing heavily with emotion, for the order he anticipated +would burst forth from the outraged woman's lips to exterminate the +Mohammedan. But it did not come. + +For a moment, and for a moment only, she was tempted thus to act. An +angry glance swept to the lighted windows of the banquet hall. But she +perceived the fatal consequences of a blood feud stirred up at that +feast. It might be ruinous to the brightening prospects of the cause +she cherished more than all else. + +"Prasad," she replied deliberately. "It is a lie. We have both been +wronged. But as God this day has answered my prayers, I doubt not he +will judge between us and Ahmad." + +"What! Shall I not then go hence and slay him"? Prasad demanded. + +"Nay," she replied restrainingly. "Hast thou forgotten how we stood +in Jhansi? So do we stand here in Gwalior. All is not yet gained. +Be assured the Foreigners will return. We need Ahmad's sword, more +than his dead body in revenge. Ah! my dear Lord," she exclaimed with +rapture, "Let us forget his wickedness in this hour of joy--in this +hour of our reconciliation," she added in a lower tone. + +He knelt at her side, then took her yielding form in his arms. He drew +her closer and closer to his breast. + +"Prasad! Prasad! I do love thee," she whispered softly. + +"To the end, dear one, to the end," he passionately returned. + +From the banquet hall the sounds of high revelry came across the garden +borne upon air laden with the perfume of flowers; but, in time, the +lights were extinguished, and only the watchwords of the sentries on +the citadel fell upon their ears. The veil of darkness hid their long +embrace, until the bugles of the morn rang out the call to arms. + +An hour of triumph and an hour of happiness was past; an hour greater +than both was yet to come. + + + + +Chapter XXIV + +_AHMAD'S LAST STRATAGEM_ + + +From the moment of Prasad's reappearance at Gopalpur Ahmad's jealousy +was rekindled to greater force even than in Jhansi. He hated the +Hindu noble with all the vindictiveness of his nature. Had stirring +events not followed each other with such rapidity, he would have +sought a pretext for an open quarrel, and once for all settled their +rival claims to the Rani's affection. If he was chagrined at Prasad's +selection to act as her envoy to the Maharaja Sindhia, the feeling +was intensified on the other being chosen as her standard bearer at +Bahadurpur, and by Prasad's telling stroke for her favor in saluting +her as Princess of the Marathas at the grand _Darbar_. + +At the subsequent banquet he sat in sullen, gloomy humor. He neither +spoke nor feasted. At the call to drink of spirits and join in the +carousal of the assembled nobles, he pleaded his religious principles +as an excuse to withhold his lips from intoxicating liquors. + +That the Rani was not present at the banquet was to be expected, but he +marked Prasad's absence, and drew conclusions from a guilty conscience. +They were together, he surmised. His duplicity was probably discovered. +"What then"? he again and again asked himself. + +For the vengeance of Prasad he did not fear. His arm was as strong +as that of his rival. But he dreaded the form of retribution usually +visited at Native courts by a powerful enraged woman. He conjectured +that the Rani's resentment would not be displayed in a burst of anger, +a dagger thrust openly at his breast; but in one of those covert ways, +by which such offenders as himself were disposed of, to terrorize the +stoutest heart. He might be invited to an entertainment that led to +the dungeon of a fortress, there to die of cholera, so it would be +affirmed. Obnoxious people often disappeared without an explanation. +The blank of that unknown was fraught with the suggestion of torture, +and a lingering death by slow poison. + +As Ahmad glanced uneasily round the hall, every shadow seemed to warn +him of impending danger. The palace was no safe place for him if the +Rani and Prasad were together. He had better, indeed, gain the outside +of the walls of Gwalior until he had made up his mind what course to +adopt. He rose to carry this idea into immediate effect. + +"What, art thou going"? his neighbor asked in a tone of friendly +rebuke. "Thou, who art ever the first in war and the last to leave a +banquet." + +"To-morrow is a fast," Ahmad tersely rejoined. "I would be early at my +devotions." + +His neighbor laughed banteringly. + +"Your devotions"! he exclaimed. "Ah, to be sure, and to a fair deity, +I doubt not. It is ever the way with you Mohammedans. Your Prophet +takes good care that his followers are provided with _houris_ on earth +as well as in heaven. But good luck to you. May she speedily reward +your prayers." + +"The fool," muttered Ahmad, as he passed from the hall by the nearest +exit. "A very yielding deity is the one I have in mind." + +With caution he made his way through dark passages and courts out from +the palace. He strode rapidly into the narrow, squalid bazaars of +Gwalior, directing his steps toward one of the city gates, heedless +of the rejoicings of the people among whom he passed. He breathed the +night air more freely when he had left the walls behind. + +At the camp, which was his first destination, he found the soldiers +drinking in celebration of the victory, and disposed to be quarrelsome. +He approached his own quarters and sternly ordered a few men, upon +whose temporary fidelity he could depend, to saddle their horses. +Curses and blows soon brought them to their senses and obedience. In +his tent, Ahmad quickly sorted and placed in security about his person, +the lighter and more valuable of Sindhia's jewels that had fallen to +his share. Then he came forth, mounted his horse, and led the way to a +dwelling situated a few miles out from the city. + +It was a house he had visited on a previous residence in Gwalior, +secluded, and within easy reach of the hills in case of the necessity +of flight. It was owned by a member of his religion, who received him +with every outward sign of friendship. + +There, he determined to remain for a day or two, and by means of spies +watch the actions of the Rani and Prasad. + +Such news as he did thus receive inflamed his jealousy still further, +and confirmed the surmise of danger in his position. + +The Rani, it appeared, had taken up her abode in the camp, to direct +the maneuvering of troops and the erection of fortifications in the +defiles of the hills against a possible return of the enemy. Prasad +was observed constantly at her side. It was evident he had entirely +regained her favor; it was almost certain the moving hand of the Jhansi +intrigue had been detected. + +Clearly, to Ahmad's mind, Gwalior was no safe place in which to remain. +He had better away before the Rani's vengeance fell. + +He argued further, that, for other reasons, a severance of his +connection with the Native cause would now be a wise course. The jewels +he had obtained from Sindhia's treasure were of considerable value. +He had taken other booty, too, that could be turned into ready money +through the agency of his Moslem host. With this, he might return +to Afghanistan and placate the Amir, from whose anger he had fled, +consequent upon the death of a relative of that monarch, charged