why the troops did not actively resent this unheard-of
violation of etiquette. The veiled figure stood solitary against the
gorgeous trappings of the kneeling elephant, but there were still two
or three women in the howdah, as he could tell by their whispering.
The widow's white garments made it probable that the one on the ground
was the Rani, but what was the extraordinary stain which disfigured one
end of her veil? Perhaps her silence arose from horror at finding
herself stranded in public view instead of being properly conducted
from howdah to tent without allowing onlookers a glimpse of the
passage. He spoke with diffidence, keeping his eyes on the ground.

"There are tents at the service of the great one who has arrived. Is
it an order that she be conducted thither?"

"No!" cried the woman fiercely, dashing the veil from her face.
"Henceforth the mother of Partab Singh Rajah's son is no longer
_pardah_, but lives for vengeance the few hours that remain to her.
Avenge me, O Jirad Sahib! avenge me, O soldiers of Partab Singh! avenge
me on the man who has left me childless, the slayer of his brother!"

"But when was this? What has happened?" gasped Gerrard.

"Two days ago at this time. I waited only to burn the body of my son,
and hastened hither for my vengeance."

"But it is impossible, Maharaj. Kunwar Sher Singh has been ill in bed
since he arrived here."

"Has he?" The Rani's laugh rang out shrill and terrible. "It is easy
to deceive some men. Let Jirad Sahib send now for Sher Singh, and see
if he comes."

Gerrard turned hastily, to find himself confronted by the fakir and two
or three of Sher Singh's servants, waiting with downcast eyes. "Why
are you here?" he demanded of them.

"Sahib, we bear a message from our lord, who desired to know what
fortune your honours enjoyed to-day in hunting. Seeing you return so
early, he feared the sport had been poor."

"Go instantly, and bid the Prince return hither with you," said Gerrard
brusquely.

"But your honour knows he is laid upon his bed, and cannot rise."

"Then bring him on his bed. His life depends upon it. If he is not
here in half an hour, I will blow in the gates and come and fetch him
myself."

"It is an order!" said Sher Singh's servants in chorus, and withdrew.
Gerrard turned back to the Rani.

"Your Highness has proof of what you say?"

"This much of proof. Two days ago Sarfaraz Khan--may an evil ghost
haunt him from hencefo