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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Noble Queen, by Philip Meadows Taylor
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A Noble Queen, Vol. 3 (of 3)
+       A Romance of Indian History
+
+Author: Philip Meadows Taylor
+
+Release Date: January 29, 2014 [EBook #44789]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A NOBLE QUEEN ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Moti Ben-Ari and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+  A NOBLE QUEEN:
+  _A ROMANCE OF INDIAN HISTORY._
+
+  BY
+  MEADOWS TAYLOR,
+  C.S.I., M.R.A.S., M.R.I.A., &c.
+  AUTHOR OF 'SEBTA,' 'TARA,' AND OTHER TALES.
+
+              'O, never was there queen
+  So mightily betray'd!'
+  _Antony and Cleopatra_, act i. sc. iii.
+
+  IN THREE VOLUMES.
+  VOL III.
+
+  LONDON:
+  C. KEGAN PAUL & CO., 1 PATERNOSTER SQUARE.
+  1878.
+
+
+
+
+  (_The rights of translation and of reproduction are reserved._)
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+OF
+THE THIRD VOLUME.
+
+
+    _BOOK IV._
+
+    CHAPTER                                       PAGE
+       I. THE KING'S ENTRY                           1
+      II. PARDON                                    11
+     III. THE TRIAL                                 25
+      IV. FREEDOM                                   50
+       V. CHANGES IN SOME POSITIONS                 68
+      VI. PROCEEDINGS AT GOA                        85
+     VII. THE INQUISITION                          104
+    VIII. A DEATH, A MARRIAGE, AND A DEPARTURE     126
+
+
+    _BOOK V._
+
+       I. A SKETCH OF LOCAL HISTORY                148
+      II. A PLEASANT JOURNEY                       154
+     III. THE PROGRESS OF THE SIEGE                168
+      IV. THE ASSAULT                              187
+       V. DIEGO'S DEATH AND THE BISHOP'S EMBASSY   208
+      VI. PEACE FOR AWHILE                         228
+     VII. THE SECOND SIEGE OPENS                   244
+    VIII. THE LAST TRAGEDY                         257
+      IX. CONCLUSION                               273
+          NOTE                                     286
+          GLOSSARY                                 287
+
+
+
+
+A NOBLE QUEEN.
+
+
+BOOK IV.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+THE KING'S ENTRY.
+
+
+The triumphal entry of King Ibrahim II. into his capital was not only
+a glorious sight to its people, but an assurance that the long and
+disastrous wars between the rival States of Beejapoor and Ahmednugger
+were at an end. King Ibrahim had kept the field against the conspiracy
+of his cousin, the Prince Ismail, who was supported by a large portion
+of his own army under Eyn-ool-Moolk, and by his uncle, Boorhan Nizam,
+Shah of Ahmednugger; and against the possible advance of the Portuguese
+of Goa, whose skill in war was well known in the Dekhan. The King
+of Ahmednugger, however, could make no impression on the Beejapoor
+troops, who defended the frontier stoutly, and, falling ill, died in
+his camp at Puraindah. His son Ibrahim, a youth, was placed upon the
+throne, and soon after again pressed the war against Beejapoor, which
+brought on the general action in which Humeed Khan, the uncle of Abbas
+Khan, had proved victorious; and as the troops of Ahmednugger fled
+from the field with the loss of the whole of their artillery and war
+elephants, the long continued struggle came to an end, and the Royal
+army returned to Beejapoor, escorting their King in triumph. "On the
+18th Mohorrum," writes the historian of the period, "the King made a
+triumphant entry into Beejapoor amid the acclamation of the people, who
+on this occasion had adorned the streets with gold and silver tissues,
+velvets, brocades, and other rich cloths and ornaments." But it was
+not the splendour of the spectacle which gratified the people; it was
+the assurance of safety and security from further disturbance, for
+which all were thankful. Those who had wavered in their allegiance now
+declared a hearty loyalty; and the southern invaders, under the Hindoo
+Prince of Penkonda, who had joined the conspiracy on the assurance of
+the conspirators that they might thus regain the dominions they had
+lost, having been defeated and driven back, there remained no part
+of the Beejapoor dominions that was not in profound peace after a
+long series of years of rebellion; and the people rejoiced in a real
+gladness which had not been felt for several generations.
+
+As we already know, the force under Abbas Khan had marched northwards
+to the aid of the King; but as the rainy season was at its height,
+King Ibrahim had taken up his position at the fort of Shahdroog, or
+Nuldroog, and had left Humeed Khan with the main body of the army to
+watch the frontier and repel incursion should it take place. Abbas
+Khan, therefore, on receiving orders from the King, had marched to join
+his uncle, and arrived in time to take part in the finally victorious
+battle.
+
+From his uncle he had received a very hearty and affectionate welcome,
+the particulars of which need not be recorded here; and it was with a
+great satisfaction that the veteran commander heard the details of the
+combat in the presence of the Queen Dowager, and the discovery of Osman
+Beg's treason. Abbas Khan had, indeed, to recount all the passages
+in his life which we already know of, which to his uncle had been so
+grievously misrepresented. There was nothing left but for Abbas Khan to
+show his valour in the next engagement that ensued, which proved to be
+a very severe one, for the left wing of the Beejapoor troops was broken
+by an impetuous charge of ten thousand of the Ahmednugger cavalry. Many
+nobles and high officers of rank were slain, and many fugitives rode at
+once to the King's camp declaring that the whole army had been routed.
+For three days the King was in the last degree of anxious uncertainty,
+till a despatch from Humeed Khan, sent by the hand of his nephew, who
+could describe the action, assured him of the most perfect victory.
+Then it was, too, that the day might have gone hard for the Royal army
+but for the exertions and daring bravery of the fresh force under his
+nephew; and he related, also, how bravely the enemy's heavy battery had
+been stormed by the Beydurs, who appeared unconscious of danger, and
+how both Abyssinians and Dekhan cavalry had vied with each other under
+their young leader. In a few days the King's forces joined those under
+Humeed Khan near Sholapoor, where public thanksgiving was made for the
+close of the war, and some rewards and honours were publicly bestowed.
+But the grand ceremony of all was to take place at Beejapoor on the
+day of entry into the capital; and the King, carrying with him the
+whole of his army, with the trophies in artillery and elephants, Royal
+camp equipage and treasure that had been won, crossed the Bheema river
+slowly, and, as we know, safely reached his destination.
+
+While in camp together, our friends Runga Naik and Abbas Khan had held
+many an anxious conversation on the subject of the old Syud Dervish and
+Zóra. Runga had told him of the forcible abduction of the girl, and
+of her rescue by himself and Burma; how, when he was obliged to leave
+Korikul, he had made her and the Syud over to Burma's care, but from
+that time he had no news of them.
+
+If they had left Kukeyra they might be at Sugger, or, possibly, had
+gone on to Gulburgah; but nothing could be known for certain till
+the men who were returning from his own force should reach their
+territory, and either bring the old man and Zóra with them to camp or
+to Beejapoor. It was this very party which, crossing the country direct
+from the Royal camp, so providentially rescued Zóra, unharmed, and took
+her to her grandfather; and regulating their movements by those of the
+King himself, arrived in time to witness his triumphal entry. I trust
+this slight digression will be pardoned, for, indeed, without it the
+position of the parties would hardly be understood with exactness.
+
+After the slight interruption caused by raising the infirm old man, the
+grand march was resumed; and the young King rode on, with the bitter
+cry of the old Syud, "Daad! Daad! Justice! Justice!" ringing in his
+ears, and the sightless eyes and feeble arms raised to heaven. Abbas
+Khan's tale had distressed him seriously; but he was here face to face
+with one instance of the first King Ibrahim's cruelty, and the sin
+of it rested on his house. Well, it could be condoned, perhaps, for
+the curse of a holy Syud could hardly be averted even by penance; but
+he would do, as he had vowed to Alla, what it was possible to do ere
+the sun set. So the young Monarch rode on in his pride; Humeed Khan
+on his right hand, Soheil Khan and the brave commander on his left,
+preceded by his gold and silver mace-bearers shouting his titles, and
+followed by the crowds of nobles and officers who composed his train.
+The day was as yet young, but it was bright and clear; and the flood of
+light glittering on morion and coat of mail, on cuirass and greave,
+on trappings and housings of gold and silver cloth, on banners and
+standards, and the great white buildings and palaces which stood out
+against the clear, deep blue sky, formed a combination of splendour
+which the mind can hardly realise, and which was well-nigh overpowering
+to all who saw it.
+
+As to Zóra, she--who had seen nothing in all her life of splendour
+such as that--was fairly overpowered. She trembled, and her cheeks
+flushed as the first portion of the troops issued from the gate and
+passed them, drowning the feeble chaunt she and her grandfather were
+raising. But alms were showered upon them, and Ahmed had gathered up
+several times already what lay on the sheet. When the hoarse cry arose
+of "The King cometh! The King cometh!" and all heads bowed to the earth
+as he passed on, she did not think of him, but of one that might be
+with him. And yet, if he were, would he remember her? Would he even
+see her? Ah! it was an anxious moment, and her beating heart fluttered
+till she could hardly breathe. As the glorious pageant went slowly
+past, she could see the face she sought distinctly. Abbas Khan was
+riding near his uncle, conversing joyously with him and others around
+him; and the appearance of the gallant cavalier, dressed in glittering
+armour and cloth of gold, was almost too dazzling to look at. There
+were hundreds of Fakeers lining the road, crying for alms in stentorian
+voices. How would the faint chaunt of an infirm old man and a girl be
+heard amidst the din--the jangling bells of elephants, the neighing of
+excited horses, and the cries of the Royal titles? And Abbas Khan must
+have passed the group but for the sudden action of her grandfather,
+who threw himself forward with his shrill cry. Even then the grooms
+who ran by the King's horse, which had been somewhat startled, would
+have removed the old man, roughly enough, perhaps, from the Royal path;
+but the action of Abbas Khan had been rapid, and instantaneous, and
+decisive. What he had said to the King she could not hear; but the
+King's reply, "Bring him to the palace instantly," at once gave her
+the assurance she needed. Now Abbas Khan had dismounted, and stood
+embracing her grandfather; and was telling Runga Naik, who had seen
+all, to seek for his litter, which was under some trees at a little
+distance. Poor Zóra had not been able to obtain one at Almella, and she
+had ridden her own stout pony, which was also brought up; and she was
+preparing to mount it when Abbas Khan cried, "Stay, Zóra! not in this
+crowd; here is a palanquin of the King's for thee." So she entered it,
+shut the doors, and was carried on. There was no time for words. The
+whole scene was to her so altogether strange and unexpected that she
+could not find speech to thank any one; and as she shut the doors of
+the palanquin, and was safe from observation, her overcharged heart
+found relief in a burst of grateful sobs and tears.
+
+As the King's procession went on towards the city, outside the walls,
+for he had to receive the blessing of the Chishtee priest whom we know
+of, it was easy for Abbas Khan to turn off with his charge into the
+gate of the citadel, while Runga Naik brought up the baggage ponies
+behind. All was comparatively clear in the citadel, and would be till
+the King arrived; so that Abbas Khan had no difficulty in speaking to
+one of the chief eunuchs of the private apartments, whom he knew, and
+putting his old friend and Zóra under his charge. He could not stay;
+and galloping after the procession soon overtook it, and resumed his
+place by his uncle's side.
+
+"Who was the girl beside the old man who helped to raise him up, and
+whom my horse well nigh trampled down? I never saw a more beautiful
+and expressive face in my life," said his uncle with, as it seemed, a
+peculiar smile.
+
+"She is the old saint's granddaughter, sir; and has devoted her life to
+him. Yes, she is beautiful."
+
+"Then thou hast seen her, Abbas?"
+
+"I have, uncle. The night I was in delirium at Juldroog she watched
+me, and gave me medicine and cool sherbet; but I could only see her
+face as that of one in a dream, and I have never looked on it since but
+once, and that only as a passing glance, till to-day, when I could not
+help seeing her, for the handkerchief she had tied over her turban had
+fallen off. It is evident that the Syud hath taken the vow, perhaps at
+Gulburgah, where His Highness Geesoo Duráz made him a Wallee."
+
+"Was he a Fakeer before then?" asked his uncle.
+
+"No, sir. Though he called himself a Dervish, yet he had not taken
+any degree as a Fakeer, and people only called him Dervish. When he
+confided to me his identity his chief prayer was to be allowed to go
+free, that he might pay his vows at Sugger and Gulburgah, where, it
+appears, he was raised at once to the highest rank; and his title now
+is Luteef Shah Wallee. His is a sad story, uncle. Dost thou remember
+it?"
+
+"I was a mere boy then," was the reply, "and used to attend the durbar
+with thy grandfather; but I quite remember the sadness with which all
+the city heard that Syud Ahmed Ali, the physician, had been blinded
+and sent to Juldroog. Everyone grieved for him, for he was not only
+the most learned of all at Court, but the most charitable. Many will
+remember him, and Ekhlas Khan was an intimate friend. Yea, it will
+cause a murmur in durbar when his name is mentioned, for he has been
+clean forgotten; and it was believed he had died soon after he was
+imprisoned. And thou hast told the King all?"
+
+"All," replied the young Khan. "As the old Dervish told the tale to
+me, so did I repeat it faithfully; and I told him, too, how, under the
+Lord's will, he had saved my life."
+
+"And what said he?"
+
+"He wept, uncle; and said that the curse of a Syud should never rest
+upon the Adil Shah's realm or people; that search should be made for
+the Dervish. Then one day there came a holy man with a great retinue
+from Gulburgah, and told him--I was there--how a Fakeer had preached in
+the mosque, and a miracle had been done, and the heretofore Dervish had
+been made a Wallee at once, as the people demanded. And the King said
+to me, 'Thou art witness, Abbas Khan, that if I ever am blessed by the
+old man I will restore to him and his all he has lost.'"
+
+"And he will do it, too," replied Humeed Khan. "And amidst the
+rejoicings of to-day one heart will be gladdened."
+
+"Ameen! Ameen!" was the reply; and the conversation dropped.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+PARDON.
+
+
+Meanwhile Zóra and her grandfather had been conducted by the eunuchs
+through the entrance corridor into a suite of small but elegant
+apartments, which opened into a court and garden behind the palace.
+Their servants were brought in by a separate passage into a little
+kitchen and adjoining room; and there were baths and everything
+necessary for a pleasant, though necessarily confined residence. Here
+Zóra and old Mamoolla soon spread her grandfather's carpets, and they
+found cushions and bedsteads already provided. Presently, when all was
+arranged, Zóra led the old man to the cushions, and he sat down with a
+sigh of thankfulness.
+
+"Where am I?" he said. "Surely I heard Meeah's voice? Where has he
+gone? Bring him to me."
+
+"You are in the King's palace," said Zóra, throwing her arms around
+him. "Be thankful, Abba, that all thy sorrows and trials are over. We
+are safe in our refuge at last."
+
+"Yes," he said, "at last! More than forty years have passed over me
+since they sent me away to exile, blinded and in torment. Dost thou
+think I have forgotten that?"
+
+"O, Abba!" cried the girl, putting her hand over his mouth, "didst thou
+not tell me when the Fateha was said before the tomb at Gogi that thou
+hadst forgiven King Ibrahim? Was it for thy blindness, Abba?"
+
+"I am again rebuked, Zóra, and will forgive still; but it is hard to
+forget the past, and the joy with which I came forth from Almella, and
+within an hour was taken out, blind and bleeding! Forgive me, child!
+that I am false to thee. And forgive me, O Ibrahim! who hast received
+me back, that this bitter thought should have come into my mind. Yes,
+as I entered, I felt I was within the palace. This I am sure, by the
+turns we took as we entered, was the very apartment which I used
+to dwell in whenever my visit was prolonged. I even now scent the
+jessamine and tube roses of the little garden, and I feel as though I
+were in my old seat, with the soft south wind blowing on me. Methinks I
+see the blue Damascus tiles which are inlaid round the arches, and the
+carved window of the Zenana beyond."
+
+"It is even so, Abba," said Zóra, much moved, as her grandfather
+pointed out the several objects with his finger. "Nothing has been
+changed; everything is as perfect now as it was then, and looks as
+quiet and peaceful as our little Zenana used to do at Juldroog."
+
+"But it is only a gilded cage, my child; and I shall long to be free
+again, and to teach and preach, ay, and beg as I used to do even at
+Juldroog. And here there is more to do, else the Lord had not brought
+me."
+
+"But, Abba, dear Abba!" began Zóra; and he interrupted her with, "Be
+patient, child! Dost thou think I do not welcome this as a place
+of rest, even as thou dost? And when Meeah comes he may bestow us
+elsewhere, when we can go and come with freedom. Then we shall have
+our own house, and our own servants, and palanquin, and bearers; and a
+sweet garden where I shall love to sit and discourse on the mysteries
+of holiness with the learned of the city, and on medicine with the
+physicians; and thou wilt have thy pigeons and flowers, and find out
+poor people and relieve them."
+
+"Enough, enough, Abba!" cried Zóra, laughing and crying at the same
+moment. "Thou wouldst make a princess of me at once, and art tempting
+me by a hundred delightful anticipations fit but for the noble and
+great. But I see only my Fakeer's garments, and think of my uncompleted
+vows. And after all, am I not your humble little Zóra?"
+
+"Thou art my precious treasure, child!" replied the old man, with
+emotion; "and the most noble house in Dekhan cannot produce one like
+thee."
+
+Almost as he spoke, the curtain, which was drawn across the entrance,
+was partly raised, and a man's voice said hurriedly to a companion,
+"The rooms are occupied by strangers, Maria; we must retire."
+
+Zóra started to her feet, and rushed hastily forward. She saw two
+figures she at once recognised retreating into the corridor, and cried,
+"Maria! Maria! it is only your little Zóra; and Abba is here. Oh, come
+to us, we are alone."
+
+In their turn Maria and her brother started. There was no doubt left
+when they saw the slight figure stretching out its arms with a low cry
+of joy, and the soft, flushed cheeks wet with tears; and a moment after
+they were locked in each other's arms, and approached the old man's
+seat, who was crying out joyfully, "Come! come to me, my friends; we
+are, indeed, with you at last. O Padré Sahib, thank the Lord with me
+that we are here safely, and in honour, for of a truth we have endured
+much."
+
+Maria was not changed, save that the bright rosy colour of her cheeks
+had increased under the effects of better health; and she had attained
+a true majesty of beauty which far exceeded that which Zóra used to
+look on with wonder at Juldroog. Zóra seated her beside her on the
+cushions, but she could not give vent to her feelings of delight. Her
+loving brown eyes looked up like those of a dog to her friend; she
+threw her arms round her, and kissed her forehead, her eyes, her lips,
+passionately, hardly able to speak, except to say, "Thou art here,
+Maria, and restored to me. Oh, yes, to me, who in all my troubles and
+tears have never forgotten thee; and this which thou gavest me," and
+she drew the little silver cross from her bosom, "has never left me,
+and has been my charm and deliverer of my honour when all hope of my
+deliverance seemed gone. And thou hast been happy, Maria?"
+
+"Very happy, my darling," returned her friend, "longing to hear of you
+and Abba, but could obtain no news of you. Your little letter and the
+feather reached me safely, and I have them still at home. And I wrote
+a reply to you, Zóra, and my brother gave it to Abbas Khan, for I was
+able to write that the Queen had ordered Abba and you to be sent to
+her, and that he would be restored to his old rank; and I knew you
+would like to hear the good news from me, Zóra. But we had no reply,
+and then I heard of the Nawab's ill-treatment of you, and that you had
+escaped, and the Queen thought you might come direct to her."
+
+"And I would have done so had I heard from Meeah," said the old man;
+"but I soon learned he had reached the city, and what could I have done
+alone?"
+
+"Yes," observed the Padré, "we were more than a month detained on the
+road, as Abbas Khan's horse fell, and his wound opened again. He had a
+severe return of the fever, and I feared for his life. Nor did he stay
+when he arrived; after the combat with the Abyssinian champion, whom
+he slew, the Queen sent him to the army, and I hear he has returned
+to-day."
+
+"Yes, and we have seen him," said Zóra; "and he brought us here. And
+thou art with the Queen, Maria?" she continued.
+
+"I am with both of them, Zóra; but chiefly, by desire of Queen Chand,
+with the Queen Taj-ool-Nissa, whom my brother hath restored to health,
+and she is now strong and well. It is such a change, Zóra, and we
+laugh, and say the King will not know the miserable wife he left. And
+she has grown very dear to me, and loves to talk of you, who, she says,
+must be her sister. Come, shall we go to Queen Chand, she will be vexed
+with me if I take you not?"
+
+"But I must change these clothes, Maria; it is not fitting for me to
+appear before her with these Fakeer's garments."
+
+"On the contrary, child, she will love thee the more, and honour thee
+for wearing them. See, Abba, I am carrying off Zóra already," she
+continued, "and my brother will be security for me that I bring her
+back safely."
+
+It was a strange thing to Zóra to feel herself guided through the
+intricate passages and corridors of the huge palace, and to see the
+strange deference and respect shown to Maria by all the eunuchs and
+Mámas on duty. At length they reached the entrance to the private
+apartments of the Queen Dowager, and after a brief colloquy with the
+eunuchs at the door, were admitted, and led to the Queen's seat by one
+of the women in attendance.
+
+"Thou art welcome, Maria," she said, kindly; "but who is this thou hast
+brought with thee?"
+
+"It is Zóra, your Majesty, of whom I have so often spoken. She would
+have taken off her Fakeer's dress; but I said I was sure she had better
+come as she was."
+
+"And you were right, child. I welcome thee in the name of the King,
+thee and thy grandfather. By the blessed Prophet, how lovely thou art:
+come hither and embrace me."