to +Ahmad's long account of such affairs. Besides, what business had he to +fight in the Peshwa's name? Had the Emperor of Delhi been proclaimed +at the _Darbar_, religious principles might have enjoined upon him +the duty of remaining in the field, but he owed no allegiance to the +Hindu king. As a fanatic, at heart, he detested the Hindu faith and its +followers. His object had been to fight with them, first to vanquish +the Foreigners, and then, in the name of the Mogul Emperor, subdue his +allies. But that hour was now unlikely ever to come. The Emperor was a +prisoner in the Foreigners' hands, and such power as was regained to +the Native cause through the victory of the Rani of Jhansi, lay with +the Peshwa. He despised and hated the Peshwa, so he decided to withdraw +from Gwalior, though not alone. He purposed to carry the Rani with him +by force, if such an act were possible. He thought out his plan deeply, +for in it there was no little danger. + +That night, he determined to ride into the camp and direct one of +his followers to seize her from her tent, then away before an alarm +could be given or a rescue effected. It was a bold project, but he +was prepared to risk much in a last attempt to secure her embrace. If +frustrated in the act, he could lie, fight, or fly as circumstances +dictated. The chief difficulty lay in discovering her sleeping +place, as it was reported she changed her tent nightly. Over this, +he pondered, at length arriving at the decision to decoy the Rani's +secretary to his house, and by threats compel him to disclose the +secret, if it were preserved as such. He sent forth two of his men, +discreet in such affairs, to lay hold of Bipin Dat. + +As it happened this proved to be an easy matter. + +Like the majority of the Rani's followers, Bipin had plunged into a +demonstrative celebration of good fortune. With head held aloft and +chest expanded, as he considered was the proper carriage for one who +stood so near to the person of the Heroine of Gwalior, he had gone +forth on the morrow of the victory to impress upon everyone he met +the exalted nature of his office. He was thus received by all with +protestations of friendship, given the best to eat, and unluckily more +spirits to drink than it was prudent for him to imbibe. Alas! For two +days the worthy secretary had been absent from his duties. + +In sober intervals, marvelous were the stories he recounted of personal +valor in battles fought side by side with his great mistress. His +audiences gazed upon him with eyes wide open, as they listened with +ears of deep attention. At the conclusion of each narrative the brave +secretary must accept another cup of spirits. Of a truth the brave +secretary seemed as great a drinker as he was a fighter. He always +protested, but drank the spirits nevertheless. At last he stumbled +across an accursed unbeliever in his prowess, one of those unpleasant +people to be found among all nations, who will persist in placing a +vocal mark of interrogation after every man's statement. + +"At Bahadurpur," Bipin asserted, "six of the Foreigners I killed with +this arm. Their Maharaja I would have captured, but that he plunged +with his elephant into the jungle." + +"How could that be"? asked the incredulous one, "since there were no +Foreigners at Bahadurpur, their general does not ride on an elephant, +and there is no jungle within leagues of the place. To be sure what +thou sayest is doubtless true, honorable sir," he added apologetically, +"but other accounts of the battle differ so much; and what am I, but a +seeker after the exact truth"? + +Bipin glared angrily upon the venturesome man, but his ideas were not +in such order, just at the moment, to discover an answer on the tip of +his tongue. Fortunately, two men who had sat attentively in a corner +came to the relief of his confusion. + +"Thou art a miserable fellow," interposed one, addressing the doubter. +"If the great secretary says he killed six of the Foreigners at +Bahadurpur, they must have been there to be slain. If he asserts the +Foreign general escaped on an elephant, did he not possess eyes to +note the difference between that beast and a camel. Wert thou at the +battle"? he asked pointedly. + +"Aye, wert thou at the battle"? echoed the companion, "otherwise thou +art an ass to talk in such fashion." + +The doubter was compelled to admit that he had not been within miles +of the fight, when the secretary's confusion was transferred to his +countenance. + +Bipin effusively thanked his champions for their belief in his words. +In turn they insisted upon drinking a cup of spirits with so great a +man. + +"Ah"! exclaimed the first who had spoken, "what would not my poor +master give to hear such tales as flow from thy lips." + +"Who is thy master"? asked Bipin, with a solemn period between each +word. + +"The Raja Krishna Singh, great sir," the other replied respectfully, +"a Gwalior noble whose infirmities have for long held him to his +couch, and prevented his attendance even at the grand _Darbar_. He +would receive thee with all honor as the Rani's secretary, and reward +thee handsomely if thou wouldst deign to tell all thou knowest of the +glorious Queen of Jhansi. Her name is ever in his mind. My companion +and myself would gladly lead the way to his house." + +Bipin's pride was immensely flattered. His society was now being +sought by a raja. Soon he would be a raja himself. With condescension +he agreed to accept the invitation, after he had drank another cup of +spirits to steady his feet. + +"Is it far to thy master's house"? he asked. + +"But a short distance beyond the walls, noble Secretary," his new +friend replied. + +"_Wah!_ Then I will go with thee now," Bipin assented. + +He endeavored to rise, but the additional cup of spirits had an effect +contrary to what was intended. His limbs collapsed under him as if +disjointed. He would have been obliged to remain on the spot but for +his friends' assistance. They helped him to his feet and out into the +bazaar, then with strong arms supporting him on either side, they +hurried him to the gate. + +For a time, Bipin chattered incoherently about battles, rajas, and +palaces; when it began to dawn upon his obscure understanding that he +was travelling a great distance. His feet dragged over the road as if +weights of iron were chained to his ankles. He begged to be permitted +to lie down and sleep. To his dismay his companions gruffly ordered him +to move faster. It suddenly occurred to him that he might have been +abducted by thieves. + +He cried once for help, but a hand promptly laid over his mouth stifled +the sound. In a firm grasp he was thrust unwillingly forward. + +At last they came to the house occupied by Ahmad Khan, when Bipin +was conducted out of the darkness immediately into the Mohammedan's +presence. + +For a moment the secretary stood blinking in the light with no idea of +his surroundings. He had entirely forgotten the object with which he +had been induced to set forth from the city; but Ahmad's countenance +seemed familiar. Through a mental haze, the thought came to him that +one of his uncles had heard of his good fortune, and had arrived to +obtain a share of his money. This was a displeasing, if