re your design of capturing
Agpur with no weapons but cool cheek and shaky promises, I have a mean
objection to adding my bones to the heap that would be the result. It
is eminently a case for negociation, and here is the negociator. You
stay where you are, and get ready to ride into Agpur to-night, 'pride
in your port, defiance in your eye,' while I try my blandishments upon
that nasty uncertain beggar, Sher Singh."

Gerrard obeyed perforce, for the effort to stand had brought back the
feeling of giddiness, and Charteris clanked off among the trees.
Presently Badan Hazari came very quietly, and peered round a trunk to
see whether his commander was awake. Gerrard called to him.

"Heaven-born!" said the Granthi, saluting. "I have ventured to disturb
the repose of your honour at the request of Komadan Rukn-ud-din."

Gerrard started. "Bring him here," he said. "What is it?"

"They are trying to corrupt the guard, sahib," and Rukn-ud-din
confirmed the assertion. Since the halt, old Sarfaraz Khan had been in
and out among the men, making them lavish offers if they would forsake
the Rani and come over to the side of Sher Singh.

"What has he offered them?" asked Gerrard.

"The plunder of the _tosha khana_[1] in the palace, sahib."

"And that is all he has to offer, and they must share it with the whole
army? Tell them that in Kharrak Singh Rajah's name I promise them such
a reward for their fidelity that they would pass by the _tosha khana_
with contempt if it were thrown open to them."

The Mohammedan's eyes glittered. "How shall I make them believe so
wonderful a thing, sahib?"

"I cannot speak more particularly here. But you may give them my word
it is so."

"The word of the Presence will be amply sufficient." Rukn-ud-din
salaamed and withdrew on leave being given, while Badan Hazari lingered
to report that the corpse and the women were halted in the courtyard of
the tomb, according to his orders, and that the guard, though evidently
disturbed in mind by Sher Singh's overtures, had so far faithfully
prevented him and his followers from entering. That they would now
remain loyal to the Rani there was no doubt, and Gerrard waited with
something more of hopefulness for Charteris's return. He came at last,
and sat down on the rug which had been spread for his friend.

"We shall have to be moving soon," he remarked casually. "The news has
reached the city, and the mourners are coming out. The funeral