+
+What idea Zóra had previously entertained of a real Queen it is
+difficult to say: something very awe-inspiring, no doubt, and
+magnificent; but at the sight of the slight girlish figure and plain
+muslin dress of the great Queen whose praises were in every one's
+mouth, and who had held the power of the whole kingdom, Zóra became
+assured, and advanced to kiss the Royal lady's feet, and embrace her as
+she desired.
+
+"Power of God!" cried the Queen as, having embraced Zóra she took both
+her cheeks in her hands and turned them alternately to the light,
+and looked into her soft glowing eyes; "Power of God! she is lovely,
+indeed, even in this poor dress. But thou hast not taken the vows,
+Zóra?"
+
+"No, my Queen, not yet; but when my grandfather was exalted in rank at
+Gulburgah I would have done so, but for a worthy lady of Golconda, who
+would not allow me."
+
+"And she was right, child," returned the Queen; "such vows only
+belong to widows and devotees; but thou, may God forgive the thought,
+art neither one nor other; and if the blessing of Chand Beebee
+avail aught, she will live to see thy children about thy knees;"
+and, stretching forth both her hands, she placed them upon Zóra's
+head, praying for her welfare. Then Zóra sat down and told her what
+had befallen her since the time that Osman Beg carried her off, and
+the escapes she had had, particularly the last. How her grandfather
+attained the rank of Wallee; and, in short, all the story we know up to
+the events of the morning.
+
+"Remember that thou art my guest," said the Queen, as she dismissed
+Zóra; "and thou shalt want for nothing. Perhaps," she added, "thou
+mayest be required to-morrow at the durbar, for Osman Beg hath arrived
+in custody, and there may be need of thy evidence, should he deny what
+is alleged against him. Thou wilt not be afraid of the King's presence
+and the durbar?"
+
+"I am only a poor weak girl," said Zóra, casting down her eyes; "but
+I have never yet been ashamed before God or man, and have no reason
+to fear the King or the durbar. But I have forgiven the Nawab freely.
+I have no claim upon him or against him; I have left all to the good
+Alla to judge between us. Yet, lady, had not my poor friends Runga and
+Burma Naik, whom I have known since I was a child, rescued me, I had
+surely been despoiled of my honour, and become an outcast. Now, blessed
+be the Lord, I can stand before my lord the King, or you, gracious
+lady, without shame, or a thought of shame. Forgive me that I speak
+so freely, lady; but thou art as a mother to me, and my tears and my
+thoughts well up together without restraint. I know none of the manners
+of a court, for hitherto I have been secluded, and my speech may appear
+curt and abrupt; but my thoughts are not so--indeed, indeed, they are
+as a child's before its mother."
+
+"Thy speech is good courtly Persian, at which I marvel, child,"
+returned the Queen, "and thou needest not be ashamed of it, Zóra; and
+thy fearlessness doth thee honour. Yes, I will be thy mother truly; and
+though thou mayest have forgiven thine enemy, the State hath not, and
+it is not seeming that such acts as Osman Beg's should be passed by
+unnoticed. Now depart, both of ye, for I hear the kettledrums from the
+city, and I have much to do ere the King enters. Bid thy grandfather
+eat something and be ready, for I have no doubt he will be sent for
+soon after His Majesty arrives."
+
+As they passed the entrance to the young Queen's apartments, Maria
+asked whether they might be admitted; but it was too late; the Queen
+was in the bath, and her attiring would scarcely be finished before
+the King arrived. Then they went down to the old man and his friend,
+whom they found deeply engaged in the discussion of the young Queen's
+ailments; and in the Padré's treatment of the case the old physician
+heartily agreed. Zóra delivered the Queen's message, and after a bath,
+which Ahmed had prepared, the Wallee's costly robe of honour and his
+crown were put on him. Zóra had changed her tunic for one of her
+simple woman's dresses, and they sat enjoying pleasant converse in
+regard to the past, while the salvoes of cannon, braying of trumpets,
+and loud nobat music playing on the terrace above, announced to them
+the arrival of the King.
+
+Nor had they to wait long. Another salute from a battery of cannon
+before the Hall of Audience announced that he had taken his seat;
+and two of the gold mace-bearers in waiting arrived to request the
+attendance of His Holiness Luteef Shah Wallee as soon as possible.
+And then the old man rose, and, led by Zóra, whom he declared must
+guide him, passed by the lower corridors into the great hall. It was
+a strange sight to the nobles and commanders assembled there, to see
+the venerable man led by the simply, not to say coarsely, dressed girl
+to a seat apart from the rest, and near the group of holy men who had
+already taken their places. All rose in deference to the new comer,
+whose rank was indeed superior to that of any there; but he was spared
+the difficulty of performing any act of reverence to the King himself,
+who, rising, went to him, while Zóra fell back under charge of one of
+the mace-bearers, an elderly eunuch, who took care of her; but she
+could see and hear perfectly whatever passed.
+
+"We have sent for thee, illustrious Syud," said the King, as soon as
+silence was enforced--for the murmur of astonishment and pity had
+been loud and full of emotion--"to do an act of justice, which shall
+mark this happy day with a deed peculiar to itself. We had heard
+of the illustrious Syud before from Abbas Khan, who was for a time
+at Juldroog, and we had vowed to send for him. But, lo! as if by a
+miracle, or the direct interposition of the Most High, as we entered
+the city gate, we found him present before us. In the humble garb of
+Fakeers he and his granddaughter appeared by the wayside, and he fell
+at our horse's feet. The just and Almighty Alla had, by a strange
+course of circumstances, guided them to our feet, not as they were in
+their exile, but with increased glory and honour; for at Gulburgah the
+Prince Geesoo Duráz, with other princes and learned doctors of Islam,
+had conferred upon him, in regard to his power over men's minds, his
+learning, and piety, the spiritual rank of Wallee; and as such, we
+ourselves, as we vowed, present him to you, O friends and brothers in
+the faith, and pray you to do him reverence, as we ourselves do, in the
+presence of ye all; for the Lord hath brought to us in honour one whom
+our ancestor Ibrahim--may peace be on his memory!--blinded and cast out
+to exile, where he was forgotten and might have died, but for the aid
+of Him in whose service his life had passed."
+
+Then many wept. Many who had known the old man in his prosperity, and
+thought him dead, pressed forward with tears and quivering features
+to grasp his hand once more, and kiss his feet; while cries of "Deen!
+Deen! A miracle! a miracle! May the saint live in peace and honour!"
+rose from all parts of the vast hall, and were taken up without with
+an enthusiasm which spread among the people even to the far ends of
+the city; and men saluted each other with the message of peace and the
+blessing of God, and the cry, "The sin of the State has been removed,
+let us be thankful."
+
+When the tumult had subsided, the King, standing on the step of the
+throne, cried again with a loud voice, and said: "Know all men, and
+brothers in Islam present, that before food or water hath passed our
+lips to-day, we freely and entirely revoke the cruel sentence passed
+on the illustrious Syud Ahmed Ali, now Syud Luteef Shah Wallee. We
+implore, in the name of our ancestor, forgiveness for the shame and
+pain he hath endured for forty years, and pray him to intercede with
+Alla the Most High, and His holy messenger, to wipe out this sin, and
+remove it for ever from us and our people. We further establish this
+our illustrious saint in all the possessions and estates which were
+granted before; and we give, in addition to these, the pergunna of
+Kokutnoor, the scene of his child's delivery from violence. So let
+it be, Ameen! Ameen!" Nor was a soul present who did not cry "Ameen!
+Ameen!"
+
+"Zóra! Zóra!" cried the old man, who was trembling with excitement,
+and feeling about with his hands, "raise me up and support me, else I
+cannot speak. Zóra, the Lord hath won the victory for us, and there
+is no longer aught hid from thee, O my child. Let her come to me,
+Sir, for I need her aid;" and there was a way opened for her, and he
+felt the soft warm hand steal into his, whilst her gentle "I am with
+thee, Abba," assured him. A strange sight was it to all that gorgeous
+assembly; the venerable old man leaning on the shoulder of the slight
+girl. He, clad in his rich saint's robe, and his crown with which he
+had been crowned; Zóra in her humble dress of soosi, and her plain
+muslin scarf now covering her face. But she was calm and dignified, and
+her modest self-possession struck those who saw her with wonder and
+admiration.
+
+Then the old man stretched forth his hands and blessed the King, and
+the Queen who sat above, and all the people. "What can I say, my King?"
+he cried; "what can I say? My poor speech is dumb, but my heart goeth
+forth to thee and thine, and to all present who behold me. As I came
+hither, O King, I rested at Gogi, and distributed Fatehas at all thy
+ancestors' tombs; but my heart was hot and hard and sore within me, and
+I was about to pass King Ibrahim's tomb, when God sent me a rebuke by
+the mouth of this poor child: 'Forgive him,' she cried, 'forgive him;
+go not away from this place till thou hast forgiven him;' and I kneeled
+down by his tomb, struck by remorse, and bared my head, and cast dust
+upon it, and cried, 'I forgive thee, O Royal master, all thou didst
+to me, and may it be forgiven to thee in the day of judgment.' And my
+heart was softened, and I was accepted at Gulburgah because I preached
+peace to the people, as, Inshalla, I will do here, and there will be
+no more war or trouble. And now, O King, bid me depart home to rest,
+for I am old, and the events of this day have overpowered me."
+
+Then the King ordered the ushers to bring a robe of honour, and he
+put it on the old man with his own hands, and hung a valuable string
+of pearls round his neck, to serve as prayer beads, while the people
+around the hall still cried blessings on them! and Zóra heard voices
+in the Queen's balcony crying, "Ameen; Ameen!" with, as she thought,
+Maria's blending with them, and sobbing too. While she led her
+grandfather back towards their apartments, Zóra hitherto had been able
+to repress her emotion, but finding Maria already there, she fell on
+her neck and wept passionately. She felt not only thankful for the
+honour accorded to Abba, but for what spoke to her heart more deeply
+and fondly, that Abbas Khan, and a noble old officer, whom she supposed
+to be his uncle, had been looking at her all the time. Nay, had she
+not heard their cries of joy and congratulations rising high above all
+others! And, late in the day, Meeah brought his uncle, and they kissed
+the old man's feet, and delivered the King's command that he should
+attend the great durbar on the morrow at noon. But Zóra had retired;
+she dared not look on them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+THE TRIAL.
+
+
+Somewhat before noon on the following day the tall, burly figure of
+a man, who wore a dress of red cotton cloth, advanced slowly over
+the short turfy sward which lay beneath some huge adansonia trees in
+the fort. They were situated at some little distance from the gate
+of the citadel, by themselves, with no buildings near them, for the
+spot was considered impure and unholy, being, in fact, the usual place
+of execution in Beejapoor. A few persons were following him, and as
+he stopped and seated himself in the shade of one of the trees, some
+of those who had gathered round him began to question him as to what
+was to happen, for the executioner rarely made his appearance in his
+official costume unless some event were to follow.
+
+"Who is it to-day, Khan Sahib?" asked one of the bystanders, with an
+expressive jerk of his head. "Who is to be sent to Paradise or to Hell?
+Nothing has happened for a long time past, but now the King has come
+again, thy hands will be full of work."
+
+"Yes, brothers," returned the grim functionary; "while Queen Chand
+was in authority, there was no business. She is a great deal too kind
+and compassionate, and she cheated me out of one fellow who was bigger
+than I, and the greatest bully and villain in Beejapoor, by letting
+that brisk young fellow, Abbas Khan, kill him. Now I should like to
+have slain that devil, because he was too mean for the young Khan to
+meddle with, and he was always mocking me and scoffing at my sword,
+which, he said, was nothing in comparison to his 'kussab,' as he called
+it, which I ought to have had also, but the Kotwal has taken it. Now
+look, friends, can anything be more beautiful than this?" and, rising,
+he drew from its scabbard a broad-bladed sword, rather broader at the
+point than at the hilt, with a point nearly square, with some, to him,
+strange-looking letters upon it, which he believed to be a charm. The
+motto, indeed, was--
+
+  "Inter arma silent leges,"
+
+and the sword had been forged in Germany. "All I know is, friends,
+that the blade is a true 'Allemagne;' and though it is as sharp as
+any razor, and I got Daood Sahib, the King's armourer, to retouch the
+edge to-day, there will not be even a notch in it when I have done my
+work, and not a cloud on its fair polish. Ah, sirs, that 'kussab' of
+the Abyssinian's is a brutal weapon, to be used but by main strength;
+whereas this, my Allemagne, requires only skill, and when any great
+person is made over to me, I use it and no other."
+
+"Then it is some great person, Khan Sahib, who will go to judgment
+to-day?"
+
+"Nay, friends, I know not," returned the executioner. "Some one
+belonging to the Prince Ismail's affair was brought from the south in
+a palanquin which was fastened up; and I know pretty well, when Hyat
+Khan sends me word to go to the trees and remain there, what that
+means. Now, go away, all of ye, for no one must see this put into its
+scabbard, lest an evil glance fall on it. My art is vain, unless the
+edge be keen and firm. Away with ye all, I would be left to my prayers
+and meditations. When ye see the palanquin come out of the gate yonder,
+ye can return if ye will, and see what I do." And when all around him
+had gone, the man put the blade of his sword to his forehead and chest
+reverently, made a salaam to it, and slowly and carefully replaced
+it in its richly embroidered velvet scabbard; and as the muezzins of
+the neighbouring mosques sang the midday call to prayer, spread his
+waist-belt on the green sward, and performed his devotions, for the
+executioner was a devout man, careful in the stated observances of his
+faith.
+
+The citadel was now a busier scene than when Queen Chand acted as
+Regent in the absence of the King. There were so many more dignitaries
+to be received, so much relating to the army to be arranged, so many
+rewards and dresses of honour to be distributed, that the approaches
+to the palace were always crowded. This did not affect our friends in
+the least, as they were not only pleasantly secluded, but at such a
+distance from the exciting crowds and turmoil, that they saw none of
+it, and heard only a little. At the council of the night before, all
+the public accounts for the period of Queen Chand's administration,
+which had been prepared beforehand, were read to the King, and duly
+audited. Many new patents of nobility as rewards for service, and
+grants of estates, were ordered to be drafted, Syud Luteef Shah
+Wallee's among the number. And we are glad to record also, that not
+only Abbas Khan, now created Khan Bahadoor, and commander of five
+thousand, but Runga Naik was received into the lower grade of nobility,
+and created lord of twenty villages near his own ancestral estate of
+Korikul, and was to receive a dress of honour in full Court. Assuredly
+his service had not been in vain, while other rewards, in proportion to
+their merits, were allotted to his brave followers. But all these were
+minor points; the business assigned to the morrow was of a much more
+important nature, for as they sat in the councils hall, Hyat Khan, the
+Kotwal, announced to the King that Osman Beg, the Governor of Juldroog,
+had arrived as a prisoner, and asked how he should be disposed of. The
+Queen Chand, who was sitting beside her nephew, said, "Son, I claim thy
+attention to this case first, for it is of grave importance to many
+that the truth should be made manifest to all, and justice be done. We
+would have seen to it ourselves when you were absent, but we thought
+thou shouldst decide upon it. It is a painful case, but justice must be
+done."
+
+"Certainly, and without favour, aunt. Yet why not by thee? Is there any
+power thou dost not share with me? Is there any order of thine to which
+I do not bow? Yet"--for the Queen was waving her hand in deprecation
+of his expressions--"yet, if thou wilt, I will be present with thee,
+and we will share the task together. Let the prisoner be well lodged
+and cared for, Khan Sahib," he continued to Hyat Khan; "let his arrival
+be announced to his father, who may visit him, and let him be present
+to-morrow at the afternoon durbar, when we shall be at leisure."
+
+And now the time had come. The King as he rose had received many
+persons of rank, and transacted his usual business with the Ministers.
+He then retired for awhile; but, after the noonday prayer, had entered
+the great hall of audience, and, due proclamation having been made
+within and without, he took his seat on the Royal throne, which had
+now been properly arranged. This was, in fact, a broad, low, wooden
+stool, with cushions of rich velvet, with a back also of wood, both
+being covered with thin plates of gold, inlaid, especially the back
+and canopy, with very rare and valuable precious stones, arranged in
+ingenious patterns. Queen Chand sat by her nephew, on her usual seat
+or cushion of velvet, and dressed in her usual simple fashion; but the
+King, though he wore white muslin only, had a precious jewel in his
+turban, and a necklace of large diamonds and emeralds, which flashed
+brightly whenever he moved. Before him lay a light Court sword, in a
+purple velvet sheath. He looked younger, as indeed he was by three
+years, than Abbas Khan, who, with other officers of the private Court,
+stood rather behind and to one side of the Royal daďs; but he was of
+slighter make, while his features, though delicate, were of darker
+colour than those of Abbas Khan, whose complexion was almost ruddy.
+
+A little lower, on the first broad step or platform of the daďs, sat
+the old Syud, Luteef Shah Wallee, in the place of honour nearest to
+the King and Queen; and just behind him, indeed touching him, the
+slight form of Zóra, dressed in her ordinary coarse garb, was seen
+covering her face as well as she could from the earnest and curious
+glances of those who, were wondering, as before, at her presence
+among so large a company of men. Behind her was the priest, Francis
+d'Almeida, who cheered her every now and then; but his sister, for
+whom Zóra was longing, sat above in the Queen's balcony with the other
+ladies-in-waiting and servants. The hall itself appeared the same as on
+the first day we saw it, except that the dresses of the courtiers were
+not of a military character, but of simple white muslin, crossed by a
+baldrick of gold lace or tissue, which was intended to hold a sword;
+but such weapons were carried in the hand, while a knife or dagger
+with jewelled hilt was stuck into the muslin girdle.
+
+When all the presentations had concluded, the King, having had silence
+proclaimed, spoke with a firm voice, and said, "Listen, O ye nobles and
+Ministers of the State! Sundry accusations have been made against Osman
+Beg, son of the brave Sooltan Beg, and we have caused him to be present
+here, before us, before the law officers of the State, and before his
+equals and superiors in rank. Let no one, therefore, say that this
+investigation was held secretly, or otherwise than in the sight of the
+Lord on high, and the day-beams of justice. Let, therefore, Osman Beg
+be brought hither, and let him reply to these accusations."
+
+The old Syud could not see him, we know, but he stood directly in front
+of Zóra as he entered, accompanied by a party of the Kotwal's guards,
+and proclamation was made by the Mohur that Osman Beg, Turcoman, stood
+before the throne. The prisoner then made a deep obeisance to the King
+and Queen, which was not returned by either, but to those assembled he
+made no gesture of salute. He looked round defiantly as he crossed his
+arms, and then, letting them drop to his sides, again saluted the King
+slightly, and said with a firm voice, "I am present, O King, to hear
+any accusation."
+
+At the sound of his well-remembered tones Zóra shuddered, for the
+events of the last night she had seen him were too fresh in her memory
+to be forgotten. But it was not a shudder of fear, it was rather a
+repellent action as against a foul reptile, and her cheeks flushed, and
+her tiny white teeth were set as if in resolution.
+
+Then the chief Kazee spoke from his seat, and said, "This is a case of
+treachery, O King, against thee, and thy person, kingdom, and security.
+These letters were found on the person of the Abyssinian slain in the
+combat of ordeal, and are addressed to Elias Khan, who died in battle.
+Osman Beg, in the name of the King, I ask thee if these are truly thine
+own; look at them."
+
+Osman Beg was not allowed to touch them, but they were held near his
+face and turned in every possible direction. There were many of them,
+the date and purport of each being read aloud by a scribe present.
+
+What could he do or say? the writing was sometimes his own, sometimes
+that of his confidential scribe. All the seals were his, and
+corresponded exactly with that he wore on his finger as a ring. He
+appeared to become weary of these documents being read, and handed
+about to receive the criticisms of others; and, with an impatient
+exclamation, for which he was reproved by the ushers, and admonished to
+be more respectful, he said, "Do not trouble yourself, Kazee Sahib, the
+letters are all mine; I deny them not."
+
+"Then I will read one, only one, for His Majesty to hear," was the
+reply; and, standing up, the Kazee selected one and read it so that all
+could hear. It was to Elias Khan, stating that the Padré at Moodgul,
+Dom Diego, had agreed to all conditions; that three thousand Europeans
+were ready at Goa; and that when Eyn-ool-Moolk was prepared he should
+deliver over the fort to any officers they might send, when he would
+join them; and, having overpowered Abbas Khan's detachment, they would
+march rapidly upon Beejapoor, put Chand Beebee to death, and take
+possession of the treasury and the capital; while another party, led
+by himself or Elias Khan, should pursue the King and bring him to
+Beejapoor, or execute him in camp, as might be most expedient.
+
+The Kazee could read no more, for there arose a shout in the assembly
+of "Let the traitor die! Send for the executioner! Away with him!"
+
+But Osman Beg turned in defiance to them all. "Dogs!" he cried, "all
+this would have been, and more, had Eyn-ool-Moolk not been slain, as
+Elias Khan was, by treachery. Ay! and ye know it, one and all of this
+assembly. What I have done, I have done; and what has happened is my
+fate. Yes, if ye wish to know what the Padré at Moodgul did, and wanted
+to do, get some one to read his letters. He was a brave fellow that,
+and would have struck in for us. Very different from the other, who, I
+hear, is in Beejapoor; he was too great a coward to be a traitor."
+
+"He confesses before the King, and before God and men, that he was
+prepared to do all that is written in these letters by his own hand;
+and the law is that the punishment is death," cried the Kazee.
+
+"My lord! my King!" cried Abbas Khan, as he saw the King was about to
+speak; and had he declared judgment, there would have been no delay
+in execution, "I cry for mercy and pardon. When I was ill and near to
+death in Juldroog he was kind to me; he not only gave me protection,
+but attended me as a brother. My King, he is my cousin, and we have
+played together when we were children; nor was my King absent. For the
+sake of his noble father, spare his life!"