not an entirely +unlooked for event, so he determined to disavow the relationship +before the other had time to make himself known. + +"Go away," he ejaculated, with his eyes fixed stupidly upon Ahmad. "Go +away. Thou art a rogue, a lying _fakir_. I swear thou art no uncle of +mine." + +"What, thou drunken fool," shouted Ahmad in a voice of thunder. "I +would as soon be uncle to a litter of swine." + +He clutched Bipin by the throat, and held him until the secretary's +eyes and tongue protruded. Ahmad hurled him into a corner. + +"Get water," he cried, "and throw over the idiot. Then, perhaps he will +come to his senses." + +But Bipin had arrived at a realization of his position. He recognized +Ahmad, and begged forgiveness for his mistake. + +"To be sure," he returned feebly. "Thou art my good friend, Ahmad Khan, +though a little rough and quick in resenting an error of sight on +coming in out of the darkness. I beseech thee to say no more about the +pitcher of water." + +"That wilt depend how quickly thou canst gather thy wits," Ahmad +sternly replied. + +"Surely every one of them are now in my head," answered Bipin, +frightened at Ahmad's manner. While he endeavored to recollect how it +was he had been induced to come to the place, he began to change his +previous good opinion of the Mohammedan. + +"Then listen," enjoined Ahmad, "and speak truly or a torch applied to +thy feet may quicken thy understanding. Dost know in which tent the +Rani sleeps to-night"? + +As Bipin had not been to the camp, he was not possessed of the +information, but under the circumstances he thought it best to withhold +his ignorance. In any case, he reasoned, it was probable Ahmad would +not place credence on his denial, and might carry his threat of the +torch into effect. + +"Certainly, great sir," he replied. "If it be thy desire, I am ready to +point out the Rani's tent." + +"Where is it situated"? Ahmad asked. + +This was a difficult question for Bipin to answer off-hand. He +hesitated a moment before he replied. + +"Where is her tent placed"? Ahmad again demanded. + +"Great Lord," stammered Bipin, "near to,--I mean on the right of that +occupied by her Valaiti guard." + +"Thou art assured of this"? + +"Noble sir, why should I tell a lie"? Bipin questioned in return. + +"Good, then," Ahmad resumed, bending a stern look on the secretary. "In +two hours we set forth from the camp. When we arrive there, thou wilt +point out the Rani's tent to one of my men. If thou hast spoken the +truth, then thou canst go to the devil for aught I care; but if a lie, +the Rani will herself have thee well beaten. It is her order that thou +dost obey me in this," he added, in response to a surprised look on the +secretary's face, "as she awaits a secret message that must fall into +no other hands." + +Ahmad then withdrew to call down, as usual, the blessing of God on his +evil intent; leaving Bipin in charge of an attendant. + +An attempt on the secretary's part to discover Ahmad's object further, +was met by a silent repulse. + +Truly, the situation was not one to afford the secretary cheerful +reflections. He knew no more than Ahmad of the position of the Rani's +tent, but he trusted that in the scuffle likely to ensue, from an +entry into a tent presumed to be that of the Rani, he could escape. He +had told a lie in the first place, and was now afraid to disclose the +truth. Whatever was the result, he vowed henceforth to transfer his +watchful eye from Prasad to Ahmad, as it was evident the Mohammedan had +a disagreeable, an unfriendly side to his nature. + +"What a miserable existence is this," concluded Bipin. "We have no +sooner climbed to a great height, than a rock slips from under our +feet, and behold! we are again where we started. If I only get well out +of this, no prospect shall tempt me to remain away from my family." + +Presently the effect of the secretary's libations overcame his fears, +and snores proclaimed unconsciousness. + +Bipin had slept for about two hours, when he was awakened by a rough +hand laid on his shoulder, while a voice commanded him to rise +immediately. + +He was led to the outer door of the house, where a group of horsemen, +with Ahmad in their midst, were accoutred apparently for a long march. +With considerable effort, emphasized by impatient oaths from Ahmad, +the secretary was assisted on to the back of a spare charger. Ahmad +gave an order, and the party set off at a brisk pace through the +darkness of midnight toward the camp--silent, grim visaged figures, +ready for any desperate act. + +Ahmad approached the camp at a point where he was well known and +would be permitted to pass unquestioned. He inquired his way to the +headquarters and rode thither with caution. Then he ordered two of his +followers to dismount and carry out his previous directions. + +There were no lights, and for a space Bipin stumbled about among the +tent ropes. + +"Thou fool," muttered one of the men. "If thou dost make such a +disturbance the whole camp will be awakened. Where is the tent? Point +it out quickly and let us get the work over, or the master will slit +thy windpipe." + +Bipin had not the faintest idea of the Rani's sleeping place, but he +indicated a tent at random. + +"Siva protect me," he faltered. "What now will happen"? + +One of the men approached the tent noiselessly and untied the +fastenings. He listened for a moment, when being satisfied apparently +that its occupant was still asleep, entered. His companion watched +outside. + +In a minute the man reappeared bearing a struggling woman's form in his +arms, with one hand over her mouth to prevent an outcry. He hurried to +the waiting troop and relinquished his burden to Ahmad. The two men +then vaulted on to their horses, and the whole party were off without a +cry, or a word exchanged. + +Bipin remained for some moments a prey to fear and astonishment. Then +it broke upon his mind that he had betrayed his mistress for some evil +purpose. + +"Ah, hae, hae"! he cried. "Oh, wretch that I am. Ah, the unluckiness of +everything. Help! Help! good people. The Rani has been abducted." + +In a few seconds guards ran with all haste to the spot; figures +emerged from the tents, a babel of tongues rose above the wail of the +secretary. Presently, to Bipin's surprise, the Rani herself appeared on +the scene. + +"What is all this"? she demanded. "Bipin art thou intoxicated, or has +thy sleep been possessed by a nightmare"? + +"Oh, great Lady," he cried. "Tell me, I implore thee, is it, in truth, +thyself, who speakest"? + +"To be sure," she replied. "Who else should it be. Thou art becoming a +tiresome fellow," she added, "with thy midnight adventures. Disclose, +what manner of creature hast thou been in combat with now"? + +"Alas! great Rani," Bipin returned. "It was the terrible Ahmad Khan who +compelled me to point out thy sleeping place, and he has gone off with +I know not whom." + +"Ahmad Khan"? the Rani exclaimed, as the truth of his design flashed +upon her. "Now, by Heaven"! she cried angrily. "I will bear no more +with him. Go," she commanded to the captain of her guard, "mount with +a troop and follow swiftly. Thou art to bring him to me alive or dead. +The beast hath gone mad and must be exterminated." + +The