f the falling body, well weighted with
stones, was music to his ear. Beyond that musical murmur, the Lake would
utter no sound....

CHAPTER XVI.

"So let him journey through his earthly day:
'Mid hustling spirits go his self-found way;
Find torture, bliss, in every forward stride--
He, every moment, still unsatisfied."
--FAUST.

Next morning, very early, he was closeted with Roy, sitting on the edge
of his bed; cautiously, circumstantially, telling him all. Roy, as he
listened, was half repelled, half impressed by the sheer impetus of the
thing; and again he felt--as once or twice in Delhi--what centuries
apart they were, though related, and almost of an age.

"This will be only between you and me, Roy--for always," Dyan concluded
gravely. "Not because I have any shame for killing that snake; but--as I
said ... because of Aruna----"

"Trust me," said Roy. "Amber Lake and I don't blab. There'll be a nine
days' mystery over his disappearance. Then his lot will set up some
other tin god--and promptly forget all about him."

"Let us follow their example, in that at least!" Grim humour nickered in
Dyan's eyes, as he extracted a cigarette from the proffered case. "You
gave me my chance. I have taken it--like a Rajput. Now we have other
things to do."

Roy smiled. "That's about the size of it--from your sane, barbaric
standpoint! I'm fairly besieged with other things to do. As soon as this
blooming ankle allows me to hobble, I'm keen to get at some of the
thoughtful elements in Calcutta and Bombay; educated Indian men and
women, who honestly believe that India is moving towards a national
unity that will transcend all antagonism of race and creed. I can't see
it myself; but I've an open mind. Then, I think, Udaipur--'last,
loneliest, loveliest, apart'--to knock my novel into shape before I go
North. And _you_----?" He pensively took stock of his volcanic cousin.
"Sure you're safe not to erupt again?"

"Safe as houses--thanks to you. That doesn't mean I can be orthodox
Hindu and work for the orthodox Jaipur Raj. I would like to join
'Servants of India' Society; and work for the Mother among those who
accept British connection as India's God-given destiny. In no other way
will I work again--to 'make her a widow.' Also, I thought perhaps----"
he hesitated, averting his eyes--"to take vows of celibacy----"

"_Dyan_!" Roy could not repress his astonis