+
+Osman Beg answered not a word. He stood, as he had done hitherto, with
+his arms crossed defiantly, looking now to the Kazee, now to the King,
+and now to his cousin, apparently defying all.
+
+"Of a truth thou deservest death, Osman Beg. Thou wouldst have, by
+thine own writing, put my venerable aunt, beloved of all"--and the
+people cried "Ameen! Ameen!"--"to a cruel death. Thou wouldst have
+slain me and thy cousin, Abbas Khan; and thou wouldst have prolonged
+war and misery in our kingdom. But it pleased Alla, the just and
+merciful, to frustrate all thy plots, and to bring them to naught; and
+for the sake of thine aged father, who fought beside Humeed Khan in the
+last desperate fight, and, when others fled, refused to fly with them,
+and still rallied men round his standard, we, in the name of the Most
+High, whose Regent we are over this people, give thee thy life; for He
+hath spared His servant through fields of carnage; and we would not, on
+the first day of taking our seat on the throne of our ancestors, stain
+it with blood. But thou art disgraced; thy rank and thy estates are
+confiscated; and thou canst stay here no longer. If thou, Osman Beg,
+returnest under any pretence, remember, the Kazee's just sentence shall
+at once be carried out. Hyat Khan, see that he be removed and banished,
+conducted ten coss beyond the frontier, and let to go whither he will."
+
+Osman Beg did not move. He glared around him with defiance still, and,
+looking at the King, cried out, "I go, as thou wilt have it, King
+Ibrahim; nor will I return to disgrace and dishonour. But, before
+I depart, I claim justice at thy hands, justice which thy meanest
+subjects may claim from thee. Give me my wife. Take honour, rank,
+estates, what thou wilt, but give me my wife whom I see sitting there
+with the Dervish of Juldroog. There!" he shouted, as he pointed his
+finger at Zóra; "there! she is mine by the law, and I claim her under
+the law. Give her to me and I depart, and leave only my curse behind
+me."
+
+Then arose another shout, more fierce, more prolonged than the first.
+"He has forfeited clemency; he has insulted the holy saint. Let him
+die!"
+
+"Is it so, Huzrut?" said the King, addressing himself to the old Syud,
+as soon as silence had been proclaimed; "is it so? Speak, or let the
+child speak. Fear not, maiden," he continued, in a soothing voice
+to Zóra; "thou art in God's presence, and the King's; speak as thou
+wouldst do, and wilt do, in the day of judgment."
+
+"I have no complaint against him, my lord," replied the Syud. "For what
+he did to my child when we were under him at Juldroog, he will answer
+to God, who mercifully protected and delivered my child and me from
+cruelty and insults. All that is past now, and we are here in safety;
+and, for my own part, he is now forgiven. I say, then, leave him to the
+Lord's will. Ask her, she will not be ashamed to say the truth, even in
+the midst of thousands of men. Rise, then, Zóra, and the Lord will give
+thee strength, my child. Thou art a Syud, and a Syud's honour trembles
+not before righteous judges. Men will not so much as look at thee,
+child; for a Syud's honour is as precious to them as it is to me and
+thyself."
+
+"Fear not, Zóra-bee," said the King, gently, "we are all thy
+grandfather's friends and thine; but Osman Beg hath demanded thee as
+his wife, and should have his reply from thyself, for thy honour's
+sake. Speak, and fear not."
+
+Zóra had trembled with shame and indignation as Osman Beg made his
+demand, at once so appalling and disgraceful to her. Her breast heaved
+with sobs, her eyes grew hot, and scalding tears fell from them over
+her burning cheeks. She felt as though she would have choked and died.
+But the girl's undaunted courage did not fail her even in that dire
+extremity, and the solemn adjuration of her grandfather and the gentle
+words of the King stimulated her and assured her; and hastily brushing
+away the tears which still glistened on her cheeks, and murmuring a
+silent prayer, she rose to her feet with a calmness she had little
+expected, and a kind of dread silence fell on the assembly at a scene
+so novel and so strange. Above, in the Queen's balcony, she heard a
+low clapping of hands, which gave her courage; and the Queen Dowager's
+encouragement of "Fear not, daughter, no harm can come to thee," was
+timidly acknowledged by a grateful look and reverence.
+
+As she cast her eyes around, she saw that men's faces were averted from
+her, and many heads bowed down; but opposite to her stood Abbas Khan,
+his features quivering with excitement, and his eyes as if striving to
+catch hers and give her strength; while near the centre of the hall
+stood Osman Beg, glaring on her defiantly, with a horrible expression
+of anticipated triumph, which thrilled through her, but from which she
+did not blench.
+
+Those who saw her remembered for years afterwards the simple, modest
+figure, dressed in clothes hardly better than those of a peasant, and
+the beautiful but excited face of the maiden. And those who did not
+dare to look on her, heard only the tones of her soft musical voice,
+which penetrated to every ear, and, indeed, to every heart of the many
+who heard it.
+
+"Before the Lord God, and ye who hear me," she said, slowly, "I am
+not his wife; and I have witnesses that I am not. I see the Moolla
+of Juldroog, who has known me from my birth, sitting yonder. Let him
+speak, if he be allowed." And as the King assented and signed to him,
+the old man rose.
+
+"It is the truth, O King and brethren. I was summoned before the
+Nawab one evening to perform a nika between him and Zóra-bee, which
+I thought strange. But I found the whole affair a mockery, and a
+shameful violation of all law and custom. Zóra was imprisoned under
+charge of two women from Moodgul, and I called for her in vain. Osman
+Beg dare not produce her. There was no one to represent her. And to
+expect me, a humble priest of God, to perform a mock marriage to cover
+his violence, was an insult to me; and I rose and left the assembly,
+every respectable person in it accompanying me and guarding me. Next
+day messengers were sent in every direction to obtain a Moolla, but
+none arrived until Zóra-bee and the old Syud had escaped. There was no
+marriage, O King and brethren; and he lies before God who says there
+was."
+
+"He lies!" cried Osman Beg, furiously; "he lies. She, standing there
+shamelessly, had come to me before, and what I did was to save her
+shame--the shame of a holy Syud, whom I respected."
+
+This pitiless speech affected the assembly deeply. The Moolla's
+evidence had carried conviction to every heart; but was this terrible
+accusation true? Some even seemed to lose faith in the girl, but her
+faculties were now strung to the highest tension, and her spirit seemed
+to rise with the increasing danger of her situation, as she cried,--
+
+"He says I am shameless, and that I came to him of my own will. Let his
+slave Jooma, who stands yonder, say what happened."
+
+Jooma, who with other witnesses had been brought from Juldroog, being
+now called by the usher, stepped forward and made a humble prostration;
+then rose, and joining his hands, said,--
+
+"Let my master do me no harm, O King, and I will speak the truth."
+
+"No one can harm thee," replied the Kazee for the King. "Speak truly,
+and without fear."
+
+"He," and he pointed to Osman Beg, "had often asked me to bring
+Zóra-bee to him; but I had played with the child, and gathered flowers
+for her, and I always refused; and he threatened me. One day he ordered
+two other slaves like me to bring her, and when they refused, he
+drew his sword and slew one, and a eunuch, who has run away, killed
+the other; and their bodies were flung into a hole in the rocks, and
+are there still. Their blood was wet on the rocks when he sent for
+me, and he had his bloody sword in his hand. 'Go, and bring Zóra,'
+he said, 'else thou shalt die!' And I was afraid; God forgive me for
+being afraid, and I bowed my head, and said, 'On my head and eyes be
+it.' And I took another slave with me, who knew nothing about it; and
+we went to watch for the girl, and saw her come to the bastion she
+loved, with Ahmed. Then we went down to them, and I sent Ahmed away
+on a false message. Zóra was never afraid of me. When Ahmed was gone,
+I seized her, and she screamed; and I tied her up with my waist-band,
+and we took her to the palace in a black blanket; and I carried her in
+my arms, and laid her down on a bed where the Mámas were. Oh, my lord
+King, I did wrong," continued the man, blubbering, as he cast himself
+on the ground; "and if Zóra is to die, kill me also, for it was I that
+did all the mischief. Not anyone else but me, because he said he would
+slay me as he had slain the others. Their bones are in the hole, and
+the new Killadar tried to get them out, but he could not. Ask him."
+
+"As if a master could not slay an insolent slave whom he had bought
+with his own money," cried Osman Beg, scornfully. "And can such as he
+be believed against a true Moslem's word? I say he lies, there was no
+force; and she came when I sent him to call her."
+
+It was well for Zóra, then, that Osman Beg's cook, whom we may
+remember, had also been brought. She now stepped forward, and said,
+simply, "Jooma speaks the truth; Zóra-bee was brought into the harem
+tied up in a blanket, and I saw Máma Luteefa and her servant untying
+her. I went from the kitchen to look, as every one was saying the Nawab
+had had Zóra carried off, and was going to marry her; and I was ordered
+to cook pilao for the company. And, for the matter of that," continued
+the old woman, as she looked round confidently, as many cries of
+"Shahbash! well done!" fell on her ears, "every one in the palace knew
+it; every one in the fort. Why, I could name a score, yea, a hundred,
+who knew it too. Why don't they speak out like me? His wife, indeed!
+She was as much married to him as I was; and she is as pure now as
+when she was born. Does the Nawab think any one could have come to him
+without my knowledge? Shookr! he should be beaten on the mouth with a
+shoe for all he is a Nawab. Ask Goolab-bee, the pán woman; she was with
+Zóra and the two Mámas of Moodgul all the night Zóra was carried off by
+Runga Naik, and kept her safely as her own child."
+
+"We need hear no more, my friends," said the King. "For my own part I
+am satisfied. Yet I ask her once more if she hath aught to adduce?"
+
+"Only these papers," she said, timidly, "which my grandfather told me
+to preserve. This is the letter he wrote, and sent by Máma Luteefa to
+Korikul. It bears his seal, and is in his own hand; and he says he will
+come to us and have the marriage done. The second is the deed he gave
+to the robber who had instructions to carry me off from Kukeyra, and
+who was killed; and with it is also the letter he wrote to the Kazee
+of Kembavee, asking him to come and marry me to him. Oh, my King and
+my lord, why should he have selected me, a poor orphan and a Fakeer,
+for this persecution, from which the Lord saved me many times? Even at
+Kokutnoor I had not escaped from the robbers but for the heavy rain
+that the Lord sent. If I had been guilty and shameless, as he declares
+I was, would the Lord have helped me? If I had been married to him, as
+he declares, why ask for me again? Why ask the good Kazee of Kembavee
+to marry him to me? I am ashamed to speak so much," she continued,
+timidly, "but her honour is dearer to a Syud's child than her life. I
+had not thought to complain, and I make no complaint. I have forgiven
+him freely, as I forgive him now; and I would have been silent, but
+when he said I was shameless, could I be silent? I have no father, no
+mother, my lord, but you and the Queen. I am but a poor orphan crying
+to you both for justice before the Lord."
+
+The reading of the several papers produced had, to all appearance,
+silenced Osman Beg, and his head drooped on his chest despairingly; yet
+still, beaten back on every point, he made one more last effort.
+
+"If I produce the Moolla who married me," he said, scornfully, "will ye
+be content? Stand forth, Moolla Aboo Bukr, and speak for me."
+
+"I, your slave, will speak the truth, master," he said, removing the
+false beard he wore; and then prostrating himself before the King,
+cried, "May I be your sacrifice, O King, but I am not even one of the
+faithful; I am only a Hindoo, a poor buffoon, who frequents marriages
+and festivals, and tries to amuse people. The night Zóra-bee was to be
+married, and when thy servant found the Moolla walked away in a huff,
+and we sat looking at each other like owls, I clapped on my beard and
+wagged it, and said, 'Good people, let me marry them;' and, God pardon
+me, I tried to recite----"
+
+"Enough! enough! this is no time or place for thy buffoonery," cried
+the King, who, however grave the occasion, could hardly keep his
+countenance. "Away from the presence. Is the Khan mad, mother, that he
+tried this last resource?"
+
+"I know not," said the Queen; "but I long to embrace that brave child,
+who shall be as a daughter to me henceforth." The Queen had been
+sobbing as she sat, and her face was wet with tears. "Come to me,
+Zóra," she said gently to her, "and I will acknowledge thee before
+them;" and the girl, who had sat down weeping tears which soothed and
+relieved her, whispered to her grandfather that the Queen needed her,
+and rising, passed behind the throne to the Queen Dowager's seat; and
+the Royal lady, placing her hands on the girl's head, rose up, and said
+to all present, as Zóra stood beside her, "This child the Lord hath
+preserved from danger and ruin, and she is pure, and a holy Syudanee.
+She is an orphan, moreover, and her revered grandfather, Syud Luteef
+Shah Wallee, is old and infirm. Therefore, we, our lord the King and
+myself, adopt her as our daughter, and will marry her honourably in
+her own rank. As for that man," and she pointed to Osman Beg, "my lord
+the King will deal with him as he deserves." And then once more the
+great hall rung with cries of "Justice is done! May Chand Beebee live
+a hundred years!" "Hear the gracious words she speaks!" and the like;
+till, at a signal from the King, the usher again enforced silence.
+But before he could speak, an aged man, whose figure was still firm
+and erect, rose, and advanced to the foot of the throne, where, after
+prostrating himself and kissing the King's feet, he took the sword he
+had carried in his hand, and laying it in his muslin handkerchief,
+offered it to the King. It was Adam Khan, Turcoman, the father of
+Osman, who thus spoke in broken accents,--
+
+"Say no more, my lord and my King. Spare me, the aged servant of thy
+house, one who was serving Ibrahim Adil Shah when the venerable Syud
+suffered. Say no more, for my honour's sake, for I have fought and bled
+for thee. I speak not for him, my unworthy son; but I admit his guilt
+against you, my lord, and my Queen, and against that poor orphan, whose
+father served under me, and died in battle. Yea, my lord, and my Queen,
+I admit the guilt freely, and ye have been witness to its proof. So
+justice has been done before the Lord, and though I suffer, I rejoice.
+Now, therefore, my King, if thou hast given this wretch his life, let
+us go. I have no tie to life, nor children, nor wife, nor any one. Let
+us go, then, to Mecca, where he may pray for pardon to the Messenger,
+who will accept his penitence. The ship from Choule is about to sail,
+and we will depart, and our shame and dishonour may be forgiven. But
+take this poor memorial of the service of one who hath been faithful,
+whom thy Royal mother knoweth to be faithful. I leave to thee the
+estates I hold, but, with permission, all my command with the horses
+and men I give to Abbas Khan, nephew of the brave Humeed Khan."
+
+"Peace, father!" said his son; "humble thyself no more. One more chance
+of justice is open to all. Hath this girl any champion to undertake her
+defence? Men's tongues are swayed by a breath of opinion, but sharp
+steel is the true arbiter. Again, therefore, I claim her as my wife,
+let who will be her champion."
+
+Then a number of fiery young men started up; but among them all Abbas
+Khan was the calmest, stateliest, and most remarkable. "I owe my life
+to that poor orphan," he said, "and I should be unworthy if I refused
+her aid in her need. Listen, Osman Beg; though I have partaken of thy
+hospitality, thou must accept me in the ordeal if thou persist in
+claiming her."
+
+"I accept!" cried Osman Beg, "On foot or horseback, with armour or
+without, I claim thee, and thee only. The day is yet young, the field
+where the Abyssinian died is open. Come! thou art welcome; and if thou
+refuse, thou art a coward and a liar!"
+
+"Silence!" cried the King, angrily; "an honourable man can only fight
+with one of equal honour. Thou, Osman Beg, art one whose life hath been
+far-famed for treachery; whose honour hath yielded before falsehood,
+and become a thing for honest men to spit on. Away! go to the holy
+Kibleh with thine honoured father; haply the Lord may give thee grace
+to repent. Champion! nay, she needeth none; hath not the Lord been her
+champion in preserving her from thee? Hyat Khan, remove him; see that
+he is guarded and escorted with his father to the ship for Mecca."
+
+"It is my destiny," murmured Osman Beg, as he retreated. "Must I go?
+But I will not cease to pursue her while I have life; and my revenge
+will only sleep, only sleep."
+
+"And now, sirs, we have detained you long," said the King; "but we
+dismiss ye with our thanks, and grateful to the Lord, also, that He
+hath manifested His justice in the protection of an orphan child."
+
+Till the Queen rose, Zóra had been sitting beside her, but her mind was
+in a strange condition. What she had said, how the people had clapped
+their hands and shouted for her; how she had escaped from the deadly
+danger, worse than death, which had threatened her; what the King and
+Queen Chand had said to her, of all this she knew very little; but
+when Meeah, as she loved to think of him, rose up, and before all the
+assembled people declared he was her champion, her heart swelled almost
+to bursting, and she could only look at him with wistful eyes, while
+her cheeks burned painfully and her breath came in gasps. Meeah! he was
+true; he had not forgotten the night watch. Meeah! he would have risked
+his life for her honour. Oh that she could throw herself at his feet
+and clasp his knees, and say----Ah! what could she have said, but that
+she loved him, that she would die for him, if needs be.
+
+She was anxious to be alone, to pray and thank God in her own simple
+fashion, to send Fatehas to all the saints' shrines; and pleading her
+duty to her grandfather, the good Queen, perceiving the girl was well
+nigh distraught, bid her go, and she would send for her presently. And
+Zóra, leading the old man forth, regained their apartments quietly. And
+when he was seated in his old place, and had drunk some cool sherbet,
+he drew her to him, and said, "Child, remember this day; 'tis the end
+of my Turreequt, except the last when the angel calls me; but it is
+the beginning of thine in honour and joy. When that youth spoke, my
+heart leaped towards him; and, if the Lord will, he may lead thee to
+eternal peace."
+
+Zóra could not reply, her heart was too full; and how could she mention
+Meeah? Maria came in soon after, with her brother; and while the good
+Padré stayed with his old friend, Zóra and Maria withdrew to Zóra's
+apartment, and in a burst of softening tears, the girl's overcharged
+spirit was relieved. Never before had Maria heard the history of Zóra's
+abduction and escape, and she was amazed at the girl's endurance and
+bravery. Then Maria took her to the Queen Chand, who laid her head on
+her own bosom, and comforted her.
+
+"Thou art my daughter, now," she said, "for thou art brave and true;
+and I will be to thee a mother, grateful that God hath sent me such a
+child to love, and to be beloved by. Nay, I will not take thee from thy
+Abba, for without thee he cannot live; but I shall see thee daily, and
+there need be no reserve between us." Nor was there from thenceforth.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Under the adansonian trees the executioner had sat waiting, until their
+broad shadows stretched across the sward and were becoming longer. At
+last a messenger came and said--
+
+"Get up, O Khan, no one comes to thee to-day, and Hyat Khan bids thee
+go home."
+
+"Hai! hai! alas! alas!" said the functionary, with a sigh. "And thou
+wert so sharp, my son;" and he once more drew his weapon from its
+sheath. "He would never have felt it. Well, so let the King have mercy;
+and yet thy time will come again some day or other, O my son. Well,
+thou shalt be ready;" and with a sigh he made a deep salaam to the
+glittering weapon, and, returning it to its sheath, covered the sword
+with his scarf, and walked slowly towards the city.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+FREEDOM.
+
+
+And now there was rest and peace; but how different to that in the
+old fort, to which Zóra's mind often wandered. How different grew on
+her day by day, more and more. Instead of the dreamy, uneventful life
+she used to lead, there was now excitement and active employment.
+Her constant attendance on her grandfather never relaxed; and he was
+perhaps more exacting than before--partly on account of his increasing
+infirmity, and partly because of the strange and new consciousness
+of increased dignity and importance which was growing upon him, and
+which was foreign to his naturally humble temperament. His devotional
+exercises, too, in which he was assisted by some of the priests of the
+city mosques, were much prolonged; and he was often weary and peevish,
+and on such occasions the presence of old Mamoolla and Ahmed only
+provoked him, and Zóra became indispensable. Had he not, also, been
+invited to preach in the Jooma Mosque, where six thousand men of all
+ranks sat with the King to listen to him on the occasion of the King's
+first visit to that noble building, when he went to return thanks for
+the close of the war? He knew that he had moved many hearts; for
+though he lauded patriotism and bravery in war, yet he dwelt more
+strongly and more earnestly on the blessings of peace, industry,
+sobriety, and devotion; and these were themes which flowed from his
+lips spontaneously and with fervid eloquence. Many men who listened
+then, and afterwards, thought him inspired; and whether he spoke in
+the rough Dekhani dialect, or in the softer Persian, he was equally
+impressive. Hundreds became his devoted followers, and I fear the burly
+high priest's influence decreased in proportion.
+
+From the high priest issued the hardest doctrines of Islam: the most
+difficult metaphysical arguments that learned commentators had ever
+supplied. The learning and study they displayed were wonderful, and
+immeasurably exceeded that of the old Dervish; but they were hard to
+comprehend, and to the uninitiated utterly unintelligible, whereas
+those of our old friend were sweet and consoling, encouraging to good
+works and love to men, as well as to love to God. Hence there arose
+two factions, as it were, in the city, which on any and every occasion
+were ready to divide into opposing portions; and Luteef Shah Wallee was
+denounced as an heretical and misleading preacher, not belonging to any
+saintly family, who neglected to preach damnation to unbelievers, but
+sought to win them by kindness, which was contrary to the texts and
+doctrines of the blessed Korán; and thus, when he had expected peace,
+our old friend found strife, which as time passed grew more bitter.