officer obeyed her order with dispatch. He rode forth in the +direction it was said Ahmad Khan had taken, but in the darkness +soon lost the track. At daybreak he was forced to return with the +intelligence that Ahmad had escaped. + +Meanwhile Ahmad galloped northward with savage joy in his heart. He +clasped the insensible captive form tightly in his arms. + +"Now Allah be thanked," he muttered exultingly. "The fair Rani, the +fickle beauty can escape me no longer." + +He rode with all speed for a long distance in fear of pursuit, but at +last he could restrain his impatient desire to gaze upon her face no +longer. + +The day was breaking as he halted his party. He moved a little apart, +and uncovered the fold of linen over the woman's head. He directed his +eyes with passionate rapture upon the unveiled face; then broke out +into a volley of oaths. + +"Hell's fiends," he shouted, as his astonished gaze beheld an old and +wrinkled countenance. "What damnable trick of fortune is this? Am I +bewitched"? + +His arms mechanically released the figure of an aged servant of the +Rani. She fell to the ground, and, recovering her senses, sat moaning +pitifully. + +For a time, Ahmad was too dumbfounded to take any other course than +to explode curse after curse. Then his mortification and fury burst +upon the heads of the two attendants, who had been chief parties to +the misadventure. He rode at them with uplifted sword, but they warily +parried his blows, to finally disarm their master. + +"What will my Lord do now"? they asked significantly. + +Truly, what would Ahmad Khan do now? was the question. To return to the +Rani's camp was impossible. There was no choice but to go forward. + +"Get thee home, hag," he addressed the terrified woman, "and bear Ahmad +Khan's best _salaams_ to thy noble mistress. Tell her, he hath grown +weary of her court and her caprices." + +With fury he drove his spurs into his horse's flanks. By night and day, +with little rest, he rode for that lawless territory beyond the Afghan +border. There, his own followers seized an opportunity to relieve him +of his life and treasure. + +In a barren, rocky pass, his body lay, pierced by a dozen wounds, +exposed to the vulture and the lion; while his murderers, in retreat, +quarrelled and fought over the price of their treachery. + +It was a pitiless closing scene, in keeping with his nature. + + + + +Chapter XXV + +_FOR MY COUNTRY_ + + +Gwalior was captured by the Rani of Jhansi. Such was the astounding +news carried swiftly from end to end of the Indian Peninsula. The +Natives, for the greater part, hailed it either with secret or open +joy, many nobles, with their retainers, hastening to join the standard +of the redoutable Princess. To the Foreigners, it brought astonishment +and perplexity, with fears that the whole rebellion would burst forth +anew. They realized that a second Jeanne D'Arc, as valiant in battle, +more subtle in council than the Maid of Orleans, moved by the same +passionate love for her country, had cast in their teeth a wager of +defiance, to stand until either they were driven from her state, or she +had perished. + +It was no hour for deliberation. Her _coup de main_ had been so well +timed, that unless Gwalior was immediately recaptured, the rains would +descend, making the country impassable for military operations, and her +position thus secure for months to come. The result was unpleasant to +conjecture. + +With all haste the army of Central India, that had retired to quarters +for the approaching season of storm, was reorganized, and the general +who had fought against the Rani at Jhansi, at Kunch, and at Kalpi, +marched forth to another test of skill. In his long and honorable +career he had never met an opposing leader more worthy of his steel. + +In the meantime the Rani threw all the force of her character, all +the energy of both her body and mind, into preparations for the +struggle she quickly perceived was at hand. She fully appreciated the +material advantage she had gained, she also understood the weaknesses +of her comrades in arms--their tendency to prolong the festivities +in celebration of their victory, their unconquerable disposition to +retreat the moment the Foreigners closed in battle. But now that she +was in supreme command, she determined that at Gwalior it would either +be another victory, or death for herself and the majority of her +companions. + +"Canst thou not rest for a little, dear Rani"? Prasad asked, when after +days of untiring energy she continued to bend her efforts to perfect +the defenses. "If the Foreigners come, surely we are safe from them +here." + +"Nay Prasad," she returned. "No rest will I take while danger +threatens, and this work remains uncompleted. But in a little there +will come a long rest for me, either in thy arms, my love; or in those +of God." + +Prasad, the Rao Sahib, even Tantia Topi, through his jealousy, +marvelled at the spirit of the woman. They curtailed their feasting, +and zealously furthered her commands. + +The general belief that the Foreigners would not march upon Gwalior +before the rains was soon dispelled. From two directions, the East and +South, it was learned, that the enemy was rapidly approaching. It was +evident they regarded the recapture of Gwalior as of supreme importance. + +It was impossible for the Rani to superintend in person the long +line of defenses raised before Gwalior, so she delegated the command +of those to the south to Tantia Topi, reserving for herself the +less strongly fortified position amid the hills and ravines to the +south-east of the city, lying between that place and the village of +Kotah-ki-sari. There she awaited the army advancing from the east, +impatiently for a few days; with still greater impatience on the +Sixteenth of June, when the distant roar of cannon announced that +Tantia Topi was engaged with the Foreigners at Morar, on her extreme +right. + +Throughout the day various reports reached her ears. At one time, it +was claimed, that the Foreigners were successively repulsed, beaten, +and in full retreat; later, that Tantia Topi was as usual practicing +masterly tactics in a retrograde movement. + +"Ah, now, may God curse his cowardice," she cried passionately, to the +messenger. "Return with all speed and order him to stand wherever he +may be; for if I find him in the Gwalior fortress, one of us shall die +for it." + +But Tantia was not of standing fibre before Foreign bayonets. If in +little else, he was a genius in limbering up his guns and dragging them +away from desperate positions. That night the Rani was informed that +he had succeeded in executing a clever strategic act. He had held the +Foreigners at bay until he was able to move back upon Gwalior in good +order with his guns, abandoning Morar, a useless place, to the enemy. +On the morrow he believed he would rout them utterly. + +The Rani's anger, her contempt for such conduct of warfare, could +scarcely find expression in words or action. She sat in her tent, sick +at heart, pondering deeply over the situation. + +"What can I do"? she murmured. "I cannot command at all points of this +wide field at the same moment. Is there no one but me who hath the +courage to dash forward? These