, had called him. Peace be
with them both!"

CHAPTER XV

DEAREST-LADY

For two whole days the little party was too weary even to attempt a
move. They had some provisions with them, and Tumbu, as good as his
word, brought in more and more marmots; for being unaccustomed to dogs,
they were easily caught.

The death of Old Faithful weighed upon the spirits of all, and for the
first twelve hours or so the Heir-to-Empire was inconsolable for the
loss of his beloved cat; for Foster-father had found it impossible to
carry Down farther, and she had remained behind in the snow, protesting
piteously. It was a terrible grief, and the child had almost wept
himself sick, when, to every one's surprise and delight, Mistress Down
was seen walking sedately across the flowers, her bushy tail carried
very high, not one hair of her silky white coat awry. She took no notice
of anybody, but passed to the fire, sat down beside it with stiff
dignity, curled her tail round her paws, yawned and then began to purr
gently. It was as if nothing had happened. And she certainly was not
hungry, for she turned up her dainty nose at Tumbu's marmot bones.

"Cats," said Head-nurse, who had just awakened from a long sleep of many
hours, "are not to be counted as other beasts. Having nine lives, they
could afford to lose one; but they never do. They always fall on their
feet. It is the way of the world; the more you have the more you get.
Still, I am glad she has returned; and I wish there were a chance of
others turning up also," she added with a sigh.

The Heir-to-Empire looked up gravely. "But Faithful can't come back, you
know. He went to help Grand-dad to help us."

"Hark to the innocent," cried Foster-mother, half in smiles, half in
tears, "but it is true. If ever poor mortals were watched over by saints
in Paradise, we were; and for my part if ever I get to Kabul, my duty
shall be paid to the tomb of Firdoos Gita Makani--on whom be peace."

"Amen!" added her husband devoutly; "but for the memory of that good man
we should not be here now."

It was on the third day that leaving Meroo in charge for a few hours
Foster-father and Roy set off to explore. They were fortunate in finding
some shepherds' huts within a walking distance for even footsore women,
and returned ere nightfall with a skin bag of fresh milk.

Early next morning, therefore, they all set off, Roy girding on dead
Faithful's sword from the sledge that was wanted no mor