+
+But it was pleasant, nevertheless, after such services, to receive the
+visits of his friends. And even some of his contemporaries, Ekhlas
+Khan, the blind old minister, several of the physicians and lawyers,
+some of the local nobility, and men of learning, enrolled themselves
+among his disciples, and sat at his feet, enjoying the words which fell
+from his lips with true zest. And as to the common people, there were
+many likewise, but the majority still adhered to the old _régime_; and
+the precincts of the Chishtee Palace and cemetery, which were in the
+centre of the city outside the walls, were as crowded as usual. The
+Chishtee priest had, too, many subordinate ministers, who gathered in
+his revenues from vows, oblations, and performances of ceremonials in
+thousands of families; and the shrine was richly endowed besides by
+estates and charged on many collections of revenue. But our old friend
+had none of these, and desired none. All he received he gave away in
+charity to the poor at the great mosque, and sent to other mosques
+in the city, and to the almshouse, and the public hospitals, and
+travellers' rest houses. And he had no ambition to do more; certainly
+none to become rich; for the King had enriched him far beyond his
+requirements, and collections from the estates were beginning to come
+in. What was he to do with them? He had no wants, for the ordinary
+allowance at the fort was sufficient for food and clothes, and the
+expense and maintenance of a household were unknown both to him and
+Zóra.
+
+Zóra, too, had her separate duties, apart from those connected with
+her grandfather. Rising early, she frequently joined Queen Chand for
+the first morning prayer, and then assisted her by writing fair copies
+of the drafts she had made over night; and when Abba rose, she was
+informed of it, and was allowed to go to assist him. Sometimes she
+sang to the Queen the few things she knew, or did embroidery for her.
+And the Queen liked Zóra's beyond that of all her other maidens, and
+entrusted her with the finishing of a precious and costly piece in seed
+pearls on velvet, which was to be sent as an offering to Mecca, some of
+the most delicate parts of which had been done by herself. Sometimes,
+too, she read aloud, while the Queen worked, from such books as she
+had studied under her grandfather, and learned from him the proper
+rhythm and emphasis. And Zóra's ear was so correct, and her cadence
+so musical, that it was like a sweet song, or a chaunt, or a spirited
+declamation, as the subject required.
+
+Every day, too, while the Queen took her noonday rest, Zóra's time was
+her own; and Maria came to her, and they sat under a great fig-tree
+which flourished in the little garden, and held sweet communion with
+each other, or worked. Zóra, though comparatively little time had
+passed, was not now the shy, simple child Maria had loved at Juldroog.
+She found the girl's character developed and strengthened by contact
+with the world without, and by the experience, rough and sad as it had
+been, that she had endured in the wild persecution of Osman Beg, and
+the society of those with whom she had come in contact since she had
+left the fort. Over and over again had Maria requested her to tell the
+story of her escape from Osman Beg's treachery and violence; and she
+could follow it all, from the seat on the well-remembered bastion,
+with the grand ravine and cataract before it, to the final scene of
+the trial, of which she had been a spectator from the Queen's balcony,
+and estimate with wonder and admiration, and with many a sympathetic
+tear and sob, the young girl's fortitude and endurance. She could
+estimate, too, Zóra's dread that she might still, by some unknown
+chance, fall into this ruthless man's hands; and Maria would soothe and
+calm her, bidding her trust in the Lord, and in the powerful friends
+that had been given to her. The one was a humble Christian, the other a
+Mussulman girl. Yet, in the sympathy and love that united them, there
+was nothing wanting. Sometimes, too, they now spoke of "Meeah," for
+Maria could not but discern, from his behaviour at the trial, that the
+young man loved Zóra fondly, and even passionately; and Zóra would
+listen to the few words Maria said on the subject with a fond and even
+sad interest, hiding her burning face in Maria's bosom, with secret
+hope and yet with trembling dread. Her one hope in life lay with him,
+for Abba was declining in strength, and he was over-taxing a mind and
+frame which had been so long unexercised, and that she knew must bring
+with it the inevitable consequence of death. Till that time came she
+declared that not even Meeah should separate her from the fondly loved
+old man; and Maria could understand, however great the temptation, that
+her vow would not be broken.
+
+But Abbas Khan himself was not free from embarrassment in regard to
+taking any formal step towards Zóra. Years ago, when his uncle was by
+no means so rich as he was at present, and his brother, Abbas Khan's
+father, had been only a Silladar, or owner of a few horses in the Royal
+Dekhani cavalry, his little son had been betrothed to the daughter
+of a comrade of the same rank as himself in the army, of Abyssinian
+descent, but whose estates rendered his daughter, Sukeena, a desirable
+connection in the consideration of many families of Beejapoor,
+notwithstanding the report that Sukeena-bee was very forbidding both
+in person and features. She was, indeed, both lame and deformed; and
+was in addition so ugly, that she was known by a sobriquet by no means
+complimentary. Sukeena's mother was descended from a Nubian family,
+which had again intermarried with Abyssinians. But it was not from this
+cause alone that Sukeena's appearance was forbidding; her father was a
+very plain and somewhat humpbacked man; her grandmother, the daughter
+of one of the Abyssinian noblemen, had been only too glad to dispose
+of a singularly ugly daughter to a respectable man, and gave with her
+a dower of property which, as he said, endowed the Lady Fyzun with
+a beauty more precious and more lasting than that of a pretty face.
+From this union had resulted one daughter only, the girl who had been
+betrothed in her early childhood to Abbas Khan.
+
+Neither Humeed Khan, Abbas Khan's uncle, nor his wife, the Lady Fatima,
+had been parties to this early betrothal. When it took place they
+were at a distance; but when the Lady Fatima returned to Beejapoor,
+her nephew's father and mother had both died. For a time, the Queen
+Chand had adopted the orphan boy, and he shared in the instruction
+of the young King; but afterwards Abbas Khan had returned to his
+uncle's house, and taken his place in the Royal service. Considering
+the connection which already existed by betrothment, it would have
+been impossible for the Lady Fatima to have avoided the Lady Fyzun
+and her daughter. Both husbands were absent at the war, with the
+King. Sukeena's father, notwithstanding his partial deformity, was,
+as is often seen to be the case, a man of immense strength and ever
+conspicuous bravery, and he had risen to a rank considerably higher
+than it was at the time of the old betrothal. In point, therefore, of
+social condition the families were pretty equal, though the Abyssinian
+lady claimed precedence in consequence of her descent from a long line
+of ministers and generals, who had attained rank and power in the days
+of the Bahmuny dynasty at Gulburgah and Beeder.
+
+From the period of her return to Beejapoor, the Lady Fatima had been
+obliged to offer civilities to the Lady Fyzun, which, of course,
+included her daughter; and the Lady Fyzun was a woman not only of
+excessive pride, but of extremely sharp, disagreeable temper, and,
+moreover, very parsimonious. Her husband, poor man, was especially mild
+and good-natured, and, if he could have managed it, would have got away
+as far as was possible from his wife at all times. But at a season like
+the present, when the whole army had returned from a campaign, and
+there seemed to be neither possibility nor probability of the renewal
+of war, Zyn Khan, for that was his name, was obliged to remain at home,
+and to submit to his wife's conduct and remarks with all the patience
+and equanimity he could command. After more than two years of respite,
+his trials recommenced the day of the King's triumphal entry.
+
+The Lady Fyzun was, as I have already remarked, very economical. The
+house-steward and the clerks who kept the house accounts could never
+satisfy her as to the expenditure of the cook, or the daroghas of the
+kitchen and stables. She was at perpetual war with them. Too much
+butter, or meat, or onions and garlic, or vegetables, were surely
+used for cooking the domestic daily food. The horses ate too much
+grain and fodder; the slaves and eunuchs wore out their clothes too
+fast. In short, these were, and had been, subjects of altercation for
+years, and were by no means worn out. Now the morning of the King's
+arrival was a fast day, though not one of a rigid character, and few,
+especially on an occasion like this, would have observed it at all;
+but Fyzun-bee had no idea of allowing laxity of religious observances.
+She kept the Rumzan and Mohorum with a positively fearful exactitude,
+and starved herself, her daughter, and her household to the very
+verge of endurance. On the other hand, on joyful anniversaries, when
+a liberal addition of savoury food was made to the daily allowance
+by every, even the poorest, housewife, Fyzun-bee's feast was of the
+smallest dimensions and humblest character. Sweetmeats were not made
+in the house of good sugar-candy and fresh butter, but ordered from
+the confectioners, who sent, according to order, the coarsest, and but
+little of them. In the pilao, the cook was restricted in the use of
+ghee, spice, and meat; camel and even buffalo flesh was used instead of
+good fat mutton; and the cook, who was really a mistress of her art,
+would, had she not been a slave, have no doubt sought a more liberal
+mistress in sheer vexation.
+
+Zyn Khan had ridden with the King's throng of courtiers and officers in
+the entrance procession. He had attended the durbar, and had been thus
+detained till late in the day; he was, therefore, not only extremely
+tired, but hungry to boot; and though he expected no delicacies at
+home, yet he felt sure that there would be food at least, and perhaps
+the cook might do something special for him. He had left the durbar in
+company with his friends Humeed Khan and Abbas Khan, and at the gate
+of their mansion had parted with them. Then, as they separated, Humeed
+Khan had said to him, good humouredly, "If the fast is observed to-day
+in thy house, come to us, brother; nay, stay now if thou wilt, with a
+hearty welcome."
+
+Now, though only at the gate, the fragrant scent of savoury food had
+already reached him, for it was to be a feast for many of the inferior
+officers and men of Humeed Khan's household troops, which would be a
+warranty that there were better dishes beyond that; and Zyn Khan's
+hunger increased, while his mouth fairly watered. But to eat in a
+stranger's house just after a long absence would be a positive affront
+to his wife, of whom he stood in awe, and he passed on to the reception
+that awaited him. Certainly all the servants were at their posts. There
+were trays of offerings, and lighted lamps waved over him; the women
+servants and eunuchs chaunted a discordant welcome; but his nose was
+regaled by no savoury smell; and, on passing the door of the kitchen
+court, he looked in, and beheld the old cook and her two assistant
+girls sitting dolefully on the step of the kitchen itself; and as
+they got up and waved their arms towards him, cracking their knuckles
+against their cheeks, he returned the salute by crying out, "The peace
+of God on you, Máma Leila; I trust you have something good for your
+hungry master."
+
+"On the contrary, my lord," returned the woman, with a spiteful accent;
+"no firewood and no food have been allowed me to-day, else thou
+shouldst have eaten well."
+
+Zyn Khan was really angry. "No firewood and no food have been given
+Leila-bee to-day," he cried, regardless of the approach and salutation
+of his wife and daughter. "No food! and I have this day ridden ten coss
+(twenty miles), and been out in the hot sun all the time, and attended
+the King's durbar, without a morsel to eat. And this is my welcome
+after two years' absence. Fyzun! art thou not ashamed, O wife?"
+
+"I ashamed! I, the descendant of Princes and Ministers, ashamed of
+keeping the holy fast, and of the service of Alla, instead of thy
+greedy belly. Touba! Touba! As-tagh-fur-oolla! Shame, and God forbid
+that I should hear such words from the father of thy daughter Sukeena!
+No; there is no food and no fire in the house to-day for gluttons; let
+them meditate on the saints, and feed on spiritual food, like true
+men of Islam. Be satisfied, O Khan, that I, thy wife, and thy beloved
+daughter, are in the same condition as thyself, fasting for the love
+of Alla and the saints. Thou canst bathe and refresh thyself, for hot
+water is ready for thee in the bath, and I will see (for the expression
+of his face was far from amiable) and get some confection which may
+stay thy hunger till night."
+
+"Till night!" groaned Zyn Khan; "till night! Is this how thy mother
+teaches thee, Sukeena-bee? I would not be thy husband, girl." These
+were the first words he had spoken to her, and as he uttered them he
+looked over the ungainly, crooked form, the sour, ugly features, and
+the really mean clothing of his daughter. In his heart he compared her
+to the simple, lovely girl he had seen with the old saint who had so
+mysteriously reappeared. "Were I Abbas Khan," he thought, "they might
+cut me in pieces ere I would consent to mate with one like Sukeena,
+while a girl like the saint's granddaughter was within possibility of
+attainment. No, it can never be. And what does it matter to Sukeena;
+her money will attract some one."
+
+"What art thou saying, father?" asked his daughter. "Thy lips move, but
+no words come forth."
+
+"I was saying," returned her father, bitterly, "that if thou hadst met
+me with a cheerful face, brought me a pleasant breakfast, and behaved
+thyself like a loving daughter, I should have patted thee on the head
+and become more reconciled to thy ugly face. Well! ugly it always was,
+and that is no fault of thine. Nay, do not cry; but two years have made
+it sour and forbidding, and all thy wealth would not reconcile it to
+constant companionship."
+
+Then he got up suddenly, put the girl aside, and went into his bath.
+I am afraid matters there did not improve the good man's temper. The
+water had been hastily heated lukewarm, instead of hot; and it had
+been smoked with the smoke of cowdung cakes till, as the poor Khan
+said, it would take all the perfumes of a perfumer's shop to take the
+evil smell from him. He took off his armour, however, and his heavy
+riding clothes, put on a light muslin suit, went out, and sat down in
+his accustomed place.
+
+No one was there, but presently his wife appeared, leading a small
+procession, at the head of which was his daughter bearing a silver
+plate, and several women with others also covered.
+
+"Spread the cloth," said the Lady Fyzun, "and put down the dishes. Now,
+Bismilla! Khan Sahib, eat thy fill, for it is consecrated to the Lord,"
+she said with a sniff. "It was about to go forth to the shrine of the
+Chishtee saint, but I have saved some for thee."
+
+"Bismilla!" he said, as a servant removed a cover, and he expected to
+find some delicate rice milk or vermicelli, with which he would have
+been content, hungry as he was; but instead, he saw three "julaybees,"
+very old and leathery, and, moreover, much fly-blown, on the first
+plate; and on the next, two large coarse "luddoos," which smelt rancid,
+and were covered with dust, a few very dry hard dates, and two oranges
+of the peculiarly sour description used by dyers; and on the last, two
+shrivelled coarse plantains, bruised and black.
+
+"Ul-humd-ul-Illa! Praise be to God!" he exclaimed, "that my wife and
+daughter worship the saints, although they need not send them stale
+sweetmeats and sour and rotten fruits. Do not deny these delicacies to
+holy men, lady wife; but for me they are much too good, and I must seek
+plainer food elsewhere," and having delivered this speech with a kind
+of grave mock solemnity, he took up his sword, tucked it under his arm,
+and walked away.
+
+"If you are going to Humeed Khan's house to eat," cried his wife, not
+a whit abashed, "give my humble respects, and say, that when it may be
+quite convenient, I should like the matter of Sukeena-bee's marriage to
+be settled."
+
+"Oh, mother!" cried the girl, when her father had departed, "I saw
+Meeah in the procession to-day, and he is as beautiful as Yoosuf. If I
+do not marry him I shall die."
+
+I think it is very possible, if Zyn Khan had had a better reception at
+home, he would have made an attempt to carry this point. As it was,
+he arrived just as his friend Humeed Khan's cloth was being spread.
+Nothing was said but a welcome, and the hungry man sat down to a
+dinner of many savoury courses, which he enjoyed heartily, and felt
+truly grateful for. And after this, when the three men were alone, and
+pleasant fumes of fragrant tobacco were being inhaled, they discussed
+the subject of the marriage in a friendly manner.
+
+"The last words my wife said to me were, that I should settle something
+about the marriage of your nephew and my daughter; and as we can talk
+it over in a friendly manner among ourselves, perhaps we had better
+make some arrangement."
+
+"Well," said Humeed Khan, "you know it is now a very old matter, with
+which neither I nor my wife had anything to do; and we have long
+thought that, as we were not parties to the agreement, and refuse to be
+so, the issue rests with Meeah alone, who, of course, can claim your
+daughter if he chooses, and he is now responsible for his own actions.
+You had better, therefore, ask him, Khan Sahib, and I will withdraw
+while you discuss it."
+
+"No, no, no!" cried both, "stay with us; and," added Abbas Khan,
+gravely, "I have fully considered the matter, and have come to the
+conclusion that it would be better for us both that we continue to be
+separate."
+
+"And what is to become of Sukeena, Meeah? Is she never to have a
+husband?"
+
+"She has, or will have, much wealth," replied the young Khan; "and,
+as flies to honey, so, when it is known that she is free, a hundred
+suitors will send in their proposals, and you can take your choice.
+Besides, you are Abyssinians and we are Dekhanies, and such marriages
+never prosper. Have not a hundred bloody feuds arisen out of such
+affairs?"
+
+"That is true," said Zyn Khan; "and there is no saying what feud might
+not arise even at the very marriage itself. All the hot bloods of my
+people declare that as Meeah slew Elias Khan and his champion, Yacoot,
+there is a blood feud between the Dekhanies and the Abyssinians which
+may break out at any time."
+
+"Of course it might," said Humeed Khan; "and of all occasions that of a
+marriage is the most probable. My friend, not only for our own sakes,
+but for that of the State, we ought to forbid this matter; and I, for
+one, shall forbid it, leaving Meeah to pursue his own course."
+
+"Well," returned Zyn Khan, "I can guess what that will be. Sukeena-bee
+has not grown more beautiful since I left her, and I love you, Meeah,
+too well, and her too well--for is she not my only child?--to join you
+together to hate each other all your lives! The old adage, 'Pigeons
+mate with pigeons, and hawks with hawks,' suits you exactly. My dame
+can look about for one of our own clan, who are poor enough, but they
+have the breeding she likes best, and Sukeena will be rich. Now,
+Humeed Khan, do not be offended if I speak bluntly. My lady is fond of
+money, and so is Sukeena. Suppose you offer something for the marriage
+expenses, and I think it will be accepted."
+
+"Good!" cried Humeed Khan, laughing. "I will send five thousand rupees
+gladly."
+
+"And I," added Abbas Khan, "a pair of gold anklets and a pearl
+necklace."
+
+"Enough, O generous friends!" cried Zyn Khan. "There may be some
+difficulty, perhaps; but, after all, Inshalla! a man is master in his
+own household."
+
+But when he returned home, Zyn Khan did not find the matter so easy as
+he had imagined. His daughter declared she should die, and would eat
+no food. Her mother only pointed to her as she lay, and said, "Let her
+die, since thou hast not spirit enough to help her." And it was only
+when the last temptation was offered, the money and the jewels, that
+mother and daughter seemed to yield before the persistence, not to say
+obstinacy, of the master of the house.
+
+The affair, however, took nearly a month to arrange, until one day the
+parties concerned attended at the Kazee's office, in the great Adalut
+Palace, and mutual deeds of release having been interchanged, Zyn Khan
+took away with him on his elephant five bags of a thousand rupees each,
+and the beautiful anklets and pearls which Abbas Khan had presented.
+The whole had been well managed, without either public scandal or
+offence to either party. There was nothing in it which was against
+custom or law, and Abbas Khan was at last free from a connection which
+he had always dreaded. On the other hand, Sukeena-bee put on her gold
+anklets and walked about, rejoicing in the music of their tiny bells,
+and fastened on the necklace, which was declared free from defect;
+while her mother, for a time very busy among her female friends,
+at last found out a young man descended from an ancient and noble
+Abyssinian family, and the betrothment of the pair quickly followed.
+
+"If I had not fasted that day," said the Lady Fyzun, "we should not
+have secured that happy deliverance from low-bred Dekhanies."
+
+"If I had not taken the affair out of thy hands, O wife, we should have
+gone on as we were, for Abbas Khan could never have been persuaded."
+
+"Ul-humd-ul-Illa!" ejaculated the husband.
+
+"Ul-humd-ul-Illa!" echoed the dame. "Ameen! Ameen!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+CHANGES IN SOME POSITIONS.
+
+
+For some weeks there was no change in the positions of the several
+characters of our history. The Queen Dowager gradually withdrew herself
+from public duties, for she found that her nephew, the King, had
+developed strong talent both for political affairs and internal civil
+administration. Rewards and dignities had been freely distributed by
+him; and the troops, satisfied with his liberally granted donations,
+were serving loyally and steadily throughout the kingdom. There were
+no rebellions, insurrections, or feuds, nor a spot on the political
+horizon, from which there was cause for anxiety, except Ahmednugger,
+whose local affairs were by no means in a settled condition; but with
+these there was no present or pressing reason to interfere. With his
+good aunt, King Ibrahim continued on most affectionate terms. Always
+considered by him as a mother, he resorted to her for advice and
+counsel in many affairs, of which she had more experience than himself;
+and as she never displayed the least desire for interference of any
+kind, the entire harmony between them was never disturbed. The King's
+fine taste for architecture had full scope in the decoration of his
+own mausoleum, and the works attached to it, in which Francis d'Almeida
+and the humble painter often assisted him by suggestions; and with
+these, and other public undertakings, occasional hunting parties and
+short excursions, constant durbars and current business, his time was
+occupied fully and usefully.
+
+Beejapoor was then at its greatest. Owing to the presence of the
+principal portions of the army, and the cessation of war, trade had
+increased rapidly, and the general prosperity of the kingdom was as
+assuring as it was gratifying. Congratulatory letters arrived in due
+course from Golconda, Beeder, Penkonda, and other kingdoms, accompanied
+by embassies, which gave rise to many superb entertainments; and, in
+the words of a local historian, "the songs of revelry and thanksgiving,
+which the people had not heard for many years, now resounded through
+the land, and weeping was heard no more."