Foreigners are only men like ourselves. +They are not Gods. God knows, far from it. Have I not seen many of them +perish at Jhansi, at Kunch, and at Kalpi"? + +"Go," she commanded to an aid-de-camp. "Go to Tantia Topi, and say that +if he doth make such another masterly retreat, the Rani of Jhansi will +aid herself by attacking him in rear, and driving him on to the enemy's +bayonets." + +Then she retired to a temple and prayed long and fervently to the +God of Battles, that on the morrow her troops might be endowed with +invincible courage, that once more He would give her arms a victory. + +The day broke with an atmosphere charged with sweltering heat. Soon the +rocks and sand burned to the touch as if but a thin crust lay between +their feet and a mighty furnace. If its oppressiveness was felt by +the Rani's troops, it bore tenfold more heavily upon the Foreigners, +fatigued by a long march. + +The Rani had taken up a position with cavalry, artillery and infantry +among the hills intervening between the enemy and the plain of Gwalior. +Her plan was to draw the Foreigners into the ravines by a feint of +retreat, holding them there in conflict with intrenched infantry and +masked batteries, while she swept down with her cavalry through a +flank defile upon their rear. She might thus capture their baggage and +ammunition train, throwing their front into hopeless confusion. + +At daybreak she beheld the enemy advance to the assault. + +All through that day the battle was waged with desperate valor on both +sides. Step by step the Foreigners fought their way into the ravines, +driving the Native troops before them. At different stages the Rani +rode into the thick of the combat to animate her followers, with Prasad +bearing her standard. Her counter attack was delivered at an opportune +moment, but was frustrated. Evening approached to find both armies +exhausted, the Rani's first position captured, but her forces still +held well together. A decisive victory could not as yet be claimed by +either side; for the Rani had decided to continue the battle throughout +the night. + +It was in a moment of temporary rest, that the Foreign general ordered +his cavalry to charge, with the object of driving the Rani's bodyguard +out into the Gwalior plain. The movement took the latter by surprise, +with a resulting panic. + +The Rani bravely fronted the oncoming squadrons in an endeavor to rally +her troopers, but in the tumult her horse took the bit in its teeth and +carried her away in the rout. At their heels the Foreign horsemen were +slashing and firing their pistols mercilessly. Again and again the Rani +called on her troopers to halt, but they only rode for the camp the +faster. She reined in her horse and turned, to find she was the last on +that part of the field. A hussar was upon her with uplifted sword. + +The blow fell but she parried it adroitly, and delivered another in +return that slightly wounded her assailant. More hussars coming fast +in their leader's wake, the odds were too uneven against her. She set +her horse at a ditch a few yards in front, beyond which was safety. +The brute urged by her voice leaped forward to the bank, then refused +to jump, stumbled and fell with its rider. Before she could extricate +herself, the hussar dashed upon her with fury nettled by the pain of +his wound. As he swept by, he leveled his pistol and fired. The bullet +lodged in her breast, her sword fell from her hand, she sank to the +ground in unconsciousness to rise no more. + +Over the ditch the hussar passed little thinking that he had dealt a +mortal wound to the "bravest and best" of the Native leaders. In his +eyes she had appeared only as one of their officers. + +Soon the Foreigners' bugles sounded the recall, the Rani's bodyguard +rallied and charged back over the field, but it was too late to save +their mistress. They discovered her where she had fallen, and gently, +sadly, bore her back to her tent. + +There it was made apparent that her end was quickly approaching. +Prasad, heartbroken, bitterly reproached himself that he had not +remained at her side to protect her from harm. He had taken her +lifeless form in his arms. About them were grouped men who had never +before experienced a tender emotion. Tears coursed down their fierce, +bronzed, visages. + +Prasad's gentle caresses at last recalled the Rani to consciousness. + +"Well Prasad," she asked in a faint voice. "How went the battle? All is +not lost I hope, though I am wounded to the death." + +"Ah, dear one," he sadly returned. "All is truly lost with thee." + +"Do not speak thus," she replied, painfully exerting herself to a +return of spirit. "While brave men live no cause is lost." + +Then turning her gaze upon the grief stricken countenances of her +troopers, she enjoined them not to weep for her. + +"For thy tears will bring forth mine," she pleaded, "and the true +soldier cries not on facing death." + +With assistance, she then removed Sindhia's necklace from her breast. +She directed the strings to be broken, and summoning her ever faithful +Valaitis gave to each, in turn, a pearl in remembrance of their fair +captain. + +"Farewell," she said, as each saluted with uncontrolled grief. "Be +brave and fight on until the end." + +Soon Prasad remained with her alone. + +For a time she rested her head upon his breast with her arms about him. +Many loving, sorrowful words were exchanged, until she felt the moment +of dissolution nigh. + +"Prasad," she said. "Place thy hand within my jacket. Thou wilt find my +parting gift to thee there." + +He obeyed as she directed, and drew forth his dagger. + +"Thy dagger, O Prasad," she exclaimed. "I have kept it to protect my +honor. I give it back to thee to save thine own in case of need. And +now, my dear Lord, one request have I to ask of thee before I say +farewell. I beg thou wilt see to it, that no Foreign eye doth gaze upon +my body after I am dead." + +In a sorrowful whisper he promised to comply. + +"Then farewell," she said. "Farewell Prasad, may God love thee as truly +as I have done." + +"Farewell"? he exclaimed interrogatively. "I will not leave thee yet +alone." + +"Prasad," she returned. "It is my will to be alone. Nay, I shall not be +alone. Again I say, farewell to thee, for thine eyes must not behold my +last moment." + +He embraced her once more, laid her gently back amid the pillows, then +rose obediently to her command. He paused on the threshold of the +entrance to gaze for the last time upon her face. In its beautiful +features there was discernible neither sign of weakness nor of +fear--her spirit remained heroic to the end. He covered his eyes with +his hands and passed forth. + +Within the tent a profound, mysterious, silence fell, as the darkness +of night descended on the land. The Rani clasped her hands upon her +breast as her lips murmured a last prayer. + +"Great God of Gods. O most holy, omnipotent One. If I have sinned +against the laws of my caste, it was for the love of my country. Surely +thou wilt forgive a woman who has tried to inspire others to be brave +and just. O India," she cried, raising herself with difficulty upon her +side and stretching forth her arms, "farewell. Farewell my people, my +brave soldiers whom I have loved