rms of the utmost friendliness, conferring upon the
Prince the title of Prop-of-the-Kingdom, will be ready in a short time
for her Highness's signature, and I shall present it with the patent of
investiture and the _khilat_. Other _khilats_ are being prepared in
readiness for a durbar to-night, at which the Rajah will confer them upon
the councillors offended this morning. If her Highness objects to these
arrangements, you have my authority to point out to her that unless Sher
Singh is placated immediately, the very gravest consequences are certain
to ensue."

"Does his Highness accompany your honour upon this journey?" asked the
old man.

Gerrard shook his head. Kharrak Singh's presence was highly desirable as
an act of atonement, but if he came, the Rani and all her women must come
too, and the journey would require a week instead of two days. "No," he
said, "I trust Kunwar Sher Singh will return with me, and we will then
arrange a feast and a special reception in his honour."

The scribe salaamed and departed, and Gerrard gave a few moments to
reviewing his plans. He was taking with him the most persistently
disaffected of the troops, so that the Rani would be well able to hold
the palace with the guard should there be any outbreak on the part of the
remainder during his absence. The councillors would be mollified by the
honours conferred upon them, and also by the Rani's submission in the
matter of Sher Singh's fief, and as no contentious business could be
transacted while he was away, they ought to be able to keep the peace.
It seemed as though all dangers had been provided against, and Gerrard's
spirits rose insensibly. Seizing a sheet of paper, he scribbled a hasty
note to Charteris.

"If you are anywhere in the Adamkot direction, infringe our frontier and
look me up," he concluded, after sketching roughly the state of affairs.
"I have always heard of it as the most _tiger-ish_ spot in the country,
and Shere Sing may well stand us a hunt in return for all the trouble he
has given me. Among the hotties[2] I am taking with me for purposes of
display, I have included old Pertaub Sing's trained hunter, so we ought
to see some sport. By the bye, when is your appeal for my help coming?
Just wait till this little business is off my hands, and I'll be with you
in a jiffey."

This sent off, and the Rani's consent to his arrangements received and
acknowledged, there was the durbar to attend, at which Khar