+
+Zóra's usual life had undergone no alteration. The King would not hear
+of her grandfather's proposal to change his residence, or to build a
+house for himself in one of the Royal gardens at Torweh; and indeed,
+to Zóra's great delight, he made no objection to remaining where he
+was, under the Royal roof, partaking of the King's hospitality. An
+additional court, cells, cloisters, and rooms behind them had been set
+in order for him, and in the enclosure was a small but elegant mosque
+or chapel for worship, where the old man could give his lectures to
+many scholars, both in divinity and medicine. He rarely preached in
+the great Jooma mosque now; the doing so was too great an effort for
+him, and, on every occasion, the exhaustion which followed was but too
+evident to all; and Zóra was thankful when, after a more trying sermon
+than usual, the old man put his hand upon her head, and said, with a
+sigh, "Child! I can do no more abroad. I will reserve what strength is
+left to me to teach here."
+
+From that day he went forth no more, except on festival anniversaries,
+when, attended by his faithful Ahmed--for the Queen now objected to
+Zóra's appearing in public--he took his place among the worshippers.
+Even the great Kureem-oo-deen Chishtee was softened, and paid "the
+saint" many visits, with a display of kindly feeling which was in
+strong contrast to the bitterness he had once shown.
+
+Zóra had, therefore, more leisure, and there were now other servants
+to share Ahmed's and Mamoolla's duties. She remained most of her
+time with the Queen, as has been previously explained, who grew more
+and more attached to her day by day. Who, indeed, could resist her
+cheerful, winning disposition, her genial kindliness, and her entire
+unselfishness and devotion? while every little accomplishment she
+possessed improved by quiet exercise and study, under one of the
+Persian secretaries who, in days past, had been the King's, as well as
+Abbas Khan's, instructor.
+
+She saw little of the Queen, Taj-ool-Nissa. At first, she had been a
+constant visitor and attendant with Maria, but the Queen was afraid
+of Zóra's beauty. She knew that in point of manner and of cultivation
+she was by far inferior to Zóra; and she sent her a kindly message,
+through Maria, that she must not visit her except on special occasions,
+when there were entertainments to ladies at which the King could not
+be present, or when the Dowager Chand Beebee came privately to see
+her. And the Queen was right. Though her health had improved vastly
+under the priest's treatment, yet she was still a slight, perhaps
+insignificant-looking girl--pretty, now that health had given roundness
+to her form and lustre to her large dreamy eyes; yet she could not be
+compared for a moment with Zóra, who, with rest, peace, and entire
+freedom from the anxiety which had hung over her till her innocence
+was proved before all, was fast attaining her full development of
+beauty; and it was impossible to compare the now handsomely dressed,
+well-cared for girl, the beloved companion and attendant of her Royal
+mistress, with the poorly, coarsely clad and uncared-for girl of the
+Fakeer's house at Juldroog. Runga Naik, too, had safely transmitted
+the box of precious articles which had been deposited with him, and in
+them Zóra found many ornaments which had belonged to her grandmother
+and her mother, with some garments of cloth of gold, and handsome
+scarves; but, indeed she hardly needed them, for the kind Queen
+provided her liberally with all she required; and her grandfather was
+constantly asking her why she did not buy clothes and jewels, for were
+they not now rich? But I think the simple, natural tastes of the girl
+predominated over all love of display or of finery, and she had enough
+of the latter already.
+
+The Lady Fatima was perhaps more constantly with the Queen than any
+other lady of the city. They had been intimate friends for years, for
+the Queen's care of Abbas Khan after his parents' death, and while the
+Lady Fatima was unavoidably absent, was a strong bond between them.
+Thus the good lady had many, almost daily, opportunities of seeing
+Zóra, and observing her disposition in all respects. Her husband and
+her nephew had enrolled themselves as disciples of the aged Syud, and
+thus there were already strong bonds of mutual attachment growing up
+between the families. How well did Fatima Beebee remember Meeah's words
+in his sleep after the combat; his sweet smile and sigh as he uttered
+"Zóra! Zóra!" in his dream. Now her husband had seen Zóra. He returned
+from the durbar of the trial full of Zóra's bravery--her indomitable
+spirit, and yet of her modesty. "Any other girl," he declared, "would
+have lost heart, would have sat down and wept, would have flinched from
+the sore ordeal to which Zóra had been subjected, and out of which she
+had come forth so triumphantly." Yes, she was satisfied that her nephew
+had yielded to no unworthy passion, and that his love was as pure as
+her utmost hope could desire.
+
+When the trial was over, she told what she had heard to her husband,
+for Abbas Khan had not dared to tell his uncle, while they were in
+camp, more than of the sad situation of the old Syud, who had been so
+kind to him, and had left all else to chance, or, as he more reverently
+expressed himself, to the will of God; and the sudden appearance of the
+girl by the wayside with her grandfather, as the King passed them, had
+aroused all the feelings which had been his companions from the night
+Zóra had watched him till the present. Still, he had said nothing. He
+knew how deeply he was involved in the old engagement of childhood,
+which could not be dissolved rudely or suddenly; but the matter should
+be arranged by the family of Zyn Khan.
+
+After a decent time had passed, and the newly arranged marriage of
+Sukeena Beebee was proclaimed, and when, in fact, her marriage day
+was fixed and invitations to it distributed, there was no occasion to
+delay; and one day, which had been chosen by the family astrologer,
+the Lady Fatima, urged by her husband, went to the Queen to ascertain
+whether Zóra loved Abbas Khan, and to ask advice as to how she was to
+proceed. She did not even mention her intention to her nephew; it would
+be time enough to speak to him should all be favourable to her design,
+for she felt certain that his heart had not changed.
+
+Long before the good lady's visit, Queen Chand had discovered as much
+as she needed to know of the condition of Zóra's heart. She had hardly
+entered the audience hall on the day of the King's entry, and taken
+her seat, than she saw the eyes of Abbas Khan eagerly fixed upon Zóra,
+and the attempts of Zóra to conceal her face; and during the events
+of the succeeding day the impression was still more vivid, rising to
+its fullest height when Abbas Khan accepted the traitor Osman Beg's
+challenge. Then, indeed, the Queen had read Zóra's heart completely,
+for her wistful, earnest gaze, which she had no thought to conceal, the
+flush on her cheek and her now trembling form, betrayed emotions which
+it was impossible to hide; and from that moment the girl found a place
+in the Royal heart which filled a long existent yearning. Yet still
+she never spoke on the subject to Zóra herself. She knew there was a
+serious obstacle, and whether it could be smoothed away or not seemed
+very doubtful. But the Queen's mind was more at ease after she knew
+that Abbas Khan's marriage was broken off. She could not, by reason of
+her rank, take any steps herself in what she wished; but she was ready
+at the same time to assist the union of her two children, as she called
+them, by any and every means in her power.
+
+The Lady Fatima's visit was, therefore, a joyful one to the Queen as
+soon as she understood its purport; and being a woman of practical
+mind, she did not use any circumlocution. Would there be any objection
+on behalf of Zóra's grandfather, or would there be any from the girl
+herself? Had Her Majesty any other arrangement in view for Zóra, or had
+the King? These formed the pith of the good lady's communication. To
+the latter, Queen Chand was enabled to give a decided and favourable
+answer. Not many days before, the King had said to her laughingly, "It
+is time, mother, that Abbas Khan was married and settled. Would not
+Zóra-bee suit him exactly? They are both clever, both handsome, and
+thou wilt have the most beautiful grandchildren in Beejapoor. For my
+own part, though I have held my peace, I have been of the same mind
+ever since Osman Beg's trial; but it is thou as Meeah's mother who
+should make the first move in the matter; I can but aid thee by giving
+it my perfect approval."
+
+So, then, the first point was gained. The second was to ascertain
+whether the parties would be fortunate, and this was decided by the
+most celebrated astrologer in Beejapoor, who discovered that Abbas Khan
+was Fire, and Zóra was Air, and the result would be that the utmost
+degree of love and happiness would reign between them; that Zóra would
+submit herself to her husband, and that her husband would treat her
+with great kindness and affection. Such was the decree of the wise
+man; and then, horoscopes being cast, the result was that a favourable
+prognostic of the planets occurred in the course of a few days, and it
+behoved all concerned to make due preparations for the betrothal.
+
+So far the proceedings of the confederates had been eminently
+successful, and with the dear old Syud there was no difficulty. He had
+gradually become impressed with the necessity of confiding Zóra to the
+care of some one whom he could consider worthy of her. In the Queen
+he knew she had obtained a kind and powerful friend and even motherly
+care and interest, but that she should be a wife was a higher desire in
+the old man's mind; but it was coupled to an almost selfish wish that
+she should not leave him alone. What should he do without her gentle,
+loving ministrations? How should he find his charms and amulets, or
+his medicines? Who could read to him or write for him? Who could
+lead him about, even in the precincts of their present home? Who, in
+short, could be the companion to him that Zóra was, with her intellect
+unfolding more and more as weeks passed? He knew no young man but Abbas
+Khan--Meeah, as he always called him--and his love and respect for him
+were deep and sincere. But when Abbas Khan went to him with his uncle,
+and pleaded hard for Zóra, the dear old man grieved bitterly; it seemed
+as though Zóra were to be taken from him immediately, and he moaned in
+bitter grief as he rocked himself to and fro in his seat.
+
+"Does Zóra know of this?" he asked. "Does she desire of her own
+free will to leave me, old and infirm as I am? I will not believe
+it; I cannot think that she has a hard heart--she who has been so
+compassionate and so devoted all her life." And it was long ere the
+young Khan and his uncle could persuade him that she was not to leave
+him, but that the betrothal would be an assurance to him that Zóra's
+position would be all that he could desire after the Lord's message
+should come to him; and so, gradually, he consented, and putting his
+hands on Meeah's head blessed him and Zóra, who was to be his wife.
+
+And Zóra? She knew nothing of the pleasant plot against her. She had
+not known even of Abbas Khan's freedom from his former contract, much
+less of his present intentions; but her love had never changed. From
+the scenes at Juldroog up to the present time it had grown stronger. No
+one mentioned Meeah to her except Maria; but why was he ever present
+in her mind? "Well," She would say to herself, "let it be as the Lord
+wills!" and so waited the issue. Her grandfather and the Queen were too
+awful in her estimation to confide in on a subject like this. She dared
+not mention it to the Lady Fatima; that, indeed, would be like asking
+for Meeah, and would be bold and immodest; and, for the present, the
+girl waited quietly and patiently. But her suspense was not to be for
+long. The day Abbas Khan and his uncle came to her grandfather, the
+Queen, to whom she was reading, bid her put down the book and come to
+her; and, wondering, she rose and knelt by her mistress. The suddenness
+of the request had called up blushes to the lovely face, and the eyes
+of the girl were cast down. Had she offended in aught?
+
+"No, child," said the Royal lady; "but I have been thinking it is time
+thou wert married. Hast thou any preference for any one of the youths
+thou hast seen or heard of? If thou hast, tell it to me, thy mother.
+Lay thy head on my breast, and tell it to me. Thou canst trust me,
+Zóra." And she held out her arms.
+
+The child was too truthful to be a coquette, and she could not resist
+the appeal. Lying in the Queen's arms, and sobbing with excitement, she
+told all, from the night of the watch to the scene of the trial, and
+how she thought Meeah would never leave her. "And many have asked Abba
+to give me away" (and she thought of the Rajah's poor secretary with
+a smile), "even the great and rich; but I refused, and Abba did not
+press me. O mother, I love Meeah! I do love him! Is it unmaidenly? Is
+it wrong? Often I have thought it was, and longed to put on the green
+dress and take its vows, but Abba always prevented me. Now do as thou
+wilt with me."
+
+"It is enough, child," returned the Queen, stroking her soft round
+cheek and kissing her forehead. "Enough for thee, and for those who
+love thee; and may the Lord bless thee, my darling! I would retire now,
+and thou wilt go to Abba and Maria." And Zóra rose and went to them.
+Entering her own apartment, she found Maria there; and, falling on her
+neck, told her, with many a choking sob, what the Queen had said. Nor
+was her suspense continued. The Lady Fatima had followed her husband,
+and being announced, at once opened the subject of her visit. But Zóra
+could not reply till she had seen her grandfather; and as Humeed Khan
+and his nephew had departed, and Abba had taken his noonday sleep,
+there was no one to interrupt them.
+
+I do not think I need follow the scene longer. Under their mutual
+explanations, and there was no needless reticence, Zóra confessed her
+love, and was blessed by her grandfather, whom she soothed by the
+assurance that she would not leave him while he lived. As to the Lady
+Fatima, she filled Zóra's mouth with sugar-candy, half smothered her
+in flowers, rubbed her hands, feet, and neck with fragrant paste of
+sandal-wood; and finally cast over Zóra a rich sheet of brocaded gold
+tissue, and hung round her neck a costly necklace, as she whispered,
+"From Meeah." No professional women had been employed, and perhaps
+they were the only disappointed parties in Beejapoor; but when the pán
+leaves and spice were distributed from house to house to all the mutual
+friends of both parties, hearty congratulations followed; and even the
+female gossips of the city--who, as elsewhere, were very numerous--were
+satisfied that it was a good match.
+
+There are nearly as many ceremonies to complete a Mussulman betrothal
+as there are in a marriage; but I do not think my readers, even my lady
+readers, would care to follow them through perhaps two whole chapters,
+and will rest content in being assured that Zóra's happiness and state
+in life have been secured as far as human foresight could provide, and
+that there were no more hearty or more loving wishes for her than those
+of Sister Maria and her brother Francis. We, therefore, can leave our
+old friends the Syud and Zóra, now familiar with new positions and
+new hopes, full of contentment and joyful anticipation to both--more
+especially to Zóra, whose mingled feelings of love, gratitude, and
+faith could perhaps have been hardly definable.
+
+Among the various letters of congratulation which reached the King
+Ibrahim was one from the Viceroy and Captain General of Goa, Dom
+Matthias de Albuquerque, which--with a valuable present of various
+kinds of arms, European manufactures, and valuables--was brought by
+a special ambassador, the Captain Don Miguel de Gama, an officer
+of respectability and consideration, well acquainted with the
+Persian language, and therefore most fitting for an ambassador. The
+ambassador's suite was not numerous; but as he rode into the city early
+one morning in a full panoply of bright steel armour, and presented
+his credentials at the public durbar in the same equipment, he created
+no little excitement. The captain, too, was of a noble, commanding
+presence, and had fought well against the Moors in many battles; and
+this specimen of the local chivalry of Goa was in every degree a good
+representative of its renown.
+
+The letter was in Portuguese, and could have been translated by the
+ambassador himself, but the King decided that our friend Francis
+d'Almeida should act as secretary and interpreter; and at the early
+durbar of the morning, after the ambassador's arrival, the worthy
+captain, in no degree abashed by the splendour around him, marched up
+the great hall, his armour clanking as he moved, and saluting King
+Ibrahim gracefully, laid his packet of letters at the King's feet.
+
+The captain had come direct to the house of the painter, and had been
+comfortably lodged. And how much had Francis and his sister to hear
+of their friends at Goa, of the proceedings of Dom Diego, and of the
+innumerable changes in the local society; but withal, there was the
+certainty that they would have to return to Goa, whether in his company
+or apart, to answer the charges which had been preferred against them
+by Dom Diego in the inquisition.
+
+And when the Viceroy's letter was read aloud by the priest, after
+congratulations upon peace and prosperity of Beejapoor since the
+detection and destruction of the conspiracy and insurrection of the
+Prince Ismail, a passage followed which related to Francis d'Almeida
+and his sister, which may be quoted:--"And furthermore, it hath been
+represented to us that a certain priest, Francis d'Almeida, and his
+sister Dońa Maria, were detected in intrigues with the rebels, and
+received from them sundry large sums of money for the supply of
+European troops and cannon, which would have been an act beyond the
+bounds of goodwill and peace between us, and for which they have, very
+justly, been detained by the Government of our friend and ally, yet, as
+subjects of the kingdom of Portugal, and as Francis d'Almeida and his
+sister belong to religious orders of the Church of Christ, they should
+be permitted to answer the charges that have been made against them;
+and we, in the name of the King, our master, request that they may be
+sent to us in company with our envoy."
+
+When they returned home, Francis learned from his sister that she had
+heard all from the Queen's balcony. She was weeping, but was not cast
+down. "I knew it would come upon us sooner or later. The Church never
+sleeps, and we cannot delay compliance with this order;" for a fresh
+citation had been delivered to them requiring instant obedience. "We
+must go, brother, even to the stake, if it be the Lord's will."
+
+"I fear not, Maria. I have always thought from the first that it would
+have been best to go to Goa; and yet the inscrutable ways of Providence
+who can follow? Should we have discovered Dom Diego's letters to Osman
+Beg or Elias Khan, which on the political charge will acquit us? As
+for the rest, conscious as we are of innocence, I fear nothing. Those,
+too"--and he pointed to the translations he had made in company with
+the Brahmins of the old college in the fort--"will prove that I have
+not been lax in my work, though we have been here. No, sister, let
+us go. I am to attend the night council, and the King's reply to the
+Viceroy will be drafted."
+
+And it was all the good priest could have wished for. The King, the
+Queen Dowager, Kureem-oo-deen Chishtee, Ekhlas Khan, the Kazee, and
+some others, discussed every point of the Portuguese letter, in the
+ambassador's presence (who, divested of his armour, and dressed in
+a suit of black Genoa velvet, looked, as he was truly, a courtly
+gentleman), and every incident that had occurred at Beejapoor was
+detailed. At first the priest of Moodgul had been under suspicion; but
+that had passed away owing to the discovery of the treachery of Dom
+Diego, and he was left to be dealt with by the laws of Portugal; but
+the money he had obtained from Beejapoor subjects ought to be restored.
+
+The Queen Dowager and the King's wife, as well as Zóra and the good
+Lady Fatima, were sincerely grieved by the necessity of the absence of
+their friends, and the old Syud, Meeah and his uncle, no less so. "I
+shall see thee no more, O friend," said the Syud, grasping the priest's
+hand, "Christian and Moslem we have lived together in amity, and I am
+thankful. If God will, and thou return hither, we may meet again; if
+not, the blessing of Allah be with thee and thine."
+
+And Maria, though her fortitude and her faith supported her in the
+trial, yet was sorely pained to leave her friends. Taj-ool-Nissa, who
+had become deeply attached to her, and also Zóra, were in despair;
+but Maria had her own sources of comfort which never failed her, and
+a few days after, with the tears and blessings of all, she and her
+brother, well provided with palanquins and tents, and under the charge
+of an officer of the Court, who spoke Portuguese, though after a rude
+fashion, departed from the Royal city in peace.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+PROCEEDINGS AT GOA.
+
+
+It was now the beginning of October, and the rains had ceased; all
+but those occasional slight showers which lend freshness to the air,
+maintain the verdure of the later crops of grain, and furnish those
+magnificent sunsets which form the glory of the month. Supplied with
+comfortable palanquins, and well provided with horses from the Royal
+stables, Maria, her brother, and their friend the envoy, often rode
+together in the cool morning air; and Maria enjoyed heartily the
+healthful exercise to which, in the crowded city of Beejapoor, she had
+long been a stranger.
+
+And thus they sped on from day to day, accompanied by old Pedro
+and his wife, who were overjoyed at quitting the great city of the
+Moors, and beholding once more their beautiful and beloved Goa. On
+the plateau above the Gháts the scenery had been tame and monotonous;
+fine undulating plains covered with luxuriant crops of grain and
+cotton presented little for admiration or for interest; but near the
+crest, heavy forests and broken peaks of mountains furnished beautiful
+combinations of wild scenery, and the view over the broad districts
+of the Concan was inexpressibly lovely. Away in the west, the sea
+stretched to the dim horizon, and here and there the tiny white speck
+of a sail could be distinctly seen. Nearer, however, a dense white
+mist filled all the valleys and covered the plain, until the sun,
+just rising, fell upon it, causing it to glitter like a sea of molten
+silver, with occasional rugged peaks rising out of it like islands.
+Then all seemed to break up; and while some of the mist clung to the
+sides of the greater elevations, the rest gradually rose into the air
+and disappeared.
+
+From the last stage the captain envoy left them to give notice of their
+arrival. He would fain have taken the King's letter with him, and the
+presents by which it was accompanied, which consisted of vessels inlaid
+with silver and gold, cloths of gold and silver, four fine Dekhan
+horses, and an elephant; but Francis d'Almeida claimed the privilege
+of presenting these himself, especially as they were accompanied by
+Dom Diego's letters, and he was doubtful as to what use or misuse
+might be made of them. He sent, however, by the captain a letter to
+the head of the order to which he belonged, and Dońa Maria another to
+the Lady Abbess of the convent of which she was a lay sister; and on
+their arrival in the city, Francis consigned his sister to the care of
+the Abbess, who received her with warm affection, for she had been now
+several years absent, and she felt in a short time at rest and at ease
+among many of her old friends and associates. In like manner Francis
+took up his residence in his old quarters; and it seemed to him that
+nothing had changed there, and that all was as peaceful as when he had
+left it several years before his sister's arrival.
+
+But within the religious society of Goa there was not peace. There were
+strivings between the orders, which the Archbishop strove to reconcile;
+and the present Viceroy, Don Matthias de Gama, a kind, benevolent man
+in the main, and an excellent and brave soldier, found it difficult at
+times to control all and keep up his own authority. Since Dom Diego's
+arrival, contention had increased. The Archbishop had been appealed
+to by the Superior of the Jesuits, to demand the surrender of Francis
+d'Almeida and his sister as contumacious heretics. Nothing less than
+their trial and execution would, he declared, satisfy the demands of
+the Holy Church, and preserve discipline in the distant Churches over
+which only a very partial supervision could be exercised. Dom Diego
+preached several public sermons in the Church of his order, in which
+the apostasy of Francis, and his sorceries and evil consorting with
+heathens and Moors, were set forth with violent eloquence; and these
+excited his hearers to a powerful degree, so that even in the Church
+they cried out, "Death to the wretch! Death to the apostate!"