to lead in battle against the foe. Not +forever shall their horsemen ride triumphantly through the land. A day +will come when their law shall be no longer obeyed, and our temples and +palaces rise anew from their ruins. Farewell! Farewell! O Gods of my +fathers, be with me now." + +She drew the folds of a shawl over her face to hide her death agony, +and again lay down. The blackness of night grew deeper, the silence +more intense. Presently, strange, warrior forms seemed to appear from +the unknown and filled the Rani's tent. One supremely beautiful figure, +in dazzling raiment, came forth to enfold the dying woman in her arms. + +In a little, a wail of lamentation rose across the intervening space +between the camps of the two armies. The Foreign soldiers asked its +meaning of one another. + +The answer might have been, that the spirit of the heroic Lachmi Bai +had been gathered to the protecting arms of Param-eswara, the merciful, +the just, the all supreme God, alike of the Hindu, the Mohammedan, and +the Christian. + +The Rani of Jhansi was dead. + + * * * * * + +Great was the pomp and solemn the ceremony with which they carried out +her last desire, so that even her body might not fall into the hands of +the enemy. + +Before the day had come again, a long procession took its way from +Sindhia's palace to a point on the bank of the Morar river, where a +flower-decked funeral pyre had been erected. + +In the van troopers marched with mournful step, followed by officers +bearing torches. Then came Brahman priests, naked to the waist in +performance of their sacred office. They chanted from the Vedas and +scattered rice upon the way. These preceded the bier, upon which, under +a canopy of cloth of gold, lay the body of the Rani, attired in royal +robes, with the marks of her high caste set upon her forehead. Directly +following, walked her aged _guru_, whose solemn duty it would be, in +the absence of a relative, to ignite the funeral pyre. Lastly, Prasad +with the Rao Sahib, attended by all the nobles of the court. + +Beside the whole length of the route traversed by the procession, a +multitude of people had gathered, whose lamentations rent the air. + +The bier was carried slowly to its destination, and seven times round +the funeral pyre. Then the Rani's body was lifted tenderly and placed +upon its last bed of death, rice was scattered over all, and the dry +brush, saturated with _ghee_, ignited. + +The flames leaped high, illuminating many weeping faces, and throwing +into relief the figures of Brahmans, nobles, and officers, grouped in a +majestic scene. Quickly the tongues of fire reduced to ashes the Rani's +mortal form. These, the priests reverentially collected, and, with +prayers, cast them upon the waters of the river, to be carried into the +bosom of holy Ganges. + +"Farewell," cried Prasad, as he stood upon the bank. "Farewell, thou +brave, dear Rani. I doubt not I shall be with thee soon." + +That day the sun of India hid its face behind gathering clouds, the +storm, the monsoon burst. + + +THE END + + + + + _A DRONE and + A DREAMER_ + + By NELSON LLOYD + _Author of "The Chronic Loafer"_ + + AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY + + Illustrated, Cloth, 8vo, $1.50 + + "A Drone and A Dreamer' recalls the maxim of La Bruyere: _'When + the reading of a book elevates the mind and inspires noble + sentiments, do not seek for another rule by which to judge the + work. It is good and made by the hand of a workman.'_ One of + the cleverest and most fascinating stories, all too brief, that + it has ever been my pleasure to read." + --WALT. MCDOUGALL, in _North American_. + + "Capitally told. The whole story is rich in humor." + --_Outlook._ + + "The most delightfully original offering of the year." + --_New York World._ + + "A story that everyone can enjoy."--_New York Press._ + + "At once and unreservedly we acknowledge the singular merits of + this clever romance." --_New York Times Saturday Review._ + + "Occasionally across the weary wastes of contemporary + fiction--erotic, neurotic, tommyrotic or would-be + historical,--comes a breath from some far, sweet land of + cleanness and beauty. Such a story is 'A Drone and A Dreamer.' + It is difficult to conceive of anything more charming and + delightful than this book."--_Chicago Evening Post._ + + J. F. TAYLOR & COMPANY + _5 & 7 EAST SIXTEENTH ST._, NEW YORK + + + + + _LACHMI BAI_ + + BY + MICHAEL WHITE + + Ornamental Cloth Cover, $1.50 + + Fully Illustrated + + _A Strong Historical Novel + Dealing with the Sepoy Rebellion_ + + A story founded upon the struggle of the famous Princess of + India, Lachmi Bai, to recover her possessions from the English. + + The novel shows her in the role of _The Jeanne d'Arc of India_, + depicting with masterly skill the brains, unceasing energy + and indomitable courage which enabled her to rouse the native + princes to strike a blow for freedom. Her beauty, woman's wit + and earnestness of purpose, all make her a most fascinating + heroine, both in romance and history. + + J. F. TAYLOR & COMPANY + _5 & 7 EAST SIXTEENTH ST._, NEW YORK + + + + + _The Great White Way_ + + Ornamental Cloth Cover, Gilt Top, $1.50 + + A RECORD OF AN UNUSUAL VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY, AND SOME ROMANTIC + LOVE AFFAIRS AMID STRANGE SURROUNDINGS + + The whole recounted by one NICHOLAS CHASE, promoter of the + expedition, whose reports have been arranged for publication by + =ALBERT BIGELOW PAINE=, author of "_The Van Dwellers_," "_The + Bread Line_," etc. Drawings by BERNARD J. ROSENMEYER. Sketches + by CHAUNCEY GALE, and maps, etc., from MR. CHASE's note book. + + A Romance of the Farthest South + + A THRILLING ACCOUNT OF ADVENTURE AND EXPLORATION AT THE SOUTH + POLE + + "THE GREAT WHITE WAY is the best thing of the sort I've seen + since _'Gulliver's Travels._' + + "It is far more entertaining than any account of Ant-Arctic + discovery given to the world heretofore, and I'll venture the + opinion that it is fully as correct in scientific research. + Moreover, the story will fetch all who have felt the '_hug of + the bear_.' + + Very truly yours, + JOSHUA SLOCUM, + _Mariner_." + + + ALBERT BIGELOW PAINE, + _Voyager_. + + J. F. TAYLOR & COMPANY + _5 & 7 EAST SIXTEENTH ST._, NEW YORK + + + + + NORTH + WEST _But One Verdict_ EAST + SOUTH + + THE + CHRONIC + LOAFER + + _By + NELSON LLOYD_ + + 8vo, Cloth, $1.25 + + =Outlook, New York= + =New York= "A new American humorist. The stories have the point + and dry force found in those told by the late lamented _David + Harum_." + + =San Francisco Argonaut= + =Cal.= "Will bring a smile when it is read a second or third time." + + =New Orleans Picayune= + =La.= "Racy with wisdom and humor." + + =Chicago Inter-Ocean= + =Ills.= "A book full of good laughs, and will be found a sure + specific for the blues." + + =Omaha World Herald= + =Neb.= "The reader will love him." + + =North American, Philadelphia= + =Pa.= "Great natural humor and charm. In this story alone + Mr. Lloyd is deserving of rank up-front among the American + humorists." + + =Portland Transcript= + =Me.= "A cheerful companion. The reviewer has enjoyed it in + a month when books to be read have been many and the time + precious." + + =Denver Republican= + =Col.