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diff --git a/42859-8.txt b/42859-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 338bfa0..0000000 --- a/42859-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9771 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Lachmi Bai Rani of Jhansi, by Michael White - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: Lachmi Bai Rani of Jhansi - The Jeanne D'Arc of India - -Author: Michael White - -Release Date: June 2, 2013 [EBook #42859] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LACHMI BAI RANI OF JHANSI *** - - - - -Produced by Moti Ben-Ari and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - -[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. 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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 THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LACHMI BAI RANI OF JHANSI *** - -***** This file should be named 42859-8.txt or 42859-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/8/5/42859/ - -Produced by Moti Ben-Ari and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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