+
+On the other hand, the Archbishop, who well knew Francis d'Almeida's
+value as a missionary, his power of language in addressing the
+heathen, his knowledge of native dialects, and the practical use of
+his translations and ministerial offices, defended him, and there were
+many others who followed his example. In process of these disputes,
+the Viceroy was appealed to, who declared that the case was one of
+ecclesiastical interest only; and though he was bound to assist the
+Church, yet the parties accused were beyond his jurisdiction, residing,
+or perhaps prisoners, in a powerful kingdom, with which Portugal was
+at peace; and, moreover, that in regard to the allegations against the
+priest and his sister, the Church itself was by no means unanimous
+in opinion. He declined, therefore, to take any steps in regard to
+them. If they were contumacious it was no affair of his. The Church
+could excommunicate them if it pleased. At last, however, yielding to
+pressure, the Viceroy had written, as we know. The Viceroy had sent
+a complimentary letter to the King of Beejapoor, despatched it by a
+trustworthy soldier, and awaited the issue with considerable interest
+as to whether the accused persons would in reality make submission
+and appear, or whether, becoming renegades, as many had done, they
+would altogether defy the Church and become Moors. But the arrival of
+Francis and his sister, escorted by a Beejapoor officer and a guard of
+the King's troops, was proof to all that no contumacy was intended;
+and he appointed an early Council, at which the Beejapoor letter
+should be read, and necessary consideration made of the whole of the
+circumstances.
+
+A few days afterwards the Beejapoor envoy and Francis d'Almeida
+received their summons from the Viceroy to attend his Council and the
+Court, and they went together, the envoy being attended by his escort,
+which, in their suits of chain mail and rich apparel, made an imposing
+appearance in the thronged streets of the city; and on their arrival at
+the palace were ushered at once into the presence of the Viceroy, who,
+with his staff about him, was seated on the viceregal throne.
+
+An artillery salute was fired in honour of the envoy, who was
+graciously received; and after some general and kind inquiries after
+the health of King Ibrahim, to which he replied in indifferent
+Portuguese, the rest of the conversation was carried on through Francis
+d'Almeida, who acted as interpreter. Then the Viceroy, receiving
+the King's letter, said, "As this contains matter for political
+consideration, we will adjourn, Sir Envoy, to our Council Hall, where
+it shall be read before all my councillors of State and dignitaries of
+the Church, who are our advisers." Then, rising and taking the envoy's
+hand, he led him into the adjoining apartment, which was the Council
+Chamber.
+
+It was a fine room, though to the envoy's idea somewhat bare of
+decoration. A large Turkey carpet was laid upon the floor, and in the
+centre was a long table covered with red cloth, with inkstands and
+writing paper ready for use. The Viceroy seated himself at the head
+of the table, placed the envoy in a chair on his right hand, and the
+dignitaries of the Church, military and naval commanders, all wearing
+their rich uniforms and decorations, took their seats with the civil
+officers, according to precedence and custom. The whole formed a
+dignified and, indeed, august assembly, well befitting the powerful
+kingdom it represented.
+
+Then the letter of King Ibrahim was read, and the Viceroy remarked
+that it was written in excellent Portuguese, and asked his envoy to
+Beejapoor who wrote it, and the captain said--
+
+"In my presence was it written by the priest Francis d'Almeida. The
+King himself dictated the letter in Persian, in my presence, and the
+purport was fully known to me; and the priest and I compared the
+Portuguese version with the Persian, and they corresponded exactly.
+Moreover, your Excellency will observe that the original Persian is
+written below, and signed by the King himself. There can be no doubt of
+the authenticity of both."
+
+"But," continued the Viceroy, "in the latter portion of this document
+grave charges are made against Dom Diego di Fonseca, an eminent servant
+of the Church, who is now the accuser of Francis d'Almeida and his
+sister Maria, and at whose instance, and that of the Holy Father of the
+Inquisition, their presence was required in order to answer the charges
+brought against them, and we ought not to enter into this subject
+without his presence. As it is a political affair entirely, involving
+the risk of disagreement between our Government and that of our friend
+King Ibrahim the Second, we, the representatives of Portugal, have full
+authority to investigate it, leaving the alleged offenders against the
+Church to be dealt with by the Holy Inquisition. Let, therefore, Dom
+Diego be summoned instantly; and till he arrives we call upon Francis
+d'Almeida to give an account of his apparent flight from Moodgul, and
+his evasion of the summons of the Inquisition."
+
+"I was not a free agent, may it please your Excellency and the members
+of this Council," said Francis d'Almeida. "I was preparing to leave
+Moodgul after the citation was publicly read by my colleague when I
+was arrested, by order of the Queen Regent of Beejapoor, and forwarded
+by Dilawar Khan, the Governor of Moodgul, to the fort of Juldroog,
+where we were confined for more than a month on charges of having
+conspired against the State in assisting the conspiracy of the Prince
+Ismail and Eyn-ool-Moolk, and obtaining large sums of money for the
+purpose of engaging European soldiers and cannon. Finally, we were
+sent to Beejapoor, where we remained under surveillance until the King
+should return, as the Queen Regent did not consider she had authority
+to try so momentous a question herself. Then suddenly, and as by
+special Providence, certain papers fell into the hands of the Queen's
+Government, by which it appeared that my colleague, and not I, had
+been in correspondence with the rebels, partly independently, and
+partly by means of Osman Beg, the Killadar or Governor of the fort of
+Juldroog, who was arrested, tried on the evidence of papers found in
+his possession, convicted of treason, and sentenced to death."
+
+"And he was beheaded, Francis d'Almeida?" asked the Viceroy.
+
+"Not so, my lord; his life was spared on the intercession of his
+cousin, Abbas Khan; but he was banished from the kingdom, and has taken
+his departure for Mecca with his father."
+
+Francis d'Almeida's address had continued for some time, for he
+described minutely and concisely all that had occurred, with the
+particulars of which we are fully acquainted.
+
+"And where are the papers you allude to?" asked the Superior of the
+Inquisition tartly. "Who can vouch for their authenticity if they are
+produced?"
+
+"My lord," returned the Beejapoor envoy, "we are not careless in regard
+to papers of importance at Beejapoor. At the first discovery of them,
+after the death of Yacoot, the Abyssinian, I, as knowing somewhat of
+your language, was asked to read those in Portuguese; but I could
+not, and the Padré Sahib was directed by the Queen to do so, and to
+translate them into Persian; then her seal was affixed to each one of
+them, and she added her private signature, and all the Ministers signed
+and sealed them. Then the packet was sealed until opened by order of
+the King, and sealed again with his seal, which all men know, and which
+is appended to his letter."
+
+"You were all very careful," said the chief Inquisitor, with a sneer,
+"but where are these letters?"
+
+At this moment Dom Diego was ushered in. He wore the religious dress of
+his order, but he at once threw back his cowl, and his eyes and those
+of Francis d'Almeida met once more. In the one was a scowl of bitter
+hate, and the brows were almost knit together; but those of Francis
+wore their usual mild expression, and betrayed no emotion; nay, their
+look of innocence seemed to make a favourable impression upon all
+present.
+
+After bending his knee to the Archbishop and the Grand Inquisitor,
+Dom Diego drew his fine figure to its full height, looked round the
+room towards all, and then said to the Viceroy, "For what purpose am
+I required here, most illustrious Sir? I have not been apprised that
+matters which are under the cognisance of the Holy Inquisition could
+be transferred to a Council like this; and I request that my protest
+may be entered against any interference with what has been already
+arranged."
+
+"There is no intention, Dom Diego, on our part to interfere with the
+proceedings of the Holy Office. This is a political question, which
+thou wilt know of when thou hast heard the letter of the King of
+Beejapoor. Let it be read to him," he continued, "as also the minutes
+of Francis d'Almeida's statement."
+
+Dom Diego heard all without reply; but it was easy to see that his mind
+was far from tranquil. A nervous tremor appeared to be irrepressible;
+his mouth twitched as if by convulsion, and he twisted his hands
+together in continuous action, which could be seen even under his robe.
+
+"And now, my lords," said the Viceroy, rising, "the most important
+part of our sitting is to commence; and I have to beg, in the name of
+justice, that your utmost vigilance may be employed to clear up what
+has been alleged. The papers alluded to in the letter are in possession
+of the envoy from Beejapoor. Let him produce them."
+
+"They are here, my lord," returned the envoy, producing two small
+bundles tied up in waxed cloth, which was sealed with the King's seal.
+"First, I ask you to bear me witness that these seals are intact; and
+particularly you, O most illustrious Sir, into whose hands I commit the
+packets."
+
+The Viceroy examined the papers carefully, and said, "I see no reason
+to doubt what has been said. The seals are undisturbed; but judge
+for yourselves, noble sirs." And when the packets had passed round,
+the Viceroy demanded to know whether they were to be accepted, and a
+general reply was given that they were.
+
+"These are the letters which were found on the body of Yacoot, the
+Abyssinian. Let them be first examined," said the Beejapoor envoy;
+"and my lords will please to remark that all have the Queen's seal, as
+those first found were examined by her; and that there are forty-two
+documents which, with the exception of those required by the Council,
+should be returned to me, and a receipt given to me for the remainder.
+And now, noble sirs, have I your permission to open the first packet?"
+
+"I again protest," cried Dom Diego, rising suddenly, "against any
+examination of those papers here. Let them be given over to the custody
+of the Holy Office, which will examine and authenticate them, and
+produce such as it considers necessary for the elucidation of the
+truth."
+
+But the pretence was too shallow to escape the detection of many of
+the experienced men who heard the protest, and the majority at once
+declared that they should be opened, and publicly read and registered.
+
+Then the Viceroy took the first packet and handed it to his own
+interpreter, a fine-looking Mussulman gentleman, who had just entered
+the room, and who spoke not only Arabic and Persian fluently,
+but Portuguese, for he had lived for some years in Portugal,
+acting as interpreter of documents sent by the Indian Government.
+Abdoolla-bin-Ali was a man held by everyone in the highest esteem and
+honour, and his presence carried assurance with it to all the Council,
+and very especially to the Beejapoor envoy and Francis d'Almeida, whose
+personal explanations would be needed no longer.
+
+"On the cover is written," said the Moonshee, "'This packet contains
+forty-two documents, eighteen in Portuguese and twenty-four in Persian,
+and bears the King's seal.'" Then he broke the seal carefully and
+unwound the silken cord with which the parcel was fastened. There
+appeared within several other coverings, two separate packets, one
+of which was labelled in Persian, "Eighteen Portuguese papers and
+letters," and bore the Queen's seal, which was shown to all.
+
+"I think, my lords," said the Viceroy, "that to prevent doubt I had
+better read these aloud to the Council, and they can examine each
+separately afterwards, if they please;" and, this being assented to,
+he took up the first, which was addressed to the most illustrious
+the Vizier Eyn-ool-Moolk, Bahadoor, and dated from Moodgul. As the
+letter was opened, everyone could see the strong bold characters of
+the handwriting of Dom Diego, which were known to all or most present,
+and a general murmur ran through the Council, as if of wonder and
+astonishment; but no one spoke, and, in breathless silence, the Viceroy
+read on.
+
+It was a long letter, and we may be pardoned for not following it in
+detail; but the writer acknowledged the receipt of Eyn-ool-Moolk's
+"letter offering the Padré Dom Diego de Fonseca a command in the
+new Royal army. That if he joined it with a force of one thousand
+Europeans, his pay would be at the rate of one lakh of rupees per
+month, and the same for every thousand more brought to the Royal
+standard." It then proceeded to state, that considering the expense
+of European troops in the field, the pay would be insufficient; and
+that, in case of the force capturing Beejapoor, there was no mention of
+prize shares in the treasure and jewels that would become the property
+of the army. It would be necessary also to confer upon the writer the
+district of Bunkapoor, with all its forts and dependencies. That as the
+cowardly and imbecile Government of Goa would never be induced to take
+part in the war, or to send any of its soldiers, the writer must be
+provided with funds to go to Portugal to raise as many men as possible,
+with whom he pledged himself to return at the expiration of a year, and
+disembark them at any port on the coast that might be chosen.
+
+In conclusion, the writer professed his high admiration for and
+sympathy with, the movement to substitute the virtuous Prince Ismail
+for the tyrant who now ruled over Beejapoor, and ended by praying that
+the measure might receive the blessing and guidance of the Almighty;
+and at the end was written,
+
+  "By mine own hand,
+  "D. DIEGO DI FONSECA."
+
+"Are there more like that?" asked the Grand Inquisitor of Dom Diego, in
+a whisper; "if so, thou art lost!"
+
+"Let them read what they will," he answered. "I will satisfy my lord
+presently."
+
+More! yes, there was much more. Every one of the letters contained
+sketches of arrangements to be made, estimates of cost, professions
+of good faith and sincerity. Several of them contained receipts for
+large sums of money, partly in gold, partly in bills; and by his own
+admissions Dom Diego had received upwards of three lakhs of rupees in
+cash, while assurances of payment as far as ten lakhs, beside a fourth
+share of the plunder of Beejapoor, was promised and accepted.
+
+Then followed letters to Elias Khan, as the lieutenant-in-chief of
+Eyn-ool-Moolk, which were in a more familiar strain; which spoke of
+revelries they had enjoyed together; of the pleasures they would share
+when they met again; complained that he could not absent himself
+without suspicion, but that he was about to rid himself of his
+coadjutor, whose sister Maria he would bring with him, a lovely girl
+of his own country, who would put to shame all the dusky beauties of
+his friend's harem; and wine from Portugal of the choicest kind, which
+should enliven them. In another, the gold sent by the company under
+Pedro di Diaz, that is, twenty thousand "hoons," had arrived safely;
+with many other details, all written in the same bold hand, and signed
+with the same very remarkable signature. As they were read, minutes
+were made of them by the secretary. Every paper was compared as to the
+seals of the Queen Regent and the Beejapoor Ministers, and that every
+precaution had been used to prevent any chance of their being tampered
+with, was a fact which was not without significance in the assembly.
+
+And the Persian letters to Elias Khan from Eyn-ool-Moolk, with one
+from the Prince Ismail, bestowing an honorary title as commander of
+five thousand in the Royal army, with an estate of twenty villages in
+the district of Bunkapoor--all confirmed the tenor of the Portuguese
+letters of Dom Diego; while, with the transmission of money through
+Elias Khan, assurance was given that as soon as the Europeans appeared
+in the field, the whole of the Talooq of Bunkapoor would be made over
+to him as stipulated. There were others from Osman Beg to Elias Khan,
+descriptive of private revels at Moodgul, in a house in the town
+hard by the Padré, where wine of the choicest was stored up, and was
+plentiful, and the most beautiful dancing women of the country round
+were assembled. And he wrote of the Padré as being a jovial fellow, who
+winked at everything, and who had shown him at the chapel, privately,
+the beautiful Dońa Maria, whom he was to bring away with him when he
+came with his troops. "She is more lovely than anything on the earth's
+face, and no Houri of Paradise could be more beautiful;" and much more
+to the same effect, written in the loose, not to say indecent, style
+prevailing among those like Osman Beg at Beejapoor. Then the letters
+seemed suddenly to come to an abrupt close. After May of that year none
+had passed between the parties; and, indeed, by this time, the whole
+conspiracy had collapsed in the defeat and deaths of the principal
+conspirators. There only remained the exposure of the guilt of all by
+the discovery of the letter on the person of the Abyssinian.
+
+The second packet contained, for the most part, letters from
+Eyn-ool-Moolk to Elias Khan; but they gave particulars of the agreement
+with the illustrious and learned Padré D. Diego di Fonseca; of the
+moneys transmitted to be paid to him; and in one, the Padré's receipt,
+in Persian and Portuguese, of the twenty thousand hoons, and for other
+sums, amounting to about two lakhs of rupees.
+
+"Hast thou nothing to reply, brother?" said the Inquisitor, in an
+earnest whisper to Dom Diego. "Thou art condemned by thine own hand;
+would it had been cut off and burnt before those letters were written."
+
+Diego did not reply. He rose, and those who were watching him saw that
+his lips were white, and his dark complexion had assumed an ashy hue,
+and that he spoke as if he were choked by thirst. Yet he drew himself
+up bravely, and said with an assumed air of unconcern and bravado, "I
+am not on my trial, most illustrious Seńor, else my reply would be
+sharp and certain. In these letters, which purport to be mine, I only
+see the cunning toils with which Francis d'Almeida strove to entangle
+me, and failed; and when they had nothing to fall back upon they fled.
+Their being arrested is a mere mockery. As to the handwriting of the
+letters," and he took up one before the Inquisitor, "they are all like
+this, forgeries. The fair Maria is an accomplished scribe, and can copy
+any style of writing, even that of heathen characters; and I do not
+at all marvel at her excellent imitation of mine. But, my lords, as I
+said, I am not on my trial; and no opinion can be given on the subject
+either till I am, or till that shameless priest and his sister are
+pronounced guilty of heresy and conspiracy by the Holy Inquisition, and
+perish for their heresies at the stake."
+
+"Let that be as the good God wills," said the Viceroy, calmly.
+"Meanwhile, these papers are so strong against thee, that we, in virtue
+of our authority, declare thee to be a prisoner, and arrest thee in the
+name of our gracious King. Thou shalt have honourable treatment as a
+gentleman, and thou shalt be lodged in this palace, till the time when
+the trial of Francis d'Almeida and his sister comes on. When may it be,
+Holy Father?"
+
+"It is fixed for Friday," answered the Inquisitor, calmly; "that the
+guilty may be ready for the _auto-da-fé_ on the Sabbath. But your
+Excellency, pardon me, errs in keeping a son of the Church in arrest
+till then, and I will gladly be security for his appearance when
+needed."
+
+"Impossible," replied Don Matthias de Gama. "Nevertheless I will take
+the votes of the Council." And he did so; but none supported the Grand
+Inquisitor's proposal except one, another priest, and Dom Diego was
+consigned to the care of the men-at-arms, who conducted him to an upper
+chamber luxuriously furnished, and told him that his servants would be
+sent when they could be found to attend to his comfort.
+
+What were the thoughts of this man as he heard the door of his large
+airy apartment locked after him and bolted outside. All his reliance
+on the comparative insignificance of Francis d'Almeida had given
+place to a fearful sense of his power with those terrible documents
+in his own handwriting to appeal to. Forgeries! who would believe
+that, with all the evidence of his handwriting in the Holy Office, and
+the Archbishop's records to appeal to for comparison? His accusation
+against Francis and his sister had depended for success upon his words
+only, which he believed would overwhelm those of the modest, unassuming
+priest; and in the death of him and of his sister would be future
+safety. But the revelation of his own conduct, of the moneys he had
+obtained, of his treasonable plots, denounced by the King Ibrahim, had
+rendered his malignity abortive. And now the grim trial, the horrible
+torture, the death by fire, like that he had witnessed of hapless
+victims writhing in agony at the stake----
+
+Escape! was it possible? He went to one of the windows and looked
+through the jalousies, for he could not open one of them. Impossible!
+his room was over fifty feet from the ground, and the wall was smooth,
+without a projection; and he turned away with a shudder.
+
+Presently his servant came. "Have you seen Pedro di Diaz?" he asked.
+
+"I have, Seńor," was the reply; "and he is now waiting for me at the
+quay. He wants to know whether he is to stand out to sea or remain."
+
+"Tell him," replied Dom Diego, "that he is to leave the ship's boat
+with six of the best of the men in it, and to take the brigantine to
+the mouth of the harbour, without exciting suspicion. I will be with
+him on Friday night; but if I do not come by Sunday, I shall be dead."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+THE INQUISITION.
+
+
+The appointed day arrived. The sudden arrest of Dom Diego, his
+confinement to the Viceregal palace, and the refusal of the Grand
+Inquisitor's security for him, had created a sensation in Goa which
+had only one chance of solution--the trial by the Inquisition. On the
+other hand, the well-known character of Francis d'Almeida, and the
+devotion of his lovely sister, gave to the case an interest such as
+had been rarely felt, and never exceeded, in the city. All had many
+personal friends, Dom Diego especially among the Jesuits, to whose
+order he belonged; Francis d'Almeida among those of his own order,
+the Dominicans, and among the ordinary clergy of the province, headed
+by the noble Archbishop; and in his sweet sister every lady in Goa
+was interested. Could so holy and learned a woman be actually tried
+on charges of sorcery and conspiracy with Moors and heathens? And yet
+it was to be; and many thought that the interference by the Viceroy
+with the acts of the Holy Office was at once presumptuous and wicked.
+From early morning the principal street of the city and the square
+of the Inquisition had been thronged with eager inquirers, and the
+most conflicting rumours were prevalent; some, that Dom Diego had
+confessed his guilt, and would be made over to the Inquisition, to be
+formally condemned; others, that Francis d'Almeida and his sister had
+made similar confessions, and that all parties had been originally
+bound in one confederation, but had split upon the division of money
+of which they had become possessed. In short, the wildest rumours
+prevailed, particularly as to the sorceries of d'Almeida and his
+sister, which they had learned from heathen priests and exercised upon
+their coadjutor to drive him away from the place he had usurped. All
+these opinions, however, were set at rest by the appearance of two
+processions: one, that of soldiers of the Viceroy having Dom Diego in
+their charge; the other of monks and holy nuns, who escorted Francis
+d'Almeida and his beautiful sister. Among the soldiers Dom Diego
+marched firmly and proudly, his tall, martial figure being conspicuous
+from his general bearing, and the haughty manner with which he regarded
+the crowds who gazed upon him; the others, from the apparent simplicity
+of the brother and sister, who walked hand in hand, with a calm and
+submissive demeanour which deeply affected many. No one dared to
+speak, but whispered comments passed among the crowd; and women, and
+men too, wept that such servants of God might be condemned ere the day
+passed, not only to torture, but to the horrible death by fire in the
+_auto-da-fé_ of the next Sabbath, which promised to be one of unusual
+interest.