= "Nelson Lloyd is to be hailed as a Columbus. There isn't + a story in the book that isn't first-class fun, and there's + no reason why _The Chronic Loafer_ should not be placed in + the gallery of American celebrities beside the popular and + philosophical _Mr. Dooley_." + + J. F. TAYLOR & COMPANY + _5 & 7 EAST SIXTEENTH ST._, NEW YORK + + + + + The Ordeal _of_ Elizabeth + + FRONTISPIECE BY ALLAN GILBERT + + Ornamental Cloth, Gilt Top, $1.50 + + _The Story of an American Elizabeth_ + + This vital love story will force every woman who reads the book + to form an opinion of what she would have done if subjected to + the same ordeal. + + _A Vivid Picture of Social Life in New York._ + + A powerful love story, full of human interest and deep sympathy. + + J. F. TAYLOR & COMPANY + _5 & 7 EAST SIXTEENTH ST._, NEW YORK + + + + + "We were Strangers and they took us in." + + _The Van Dwellers_ + A STRENUOUS QUEST FOR A HOME + + BY + _ALBERT BIGELOW PAINE_ + Author of "The Bread Line" + + TO THOSE WHO HAVE LIVED IN FLATS + TO THOSE WHO ARE LIVING IN FLATS, AND + TO THOSE WHO ARE THINKING OF LIVING IN FLATS + + Every one will enjoy the delicious humor in this account of + a pursuit of the =Ideal Home=. The agonizing complications + that arose between =Landlord=, =Janitor=, =Moving Man= and the + =Little Family= are limitless. + + =Only the income of the searchers is limited.= + + A book to appeal to every one, whether afflicted with like + troubles or not. + + Illustrated, Cloth, 75c. + + Very cheap--considering what the experience cost. + + J. F. TAYLOR & COMPANY + _5 & 7 EAST SIXTEENTH ST._, NEW YORK + + + + + _THE GIFT BOOK OF THE SEASON_ + + _The Book of Sport_ + + _Written by the following Experts:_ + + Col. John Jacob Astor H. H. Hunnewell, Jr. + Oliver H. P. Belmont Eustace H. Miles + Foxhall Keene T. Suffren Tailer + John E. Cowdin Edward La Montagne, Sr. + Miss Ruth Underhill Malcolm D. Whitman + Miss Beatrix Hoyt Holcombe Ward + Herbert M. Harriman J. Parmly Paret + Findlay S. Douglas Ralph N. Ellis + H. L. Herbert Albert C. Bostwick + Lawrence M. Stockton Herman B. Duryea + George Richmond Fearing Jr. W. P. Stephens + Irving Cox + + "Unique and badly needed."--CASPAR WHITNEY. + + "An American Badminton. Superbly done. Authoritative."--_Boston + Herald._ + + "There has never been anything like this galaxy of stars in the + realms of amateur sporting literature." + --_New York Herald._ + + "A noble book of sports. Written for lovers of sport by lovers + of sport. Only the best of the best has been given. This + applies alike to articles, illustrations and book-making. The + best possible book on amateur sport." + --_Evening Telegraph_, Philadelphia. + + _For descriptive circulars, sample pages, etc., address_ + + J. F. TAYLOR & COMPANY + _5 & 7 EAST SIXTEENTH ST._, NEW YORK + + + + + _LORDS OF THE NORTH_ + + BY A. C. LAUT + + A STRONG HISTORICAL NOVEL + + _LORDS OF THE NORTH_ is a thrilling romance dealing with the + rivalries and intrigues of _The Ancient and Honorable Hudson's + Bay_ and the _North-West Companies_ for the supremacy of the + fur trade in the Great North. It is a story of life in the + open; of pioneers and trappers. The life of the fur traders in + Canada is graphically depicted. The struggles of the Selkirk + settlers and the intrigues which made the life of the two + great fur trading companies so full of romantic interest, + are here laid bare. _Francis Parkman_ and other historians + have written of the discovery and colonization of this part + of our great North American continent, but no novel has + appeared so full of life and vivid interest as _Lords of the + North_. Much valuable information has been obtained from old + documents and the records of the rival companies which wielded + unlimited power over a vast extent of our country. The style + is admirable, and the descriptions of an untamed continent, of + vast forest wastes, rivers, lakes and prairies, will place this + book among the foremost historical novels of the present day. + The struggles of the English for supremacy, the capturing of + frontier posts and forts, and the life of trader and trapper + are pictured with a master's hand. Besides being vastly + interesting, _Lords of the North_ is a book of historical value. + + Cloth, 8vo, $1.50 + + J. F. TAYLOR & COMPANY + _5 & 7 EAST SIXTEENTH ST._, NEW YORK + + + + + _THE SCREEN_ + + BY + PAUL BOURGET + + _Copiously Illustrated. + + Ornamental cover, gilt top. $1.50_ + + A Novel of Society in Paris and London + + _A fascinating love story._ The character studies contained in + this society novel of to-day are in Bourget's most finished + style. His power of analysis and ability to depict character + are marvelous, and nowhere are they better illustrated than in + _The Screen_. + + * * * * * + + _STEPPING + HEAVENWARD_ + + BY + ELIZABETH PRENTISS + + _New Illustrated Edition. + + Ornamental cloth cover, green and silver. $1.50_ + + A special holiday edition of Mrs. Prentiss' famous story, bound + uniformly with Amelia E. Barr's "Trinity Bells." Boxed in + artistic form. The two books, making a charming gift, $3.00 per + set. Sold separately at $1.50 a copy. + + J. F. TAYLOR & COMPANY + _5 & 7 EAST SIXTEENTH ST._, NEW YORK + + + + + Canadian Folk-Life and + Folk-Lore + + WILLIAM PARKER GREENOUGH + + _Numerous Illustrations._ Crown 8vo., Cloth, $1.50 + + TORONTO WORLD + "We have no hesitation in saying that this book is a distinct + contribution to the literature of Canada." + + QUEBEC DAILY TELEGRAPH + "There is not a dull page in the whole book." + + * * * * * + + Ezekiel's Sin, A Cornish Romance. + + _By_ J. H. PEARCE + + _New illustrated edition._ Cloth, 8vo., $1.25 + + _BUFFALO EXPRESS_ "A powerful tale. This book should go beside + _Hall Caine's_ tragedies of fisherfolk." + + _TIMES-UNION_ "Deserves to be read by all Americans as well as + the English-speaking people in the four corners of the earth." + + * * * * * + + THE POTENTATE + + By FRANCES + FORBES-ROBERTSON + + _New illustrated edition._ Cloth, 8vo., $1.25 + + _DENVER REPUBLICAN_ "A picture of knighthood as rare as a scene + on an ancient bit of tapestry." + + _THE ACADEMY_ "A steel-bright romance of the middle + ages--flashing blades, passages of love and adventure, and all + the paraphernalia of romance marshaled by a skilful hand." + + * * * * * + + A Hand-Book of Wrestling + + By HUGH F. LEONARD + + Instructor in Wrestling at the New York Athletic Club. + + Crown 8vo., Cloth, _220 illustrations_, $2; _Edition de Luxe_, $5 + + "I wish the work the success which it merits." + --D. A. SARGENT, Medical Director, _Harvard University_. + + + J. F. TAYLOR & COMPANY + _5 & 7 EAST SIXTEENTH ST._, NEW YORK + + + + + _The Colburn Prize_ + + By GABRIELLE E. JACKSON + + ILLUSTRATED BY MABEL HUMPHREY + + Ornamental Cloth Cover, $1.00 + + Mrs. Jackson needs no introduction. Her stories in the St. + Nicholas magazine have won for her a warm place in the hearts + of the girls throughout the country. _The Colburn Prize_ is a + charming story of mutual sacrifice by two school friends, and + is the last and best work of the gifted author of _Denise and + Ned Toddles_ and _Pretty Polly Perkins_. + + Nine full-page illustrations add to the charm of this exquisite + gift book which Mrs. Jackson has dedicated to =THE SCHOOL GIRLS + THROUGHOUT THE LAND=. + + * * * * * + + _The Billy Stories_ + + By EVA LOVETT + + Ornamental Cloth Cover, $1.00 + + _Charmingly Illustrated with Half-Tones and Line Cuts_ + + _Billy_ in the role of _Pirate_, _Author_, _Rough Rider_, etc., + will be keenly enjoyed by every boy and girl, and also by the + older people who read this book. + + A humorous and most amusing set of stories told from the boy's + point of view + + J. F. TAYLOR & COMPANY + _5 & 7 EAST SIXTEENTH ST._, NEW YORK + + + + + CHARLES KINGSLEY + + NOVELS, POEMS AND LIFE + + CHESTER EDITION + + Illustrated with 42 photogravure plates printed on Japanese + paper, from paintings by _Zeigler_, and from portraits by + _Reich_ and others, photographs, etc. Introductions by _Maurice + Kingsley_. Printed from new, large type, on choice laid paper. + + 14 volumes, 8vo, cloth, gilt top, $20.00. + + One-Half crushed morocco, gilt top, $45.00. + + Supplied separately in cloth, as follows: + + HEREWARD THE WAKE 2 Vols. $3.00 + ALTON LOCKE 2 " 3.00 + WESTWARD HO! 2 " 3.00 + YEAST 1 " 1.50 + TWO YEARS AGO 2 " 3.00 + HYPATIA 2 " 3.00 + POEMS 1 " 1.50 + LETTERS AND MEMORIES 2 " 3.00 + + _This is the only illustrated edition of this author's works ever + issued._ The introductions by Charles Kingsley's son are particularly + interesting and timely. + + J. F. TAYLOR & COMPANY + _5 & 7 EAST SIXTEENTH ST._, NEW YORK + + + + + _Trinity Bells_ + + By AMELIA E. BARR + + _Cloth, 8vo, $1.50_ + + Sixteen full-page Illustrations by Relyea + + "One of the best stories ever written by Amelia E. Barr." =ST. + LOUIS GLOBE DEMOCRAT.= + + =CHRISTIAN NATION.= "Without question the best book for young + girls which has appeared for years. Besides being interesting + it has an educational value, as it is good supplementary + reading to a school course in history. Mrs. Barr is at her best + in _Trinity Bells_. We trust that every library will soon have + a copy on its shelves." + + =LITERARY WORLD, Boston.= "In idea and execution this is one of + the author's best works, and well worthy of its superb dress of + silver and green." + + =THE BOOK-BUYER.= "The name is happily chosen for this romantic + story of life in New York during the period preceding the war + with the Mediterranean corsairs, for the bells of Old Trinity + ring out an accompaniment to the changing fortunes of the + lovable little Dutch heroine. There is a charm in Mrs. Barr's + work that goes directly to the reader's heart, while her skill + in the delineation of character is no less effective in its + appeal to the mind. _Trinity Bells_ is an excellent minor + historical romance, worthy of a permanent place in a young + girl's library." + + =BOSTON TIMES.= "No more agreeable story of life in the early + days of our country has ever been written. _Trinity Bells_ + shows Mrs. Barr's charm and power in all its force and beauty. + Besides its historical value, it is vastly entertaining." + + J. F. TAYLOR & COMPANY + _5 & 7 EAST SIXTEENTH ST._, NEW YORK + + + + + _White Butterflies_ + + By KATE UPSON CLARK + + Cloth, 8vo, $1.25 + + MARY E. WILKINS + + "The stories are marvellous. _I feel as though I were + constantly finding another vein of gold._ The dramatic power + in some of them has never been excelled in any American short + stories. _'Solly' is a masterpiece._" + + ANSON JUDD UPSON, D.D., L.L.D., Chancellor of The Univ. of New York + + "Your stories are just what I like. Your characters are + exceedingly vivid. I cannot too warmly commend the simplicity + and purity of your style, the vividness of your characters and + the general construction of the stories." + + MARGARET E. SANGSTER + + "It seems to me that no stories, long or short, have appeared, + which illustrate more perfectly than these what we have in mind + when we use, in a literary sense, the term _'Americanism_.' The + atmosphere of these beautiful tales is truthfully varied to + suit every locality described, but everywhere the standards and + ideals are set alike. A sound, healthful Americanism, just what + we wish the word to mean, pervades than all." + + St. Louis Globe-Democrat + + "It is not art; it is genius." + + The Nation + + "It is unusual to find so wide a range of scene and person in + one collection of short stories. In each of these a strongly + dramatic incident is introduced, ringing both true and real." + + Mall and Express + + "Many a nugget of wisdom, many a bit of homely philosophy, and + enough humor to leaven the whole." + + Western Club Woman + + "Full of exquisite pathos, a tenderness, a delicacy of touch + not often equalled. The art is perfect." + + Chicago Evening Post + + "Mrs. Clark is entitled to the thanks of a reading public." + + J. F. TAYLOR & COMPANY + _5 & 7 EAST SIXTEENTH ST._, NEW YORK + + + + + _Two Sides of a Question_ + + _Life from a Woman's Point of View_ + + by + + MAY SINCLAIR + + Cloth $1.50 + + A BOOK TO READ, THINK OVER AND DISCUSS + + "A masterpiece. The vigor of the work and the knowledge of + human interest it displays are altogether exceptional. --_The + Bookman_. + + "The characters are irresistible. The book should be + read."--_St. James Gazette_. + + "This book belongs to a high order of imaginative fiction, + based on the essential realities of life."--_Athenaeum_. + + J. F. TAYLOR & COMPANY + _5 & 7 EAST SIXTEENTH STREET._, NEW YORK + + + + + _PARLOUS TIMES_ + + DAVID DWIGHT WELLS + + A Novel of Modern Diplomacy + + BY THE AUTHOR OF + "_Her Ladyship's Elephant_." + + Parlous Times is a society novel of to-day. The scene is laid + in London in diplomatic circles. The romance was suggested by + experiences of the author while Second Secretary of the United + States Embassy at the Court of St. James. It is a charming love + story, with a theme both fresh and attractive. The plot is + strong, and the action of the book goes with a rush. Political + conspiracy and the secrets of an old tower of a castle in + Sussex play an important part in the novel. The story is a + bright comedy, full of humor, flashes of keen wit and clever + epigram. It will hold the reader's attention from beginning to + end. Altogether it is a good story exceedingly well told, and + promises to be Mr. Wells' most successful novel. + + _Cloth, 8vo, $1.50_ + + J. F. TAYLOR & COMPANY + _5 & 7 EAST SIXTEENTH STREET._, NEW YORK + + + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[1] The _chupaty_, or cake of unleavened bread, that circulated in a +mysterious manner previous to the outbreak of the Indian Rebellion. + +[2] Secretary. + +[3] Spiritual teacher. In its nearest interpretation, Godparent. + +[4] A kind of sedan chair. + +[5] A last desperate general self sacrifice. + + + + +Transcriber's Notes + +Obvious punctuation errors repaired. + +Hyphen removed: bodyguard (p. 208), prearranged (p. 205), waistband (p. +142). + +P. 16: "thing" changed to "think" (I think the Rani is a devilish +clever girl). + +P. 109: "Ahbar" changed to "Akbar" (Akbar knoweth whom to trust). + +P. 295: "clapsed" changed to "clasped" (The Rani clasped her hands). + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Lachmi Bai Rani of Jhansi, by Michael White + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42859 *** |