+
+So, passing on, both parties entered the portal of the great gloomy
+building, Dom Diego being the first. And when a short colloquy had
+passed between the officers of the Viceroy's guard and those of the
+Inquisition as to the delivery of the prisoner, he was taken on by
+the familiars. Before the monks and sisters, with the two others, had
+entered the gate, they had recommenced a hymn which had been sung at
+intervals during their progress, the sweetness and solemnity of which
+had had a profound effect; and it again arose steadily and sweetly,
+with a rich and fervent melody which penetrated every heart, as knees
+were bent and hats doffed reverently as the processions passed, while
+the simple words caused many a silent prayer to arise to the Throne of
+Grace.
+
+    When in trouble and in fear,
+    To thee we cry, O Mother dear!
+    Behold our sorrows, bitter weeping,
+    Yet in all trial humbly keeping
+                Trust in thee, Maria!
+
+    Mother of Jesus, lowly born,
+    On earth by human sorrow torn;
+    Yet in thy glory resting now,
+    Heedful of all thy creatures' woe,
+                Hear our prayer, Maria!
+
+    Those who have daily died the death
+    Of those who suffer slander's breath;
+    Those who in dread judgment's hour
+    Their simple hearts to thee outpour,
+                Pity them, O Maria!
+
+    Support them in their hour of need,
+    To cheer them with thy comfort speed,
+    Lest without thee they go astray,
+    Mother, with thee all bright their way,
+                Having no fear, Maria!
+
+While the chant proceeded, the procession entered the door, and its
+sweet melody was heard faintly as it passed up the broad corridor which
+led to the great hall of the Inquisition.
+
+It was a bare, whitewashed room, with narrow windows near the ceiling,
+which let in the cool air and a small degree of light; but when the
+eye, dazzled by the glare without, had become accustomed to the
+dimness within, everything--nay, even the emotions in every face--were
+distinctly visible. There was a separate place for the accuser; another
+for the prisoners; and a third for any witnesses that might have to
+be called. In the centre was a long narrow table covered with coarse
+black serge, with inkstands, pens, and paper at intervals; and the
+Inquisitors sat in tall, straight-backed, wooden chairs around, the
+Grand Inquisitor's position being in the centre of the right hand side,
+in a raised chair, so that he could overlook all. There were no guards
+near Dom Diego now; and his cowl being thrown back, his grim, swarthy
+features and bold flashing eyes were distinctly visible. The prisoners
+were directed to stand in their allotted space; and the venerable
+Archbishop, in his robes, with a number of clergy, sat on one side, but
+took no part in the inquiry.
+
+After the proceedings had been opened by a prayer and a solemn chant,
+the Grand Inquisitor rose from his seat, and said--
+
+"Holy fathers, we have heard with unfeigned sorrow, grief, and
+amazement the scandal to the Church which has arisen under the unseemly
+contentions in the Mission Church at Moodgul, where, in the midst of
+Moors and Pagans, the Lord Christ hath graciously hitherto supported
+our poor measures for making known His gospel to those otherwise
+benighted and damnable peoples. In process of years many hundreds have
+been gathered to the foot of the Cross, and hundreds have died in a
+steady belief in the sacraments of the Holy Church, while many live in
+the exercise of a devout Christian faith and good works. Within the
+last few months, however, grievous troubles have arisen, as is known
+to our Father in God the illustrious Archbishop; and on the direct
+accusations of Dom Diego di Fonseca, the local vicar, we summoned
+Francis d'Almeida and his sister Maria to answer his charges. This
+citation was publicly made known to them both by being read in the
+Mission Church; but, instead of obeying it, both departed from Moodgul
+under the escort of Moorish soldiers, and went or were conveyed to
+Beejapoor, where they resided until a demand from His Excellency the
+Viceroy was made for them, and they were sent hither.
+
+"Thus, holy fathers, ye have to determine in what manner the priest
+Francis d'Almeida is guilty, as also his sister, of the formal
+charges which I now read. Then you will hear the justification of
+the prisoners; and you will, with prayer to the Almighty, pronounce
+judgment upon them. Diego di Fonseca, in the name of the Holy Trinity,
+I call upon you to swear that what you are about to say is true;" and
+on the formal oath being administered to him, he stood erect, and with
+all the energy and musical tone of his fine voice, he spoke to the
+following effect.
+
+I think, however, that I do right in refusing an attempt to detail all.
+In the outset of his oration, he referred to his services in China, in
+the Spice Islands, in Bengal, among the savage tribes of Malays and
+Moors; of perils by land and sea, and of the many human souls he had
+rescued from everlasting destruction.
+
+"I was a humble follower of St. Francis Xavier," he continued, "and
+strove to follow his example. Then, worn out and weary, I came to Goa,
+and would have returned to Portugal for a season, but new work at
+Moodgul was opened to me, and in my zeal I accepted it.
+
+"Holy fathers, when I arrived there I found a mockery of a Church.
+My coadjutor, more a heathen than a Christian, had suffered the
+most ordinary offices of the Church to be utterly neglected. He was
+incessantly employed in the study of Pagan languages, mythology, and
+Scripture, and of Moorish languages, and infidel books. To the people
+he invariably preached in a tongue they call Canarese. He read the
+services of the Church in the same tongue, and he desecrated the holy
+service by using it even in the mass. Instead of our own language,
+his sister taught it in the schools, and thus perverted the minds of
+children, who might have been made wise unto salvation.
+
+"It was all horrible! horrible! this perpetual study of books, which
+contain besides damnable theological dissertations; works on sorcery,
+divination, astrology, and all the evil sciences denounced by the
+Church, for which so many have suffered; and I warned him on many
+occasions, for I was willing to save them both, to abandon these evil
+courses and damnable heresies. And at first Francis d'Almeida strove to
+justify himself by declaring that he read Hindoo books to understand
+best how to controvert their doctrine; and declared that he was even
+translating the holy gospels and services of the Church into the
+language of the people, that they might understand what they profess
+to believe. Was any heresy ever so complete? Ye, O reverend fathers,
+know how the Scriptures are forbidden to be read except under ghostly
+direction and counsel, and how corruption and unbelief must needs
+arise under such proceedings as those of Francis d'Almeida towards his
+ignorant flock. I found remonstrance of no use; he avoided me with
+disrespect; and in the congregation a party was growing up against him
+which it was impossible for me to overcome; I therefore complained to
+the most reverend the Archbishop and the Holy Office, and a citation
+to Francis d'Almeida was sent.
+
+"Meanwhile a strange numbness of mind was stealing over me. I never saw
+Dońa Maria without trembling and confusion. I could not pray; I could
+not think. I could not even eat; and I knew that her satanic influence
+was exerted after the heathen manner, to lead me to perdition. But from
+this I was mercifully preserved. On the day I delivered the citation,
+she and her brother left their house at night and took refuge with the
+Moorish Governor, who at once sent them to Juldroog, and thence they
+were taken to Beejapoor. I was then free; a great weight seemed to be
+removed from me, and I came hither to lay all before the Church and
+seek ghostly counsel. Fathers, my short statement is ended; but of
+heresy and sorcery of the most devilish kind I accuse them both, and
+demand that in consonance with the laws of the Holy Office they suffer
+death by fire, and that thus the Church be purged from their spiritual
+uncleanness. I could extend this address to a vast length, but it
+would needlessly occupy time. The books in Francis d'Almeida's and his
+sister's handwriting will satisfy you of the character of their work,
+and I have brought such as I could find; the rest were concealed before
+their departure."
+
+"Have you any witnesses to the truth of the accusation?" asked the
+Grand Inquisitor.
+
+"I have none," he replied, "but God, and one of the deacons who
+accompanied me, who has charge of the books. How was I to confide to
+anyone the misery I endured?"
+
+"Dost thou object to these being produced, Francis d'Almeida?"
+
+"No," he said, mildly. "If they are in my own or my sister's writing,
+they are homilies of the Church, the Vulgate as allowed to the people
+even here in Goa, and some extracts from the Scriptures such as are
+given to children."
+
+"Look at these," said the Archbishop. "Are these the same as thou
+sentest to us for approval?"
+
+D'Almeida opened the books one by one, and looked over the contents.
+"These are the rough drafts in my own handwriting of the translations
+as I made them, and here and there I find a small portion of my
+sister's manuscript. These are the drafts from which she made the
+fair copies, which in her beautiful characters and ornamented with
+initial letters are now at Moodgul, in the keeping of one Ramana and
+other deacons of the mission, and have the illustrious Archbishop's
+imprimatur on them."
+
+"Yes," said the Prelate and the Grand Inquisitor, "for we had them
+checked by the Fra Don Francisco da Pinto, who was the best scholar
+then in Goa. He is now in Madagascar; but, if I remember right, we all
+signed them."
+
+"They are here, fathers," cried a venerable old man, with long white
+hair streaming over his shoulders, who, with several others, now made
+their way into the room, and prostrated themselves on the floor.
+"Listen to our cry for justice! When our beloved Padré was threatened,
+and when the pure Seńora Maria was insulted, and the Governor of
+Moodgul sent them away as prisoners, the books were given to us, and
+we hid them; but when the great Padré was going to Goa, to accuse our
+beloved friends, I and these with me followed him, and we arrived this
+morning, O holy fathers, that we may be in time yet to speak the truth
+before ye! Day and night we have travelled, and we have had no fear
+save of delay."
+
+"And who are ye?" asked the Grand Inquisitor. "Do ye know what ye have
+risked in intruding here unbidden? What do ye know?"
+
+"I know everything," replied the old man who first made his way in,
+speaking through the interpreter, and prostrating himself on the floor.
+"Let me speak! Let me speak for the love of God! There are a hundred
+more ready to say the same thing, and the Syud has sent me in time. Oh,
+my fathers, let us speak!"
+
+"I protest against him" cried Dom Diego, with a hard, shrill voice,
+very different to his usual tone. "I denounce this as a conspiracy."
+
+"We are the best judges of that," returned the Grand Inquisitor. "You,
+Diego di Fonseca, have already stated that you have no witnesses;
+and now, by a miracle as it were, one hath appeared suddenly, to whom
+credit may be given, a deacon of the Church. You can hear his statement
+and reply to it if you will. Let the Deacon Ramana be sworn and
+cautioned."
+
+Meanwhile the old man was sworn, and his first act was to lay open the
+books he had brought and point to them as Maria's writing.
+
+"Can you read these writings?" asked the Archbishop. "They are, I see,
+those which were confirmed by us after examination. I see my initials
+on every page."
+
+"Surely, my Prince," replied the deacon. "When the priest is absent
+it is my duty to read such prayers and passages of Scripture as have
+been marked;" and, opening one of the books at random, he put on his
+large spectacles and began to read from the fifth chapter of the gospel
+according to Saint Matthew:--
+
+"'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.'
+
+"'Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.'
+
+"Shall I go on, my Prince? These words are so holy and comforting that
+few of the flock hear them without tears. I trust they are understood?"
+
+"They are," replied the Grand Inquisitor; and, turning to Dom Diego,
+in a severe tone he continued, "and if this is the sorcery thou hast
+charged the prisoners with, thou hadst better be silent."
+
+"And now," continued the old man, "I will speak for our blessed
+Padré, and tell what happened on the day that he took refuge at the
+Governor's. I have no fear of him," and he pointed to Dom Diego, "and
+have no charge to make against him; but the Lord and the blessed Virgin
+give me power to speak, and I am not afraid before them or you."
+
+Then he related what he knew of the priest's plot. How he had engaged
+Beydurs and other lawless ruffians to carry off Maria; how on that
+Sunday night many of them had assembled at Moodgul, and one of them,
+being a friend of one of the shepherds, had told him what was to be
+done, and he went with some armed men to watch the Padré's church and
+house; how he heard Maria scream as she was alone singing vespers,
+and, looking in, saw her lying on the steps of the altar, and gave the
+alarm. We need not recapitulate all we already know; but the firmness
+and boldness of the narrator carried conviction with it to those who
+heard him. "And not only did I hear and see it all," he continued, "but
+these, my companions, know of it too, and will confirm it."
+
+"God of heaven!" cried Dom Diego, casting up his hands, "I declare this
+to be a conspiracy against me, instigated by the prisoners! Can it be
+believed in Thy holy sight? Surely Thou wilt blast their tongues ere
+they utter malignity against Thy servant!"
+
+But the Court heeded him not; and the letters of Dom Diego were now
+laid out for all present to see them, and read, one by one, in a
+sonorous voice by the secretary; while the Archbishop and the secretary
+of the Holy Office brought forward large packets of documents from
+various parts of the Indies, of the handwriting of which there was no
+doubt, and which exactly corresponded with the Moodgul letters. That in
+relation to Dońa Maria and her seduction caused a profound sensation
+through the assembly, and there were cries of "Let her explain! Let her
+explain!" from many.
+
+"Let her swear what she likes," said the priest. "I only say these are
+forgeries made by herself to cover her own shame."
+
+But this assertion, vague as it was, had no effect upon the tribunal.
+One by one the members compared all the letters with former documents.
+Many of them had maintained correspondence with the accused, and
+after an impressive silence, only broken by occasional whispers and
+communications among the members themselves--
+
+"Do you know any of the associates of Dom Diego?" asked the Grand
+Inquisitor of the old deacon. "Speak truly and freely, but beware of
+slander or falsehood!" And this being interpreted to the old man, he
+broke forth at once.
+
+"Know them? Yes; I know many. I know Pedro di Diaz, who used to come
+from Elias Khan, before Eyn-ool-Moolk, with money and letters, and
+I and many other people have seen him drinking with the Padré there.
+There was another man called Bartholomew, who sometimes came with
+him, and sometimes with others. All were rude, violent men. Diaz had
+the name of 'Pirate' among them. All of them kept out of our good
+Padré's way; and perhaps he never saw them--he was too innocent; but
+among ourselves we wondered at the profligacy that was carried on;
+not near the church, but in the bazaar of the town, where the great
+Padré used to come. One day one of the bankers in the city said to
+me, 'Your great Padré is very rich; I have exchanged fifty thousand
+rupees for him for bills on Panjim (Goa), and other bankers have also
+made remittances privately for him. 'Where does he get this money?' I
+said I could not tell, but it was reported everywhere that the Padré
+was a soldier in disguise, who was going to bring up Feringis and guns
+against Beejapoor. If that was to be kept secret, he had better not
+have trusted Pedro di Diaz, for he used openly to boast of it to many,
+and it became public talk. Does the Padré wish to ask me any questions?
+I will answer them, my princes, as truly as I have sworn to do upon the
+holy books and the holy water."
+
+But Dom Diego made no reply. He had become ghastly pale, and his hands
+trembled.
+
+"What did I or we care about all this?" continued the old man,
+excitedly; "but what we and every Christian man in our Church did
+care for was the insult to our poor, kind, blessed, saint there, who
+ministered to our sick, taught our children, and helped her brother
+to write those blessed books. Ah, sirs! though we are but simple
+shepherds, yet our people have fought in many a frontier war; we have
+maintained our faith against Moslem and Hindoo, and in the cause of
+right fear no man. And I tell you, my princes, that had not Padré
+Francis enjoined peace upon us, we would have followed up Dom Diego
+that night, and brought him here to make him over to you."
+
+"And why did Francis d'Almeida and his sister leave so suddenly?" he
+was asked.
+
+"The citation to him had been read," replied the old man; "and after
+the service he told me he should have to go, and asked me to get him
+ponies to ride. In the evening, after the Seńora's cruel insult, I took
+them temporarily to the palace of the Governor, Dilawar Khan, for I
+feared the Padré might return with the Beydurs and attack the Seńora.
+Then, after a time, came an express from Beejapoor, and Dilawar Khan
+told them they must obey the Queen Chand's orders; and before daylight
+they were sent off to Juldroog in closed palanquins, whether they
+would or no. But for this they would have gone to you, for twenty-five
+well-armed youths of the congregation had volunteered their escort. Ah,
+sirs! it was a night of terror and alarm; and it was only when the
+Governor sent and put seals on everything, except these books, that we
+felt safe."
+
+"We had not heard of this alleged insult before, daughter," said the
+Inquisitor; "and thou must speak to it, however painful, on pain of
+torture, to extort the truth, for this is a point which cannot be
+overlooked."
+
+"My lords and illustrious fathers," said Maria, modestly, "if this
+truth had not transpired through the deacon I would have been silent,
+for I have innocence and my trust in the blessed Queen of Heaven to
+rely on; and whatever shame may appear in the narration belongs to him
+who caused it, not to me. We had never been intimate, as servants of
+the Church should be. My brother did not like what he heard, things he
+would not tell me of. I was pained by Dom Diego's licentious looks, and
+even, when in the Church, always sat near the children of my school.
+But one Sabbath evening he found me alone, teaching the children a
+hymn; and when they had gone he advanced towards me, and offered me
+such insult as no virtuous woman could endure, pressing his vile
+intentions with proposals to fly. And I sank down and fainted. I know
+not who rescued me, but when I was aroused I was at home again, and my
+brother, seizing his sword, rushed out to seek revenge, and was brought
+back; and I lay at the foot of my cross, praying that his hand should
+be withheld; and that was granted mercifully."
+
+Bravely and calmly had Maria upheld her dignity and composure up to
+this period; but now she failed, and burst into hysterical sobs and
+tears, upheld by the abbess of her lay order, who had, with other
+sisters, accompanied her. But presently, and while all awaited her
+recovery, she rose, and holding out her pleading hands, cried--
+
+"O fathers of the Church, as her child I come to you; as a woman who
+has been wounded in her honour I plead to you! There is not one spot
+of shame to my own perception upon my heart, and she can deliver me if
+I am true. If not, let the flame purge me, and may I be accepted! But
+leave me not to that vile man's machinations in after years."
+
+She was not immediately replied to, and the tribunal took up the
+examination of Francis d'Almeida with new interest. He described their
+happy life at Moodgul, the affection and docility of the people,
+the progress he was making in Canarese with learned scholars of the
+place, his first essays in translation, and which he had sent for
+confirmation; and lastly, the insult to his sister. "If I could then
+and there have proceeded to you, holy fathers, I would have come; but
+a long journey needs several days' preparation, and I was without any
+notice considered a prisoner and sent to Beejapoor, where my innocence
+was proved to the satisfaction of its noble Queen by these letters of
+my coadjutor, which, she and her nephew, the King, have forwarded by
+their envoy. They are before ye, O fathers, and ye will judge whether
+the writing is mine or not."
+
+Just then a messenger, who had been sent for Pedro di Diaz, returned
+and reported that his vessel had fallen down the river in the afternoon
+of the previous day, bound for Choule and Surat, and that Bartholomew
+Pinto, and others, with Diaz, were serving on board.
+
+Then the Court was cleared for about an hour, for the day was fast
+declining; and, on the prisoners being again admitted, the Inquisitors
+rose as one man, while their chief cried with a loud voice, "Ye,
+Francis d'Almeida, and Maria de Pereira, we acquit and expurge ye from
+all accusation of heresy, sorcery, contempt, and other crimes with
+which ye have been charged; and ye go forth without shame or reproach
+to continue your labours as ye have done among the heathen.
+
+"You, Dom Diego, member of the holy Society of Jesus, are found guilty,
+under your own handwriting, of falsehood and profligacy. You have
+insulted a virtuous and worthy daughter of the Church with infamous
+proposals. You have entered, as appears by your agreements, into an
+unholy and corrupt alliance with Moorish rebels to this kingdom; and
+you, by these papers, have acknowledged the receipt of vast sums
+of money. We condemn you, therefore, unless you make confession
+previously, to trial by the rack; and afterwards, on Sunday next, to
+death by fire, in order that the holy Church may be purged from your
+iniquity. Familiars, lead him forth; till the morrow he will have time
+to repent."
+
+Dom Diego replied nothing. He well knew it was of no avail to
+appeal to those stony hearts which, whether just or unjust, never
+changed. He only bowed his head, muttered something that could not be
+distinguished, and was led into the great corridor whence the cells
+opened.
+
+Can we describe the boundless thankfulness of the two who so lately
+were captives in the hands of that ruthless tribunal! As servants
+of God in their degrees, the brother and sister received the public
+blessings of the Archbishop and Grand Inquisitor; and, after that,
+falling into each other's arms, they wept like children before all.
+Before this, their feelings had been too highly strung to fail, but now
+they were weak with very excitement, and were considerately led back to
+their dwellings, to rest and receive those spiritual comforts in which
+their souls could now seek repose.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"And thou wilt come at last, Balthasar," said Dom Diego, as having
+arrived at the end of the corridor, he turned into a door which was
+open, and revealed a small bed, with a loaf of bread and a jar of
+water. "Thou wilt not be long." Balthasar was Dom Diego's cousin, who
+had been with him when he was formerly an officer of the Ajuba, and had
+taken charge of him.
+
+"I will come," he said, "though I risk my life and brave the fire. I
+will come, and bring the rope for thee. If thou art strong and brave,
+as thou used to be, yon miserable window will have little terror for
+thee."
+
+But Dom Diego had a surer plan in his mind than that.
+
+"Oh, you need not bring a rope," he said; "I can manage without it, and
+it would betray you."
+
+As his cousin entered shortly before midnight, and all the building
+was still, except for the wailings of wretches who sat alone in their
+misery, he closed the door, locking it inside. "Perhaps I can help
+you," he said, cheerfully.
+
+"Yes," said Dom Diego. "No one can move those iron bars. You dare not
+leave the door open, but you can submit to be bound, and I will do it
+gently. Lie down there. Ha! thou wilt not," he said, from between his
+teeth. "Thou, too, a traitor!" And he then threw him down on the bed,
+and stuffed a large portion of his dress into his cousin's mouth. "Dare
+to stir, and I will kill thee. See, here is my old weapon!" and he drew
+a keen poignard from his breast. "Nay, that would be the surest way,"
+and he seized the familiar by the throat.
+
+"Mercy! Mercy! Diego!" gasped Balthasar. "Spare my life! Oh, spare my
+life! Unshriven and unrepented, wouldst thou murder me?"
+
+"Be still, then. If thou stir hand or foot, I will slay thee,
+Balthasar, as thou liest there; but be still, and I will not harm
+thee." Then Diego took off his cousin's robe, swathed the upper part of
+his person in the coarse sheet of the bed, and tearing his shirt into
+strips, with them and two handkerchiefs tied his legs together, so that
+they could not be moved. "There!" he cried, "that is the way we used to
+tie up the captives whom we carried off for ransom. Rest quietly there,
+my son, till some one finds thee in the morning; and thou must tell
+them they did not make so much of me as they might when I was here;
+they may find it hard to take me now. Addios, brother, I know my way
+out, and have a vow to attend midnight mass in the cathedral. How well
+thy robe fits me; perhaps thou wilt take mine in exchange. Addios! and
+pleasant dreams to thee this night, Balthasar. When thou wakest, tell
+Francis d'Almeida and his sister that I go to pursue them. Not till he
+is dead at my feet, and she grovels there in a shame worse than death,
+will I cease to dog them, hide where they may. Forget not!" and taking
+up the small lanthorn, he locked the door behind him, delivering a
+solemn benediction as he entered the corridor.
+
+He knew his way perfectly. In years long before he had been one of the
+familiars, and knew every secret dungeon and torture chamber of the
+great building, every secret sign and password; and he made his way to
+the gate without opposition. The men on guard rallied him on going out
+so late; but he declared his vow of midnight mass, and passed on into
+the open air, unchallenged and unsuspected by his voice, for he had
+kept his cowl over his face, and his height corresponded so exactly
+with that of his cousin, that the detection of the imposture was
+impossible.
+
+There was no one else in the square before the Ajua but a few
+stragglers, and Diego quietly found himself on the quay. One sailor was
+lying in the stern of the ship's boat, who was at once aroused, and
+slipped over the priest's shoulder a rough sailor's dress, and for a
+few moments was absent seeking his associates. One by one they emerged
+from their hiding place, gained the boat unobserved, and lay down in
+its bottom; and when the last one came he loosed the painter, took one
+of the oars, and sculled off leisurely towards the opposite shore. Near
+that, the men started up, took the oars, which were muffled, and rowed
+with all their power, and with a strong ebb tide made rapid way down to
+the sea, passing the forts without observation. The brigantine was not
+at anchor, but cruising to and fro, as if about to enter the river with
+the flood; but Dom Diego was soon on board, and before the fresh land
+wind the beautiful little vessel heeled over to the breeze and sped
+swiftly northwards.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+A DEATH, A MARRIAGE, AND A DEPARTURE.
+
+
+When morning broke there was much confusion in the great building.
+Balthasar, whose duty was to open the doors of the cells, was not to
+be found, nor were the keys hung up in their accustomed place. The
+door of Dom Diego's cell was, however, locked and bolted without as
+usual; but, on listening, a faint moaning sound was heard, and after
+some difficulty the massive door was opened, and Balthasar found as he
+had been left, though nearly suffocated. He had contrived to wriggle
+from the low pallet, but to free his hands and to release himself from
+his cousin's bandages had been impossible; nor could he loose the gag,
+for it had been tied securely behind, putting him to great pain and
+distress. Even to the suspicious Inquisitors there did not seem to be
+the least indication of complicity, and after a severe and prolonged
+examination, Balthasar was released. All that he could say was that
+he had been suddenly overpowered by his cousin, whose strength far
+exceeded his own; that he had been threatened with death, and even
+slightly wounded in the breast; that, on account of the gag, he could
+not cry out for aid. And even had he done so, who could have heard
+him among the wailings of other prisoners, and the cries and groans of
+those that were to endure the torture on the day following?
+
+Then, under the information given by the old deacon, the transactions
+of the bankers of Panjim were examined by the civil and ecclesiastical
+authorities in conjunction. But no assets were found. They produced
+letters from Dom Diego remitting large sums by bills from Moodgul,
+and a considerable quantity of gold, and directing the whole, except
+a small portion to be kept for himself, to be paid to Pedro di Diaz,
+whom they knew as a trader to the East, and the owner of a remarkably
+fast-sailing brigantine, which he commanded. Some months before he had
+gone on a trading expedition with the Moors, and while some of the
+remittances belonged to him direct, others might have been the property
+of the Padré Sahib. It could only be conjecture, for it was no part of
+their business to inquire into their constituents' affairs; and for the
+rest, their books and vouchers were ample evidence. Finally, about four
+days before, the Captain Di Diaz had taken away all his money, partly
+in bills at sight, on Surat and Oman, but by far the greater part
+was in coin of various kinds, the majority being in gold. There was
+nothing to be made out of all this; nothing to afford the least clue
+to the course of the vessel Diaz commanded; or, indeed, that Dom Diego
+was with him, though it was supposed he might be; and he was never
+afterwards seen in Goa, nor did it ever transpire to the authorities
+there what had become of him. There was, however, long afterwards,
+a report prevalent that he had become a renegade from the Christian
+faith, and joined the ranks of the Mussulman army, and had fallen in
+some obscure battle.
+
+It was a pleasant duty for the Archbishop to reward Francis d'Almeida
+for all the trials which had arisen out of his association with the
+bad man who had so narrowly escaped a horrible fate. But the more the
+prelate saw of the zealous missionary the more he appreciated his
+singular, and at that period nearly unknown, powers of translation, and
+the evident love and veneration in which he was held by his devoted
+flock. Could there be a greater proof of that than in the sturdy old
+deacon's journey from Moodgul to Goa unasked, on the mere supposition
+that the long threatened proceedings against his priest were to take
+place? This more, perhaps, than any other circumstance touched the
+prelate most deeply, and he was not slow to confess it.
+
+In the cathedral a splendid high mass was solemnised for the delivery
+of Francis d'Almeida and his sister from the wicked machinations
+against them. Sermons were preached, setting forth their labours for
+many years, and the translations were exhibited on the altar steps to
+the public at large. The Viceroy bestowed a high order upon the priest
+at a banquet which was held in his honour; entertained the Beejapoor
+envoy very sumptuously; and, from the simple communications of Francis
+d'Almeida, grew to have a higher respect for the kingdom than had ever
+been held by any Portuguese before.
+
+Many arrangements about duties and trade generally were proposed; in
+fact, it appeared as though the present opportunity would throw open
+the two kingdoms to each other in a far more effectual and friendly
+manner. As to Dońa Maria, we lose sight of her among her old friends,
+and the crowds of religious women who visited her. Many, indeed,
+volunteered to accompany her in her mission work, and teach in her
+schools; but European Portuguese, ignorant of any language but their
+own, could be of little use; and finally, before she left, she made
+choice of two of the sisters of her own convent, who, having been born
+in India, could speak the ordinary language of the western country with
+fluency.
+
+Finally came the grand distinction, so unexpected, that Francis
+was completely overpowered by it. The Archbishop, having consulted
+privately with his council, considered it very advisable to extend
+the mission, and to consolidate its several points under one head. At
+present there were but four churches, two under Moodgul, and two under
+Raichore; but there was a good chance of the establishment of one at
+Beejapoor, and perhaps another at Ahmednugger, under the auspices
+of Queen Chand Beebee. It was advisable, therefore, that Francis
+d'Almeida should be created bishop, with permission to travel and
+preach wherever he thought most advisable.
+
+At first, as we have said, the worthy priest was overwhelmed, and
+requested time for consideration; but it appeared both to him
+and to Maria, and to their best friends, that the honour and the
+responsibility could not be evaded. And again, if he declined it,
+neither of them would be sent to carry out the Archbishop's plans.
+Now, there was no one who knew the people or their language, manners,
+and customs, at all so well; no one who could compete with the
+Mussulmans and Brahmins on their own grounds of theology. He was, too,
+used to the courtly manners and modes of life of the Mussulman who
+ruled the country, and was the intimate friend of Queen Chand and her
+nephew, the King. What would not Taj-ool-Nissa do for the physician
+who had aided her recovery, or for the beloved companion who had
+cheered her loneliness? Then, again, there were Meeah and Zóra, the
+old Syud, and their new schools at the painter's, and great numbers
+of other countrymen who had been absent with the King's army, and
+were altogether fallen into neglect. All these were new ties which
+a series of strange events had created, but which, nevertheless,
+were precious and binding. And these, with the boundless expanse of
+country before him, in which he should be free to act, caused Francis
+d'Almeida's heart to swell in grateful anticipation. He, therefore,
+submitted himself to the Archbishop's will, with earnest and sincere
+feelings of gratitude; and as soon as the ceremony could be arranged,
+he was consecrated in the cathedral at high mass, before all the
+ecclesiastical, civil, and military authorities of the city, and his
+patent made out and delivered to him. Nor would the Archbishop suffer
+him, poor as he knew Francis was, to pay any of the costs of the
+elevation, which were considerable; not even that of his robes, which
+were of their kind splendid enough.
+
+The Beejapoor envoy was a delighted spectator of all the pomp of the
+Church on the occasion, and the joy with which he greeted his former
+humble companion was very genuine. We are bound to say also, that once
+they were free from the terrors of the Inquisition, Maria, like a
+practical woman as she was, insisted upon making a complete inspection
+of her brother's wardrobe, and found it in a very dilapidated and
+defective condition. The patchings and darnings of old Pedro, who
+nominally united the office of tailor to that of cook and valet, were
+by no means of a distinguished order, and were, to say the least of
+them, in the last stage of decay; and in the cold weather of the
+Dekhan, her brother, though enjoying wonderfully good health, was often
+distressed by the cold. Materials, however, and makers of all kinds
+were plentiful at Goa. The ladies of her convent set to with vigour to
+make such portions of both their clothing as they could, and the result
+was so far beyond the good Padré's ordinary ideas of comfort, which
+were limited, that he could barely be induced to cast away the old and
+to adopt the rich new suits with which he was furnished.
+
+They were pressed much to remain for the great Church festival of
+Christmas. But this was impossible; time was precious; the Beejapoor
+envoy and his people were anxious to return, and the journey back was
+commenced. What peril they had endured and escaped, what new honour and
+love they had gained, was indeed wonderful to think on, and for which
+their thanks were due to Him whom they served; and their hearts were
+full of gratitude and hope for the future. And the reception they had
+at Beejapoor, when Humeed Khan and his nephew, with a host of other
+friends, one of the King's nobles of the court, ushers and others,
+were sent out to meet them and conduct them into the city, was almost
+overwhelming; and many people ran before their litters, crying out
+that the good Padré had come back, and was welcome. As to the children
+of the schools, they and their parents erected a triumphal arch of a
+humble character at Pedro the painter's gate; and, dressed in their
+best, sang a hymn of welcome very prettily, and were introduced to
+their new preceptresses. Pedro had made a great feast for the occasion
+too, and all were very happy; but they were grieved to hear that their
+dear old friend the Syud was rapidly sinking to his rest, and that
+the physicians had no longer hope of his life. Prayers had been made
+for him in every mosque, and supplications sent to all other shrines
+around, particularly to Gulburgah. But these were of no avail; the
+angel of death, the old man said, was already nigh, and he should soon
+receive his last summons. Weary nature was exhausted; and though the
+few last months' excitement had caused the lamp of life to flicker up,
+and even to shine brightly for awhile, it was now sinking daily, and
+must soon be extinguished.
+
+They did not delay further than to make a few arrangements. The King
+and the Queen had already sent kind messages, begging them to come
+as soon as possible; and in the afternoon they went when the usual
+palanquins arrived for them. They found Abbas Khan, his uncle, and
+a number of Mussulman priests, sitting in the ante-room of the old
+Syud's apartments, the latter chanting passages from the Korán in a
+low monotonous tone; and while Maria passed into Zóra's rooms, Abbas
+Khan rose, and led the bishop, as we must now call him, into the place
+where the dear old man lay. He seemed to be dozing as they entered, but
+hearing the sound of a strange voice, he looked up and asked who had
+come.
+
+"I, your old friend, Huzrut," said the bishop, kneeling down. "I have
+returned to you safe from my journey and its consequences."
+
+"Oh, give me light that I may see you once more ere I pass away," he
+said, eagerly. "Give me light!" and when a corner of the curtain was
+lifted, the old man raised himself, stretched out his hands, and fell
+upon his friend's neck. He seemed to have forgotten that he was blind.
+
+"The darkness and the day are all one to me, my son," he said, feeling
+all over Francis' face; "all one now--so they are always to those
+who are trembling on the brink of eternity. Yet I shall see brightly
+presently, when these scales of death fall from my eyes. Fear not for
+me, dear friend; my time is run, my work on earth is finished, and I
+go to partake of that I have believed in. And thou hast escaped that
+fierce evil priest? Tell me how it was. First lay me down, for I have
+no strength."
+
+"You must not speak," was the reply; "it excites you too much;" and
+d'Almeida placed his fingers on the old man's pulse, which he found now
+weak and fluttering. "Rest awhile, and I will tell thee."
+
+"Is he dying?" asked Abbas Khan.
+
+"No," returned the bishop; "he will yet live some days; and I will send
+him or bring him early some cordial I have brought with me. Now no one
+can get at it."
+
+"Now tell me all, Francis; and how thy dear sister, Maria, hath fared.
+Is she well?"
+
+"She is well," returned the bishop; "but I have said you must
+be silent;" and he then related briefly the particulars of the
+investigation of the tribunal. "I could have done nothing," he said;
+"he was more powerful than I; but I had truth with me, and out of his
+own vile letters he was condemned; nor could he make any defence. He
+was sentenced, and would have suffered, but he escaped."
+
+"Escaped! Protection of God! he may follow you and Maria."
+
+"I do not fear him, Huzrut. The same power that defended us at Goa will
+defend us should we meet hereafter. Meanwhile, he fled in a companion's
+ship to sea, and is believed to have gone to Persia, where we have
+churches. He escaped, too, with all his wealth."
+
+"Shookr! shookr! thanks, thanks! and praise to God that our poor
+prayers were heard; prayers in which Zóra joined, as for brother and
+sister. Hast thou no thanks, no congratulations, Meeah?"
+
+"I said them at first, Abba, when he told me on the road. But see the
+justice of God! On all that number of vile conspirators justice hath
+descended. And on this priest last of all, though he hath life and
+wealth, yet shame hath fallen upon him among his people; while this,
+our honoured friend, hath been exalted by them to high rank, and is now
+a noble of the Church."
+
+"He is no greater now before me than he used to be, nor before God. Is
+he, too, a Wallee?"
+
+"Not a saint, Abba," returned Francis, smiling; "but I have the
+overlooking of all the churches from Ahmednugger to Raichore and
+Moodgul, and can reside where I please. Before God I cannot change, but
+before men I have that dignity in the Church which it hath pleased my
+fathers in God to bestow upon me."
+
+The old man smiled happily, and they saw his lips moving silently
+in prayer; but he did not speak, he only held out his hands once to
+Francis, as if to bid him farewell, and turning round seemed to sleep
+easily and comfortably.
+
+Zóra and Maria were together once more, and what could exceed their
+happiness? Zóra's great brown eyes looked wistfully at her, like a
+dog's, as after the first weeping and thankful embrace they sat down
+together. But this did not suffice, and as Maria held out her arms
+once more, Zóra fell into them, looking up every now and then with her
+happy, loving face, though her eyes were constantly brimming over, as
+she heard Maria's history, as Abba had heard her brother's. Only about
+three months had passed, yet Zóra's figure and countenance appeared to
+have expanded under the influence of the certainty of Meeah's love.
+At last her own, her very own. "And he loves me, too; for one day I
+was coming from the Queen Mother's apartment alone, and I met him on
+the stairs, and he told me so; and though I could not answer him, I
+remember all he said, and now I can tell it to you, Maria. We have
+never spoken again; and I dare not if I could, for it would not be
+modest in a girl betrothed to do so. Then Abba began to fail after you
+left, and yearned for your brother; and we thought he would pass away
+from us. But he is still here, though they tell me he may be called
+any time; and we must let him go. Day and night Meeah watches him, and
+when he is tired he sends me word by a servant, and I go to him. But
+he seldom speaks, only prays; and all he has been saying for several
+days has been: 'It is time they returned. Why do they linger away? Have
+they escaped?' But we could not make out then, though we now understand
+your peril." And then Zóra's tongue ran on almost without intermission,
+until a message came from the Queen Mother that they should go up to
+them, as she and the young Queen were both ready to receive them.
+And they went; Maria kissing the feet of both the Royal ladies, and
+making her obeisance, as she used to do. They, too, had to hear of her
+trial and her deliverance; and Zóra said plaintively, "We were sisters
+together from the first, though we belonged to different faiths; and
+God appointed me my trial, when I did not fear Osman Beg, and she
+had her own with the wicked priest we used all to hear so much of in
+Juldroog; and she was not afraid of him. And now God hath brought us
+together again; and we will never separate."
+
+Then the Queen had to hear of Francis d'Almeida's new dignity; and it
+was very clear to Maria that he, perhaps both of them, had acquired
+additional honour in the Royal eyes.
+
+"My King will be glad, indeed, to hear this, for Beejapoor hath never
+had an ambassador from your nation, or any accredited person on whom
+reliance could be placed; and much mischief has been the consequence.
+Now things will be different."
+
+"I know," said Maria, smiling, "that he has been entrusted with a
+whole budget of matters to lay before His Majesty; and he will do this
+to-night, perhaps, at the durbar."
+
+"And," added Zóra, with a merry twinkle in her eye, "bid him, mother,
+to come in his new robes, for Maria says they are magnificent; and
+then he can come and make his obeisance here also to you and his old
+patient."
+
+So, after a while, Maria took her leave, and went home to carry out
+this little plot, and to set out her brother's finery; and, after much
+persuasion, the simple bishop did as he had been requested, and went in
+his grandeur of gold embroidery and purple satin, and lace, and biretta
+instead of a mitre, which, with his staff, was not ready when he left
+Goa. He was, however, sufficiently splendid to attract the attention
+and admiration of all the nobles of the durbar; and even the Chishtee
+priest, who had been so uncivil to him at their first meeting, but who
+had gradually learned to respect his character, now welcomed him with
+sincere congratulations.
+
+It was a pleasant evening for the Bishop. He felt himself to be now
+more on an equality with all the nobles by whom he was surrounded,
+and their respect was unmistakeable. He was the representative of his
+nation, too; there was much to be settled between his Government and
+the King's; and in all respects, in outward circumstances, he felt
+he was a very different person at the King's Court than the obscure
+priest and physician that had come there at first. The schools were
+flourishing, and Maria felt the help of her new assistants to be very
+material. The Bishop, too, found ample occupation among the Portuguese
+artificers and gunners, and the time was fast approaching when he must
+seek his new flocks at Ahmednugger and elsewhere. Would it be safe or
+prudent to take his sister with him? What he heard of the condition of
+Ahmednugger was not satisfactory. The place was not at peace within
+itself, and many reports were abroad. He had a refuge for her already
+at Beejapoor, or he might send her to Moodgul, to the old deacon's
+charge; but the last message of Dom Diego to his cousin, which had
+been duly repeated to him as a warning, though Maria knew not of it,
+often weighed heavily upon him. Dom Diego was free; free to join any
+lawless bands in the country; and he had wealth, too, to further any
+plan he might form. In Beejapoor Maria would be safe, under the King's
+protection; but then the dire separation, distressing alike to both,
+was hardly to be contemplated. Maria would not hear of it; whither he
+would go she would go with him, and in her opinion the better plan was
+to wait till Ahmednugger was once more settled.
+
+But all these plans were destined to come to a more rapid end than
+either thought; and the first link of the chain broken, was the dear
+old Syud's death. For several days the new medicine which Francis
+had brought with him appeared to give new energy, and they all hoped
+he might rally; but he was not himself deceived. "I have received my
+warning," he said, "and do but wait the angel's coming--be that when it
+may." He made his will, bequeathing to Zóra all his worldly goods and
+such of his estates as the King might permit. He also made provision
+for the religious ceremonies at his tomb, the site of which he had
+selected when he first came, in the Roza, or garden, in the precincts
+of the great mausoleum of the King, and had appointed a poor disciple,
+who had followed him in his wanderings from Gogi, to the charge of it.
+A small tomb or mausoleum, with a vault, had been prepared, and was
+nearly finished; and the old man on one of his best latter days had
+been gently taken there in a palanquin, having a particular desire
+to see it. To the last he preserved his faculties entire; and after
+hearing portions of the Korán read one night, he repeated the two
+creeds with a firm voice, and lay down quietly. But his breath came
+heavily, and Abbas Khan saw that the end was near; and Zóra came to
+him with Maria, who was sitting with her. The physicians and Francis
+felt his pulse, but it was fluttering; and one of the Moollas raising
+him up, poured a little sherbet into his mouth, which he swallowed
+and lay down again, saying, "It is enough," and seemed to sleep; nor
+could those who watched by him tell when the humble, loving spirit
+left its earthly tenement. There was no struggle, or even a sigh; and
+again and again during the day he had said he had no pain, and could
+see the flowers of Paradise and the river flowing among them. Finally
+the chant of the Moollas without ceased, and those who perform offices
+for the dead came in and did their ministering. Crowds followed him to
+his last resting place. Nothing that love or respect could suggest was
+wanting to the end; and as the Moollas chanted the peace of God to the
+thousands who had gathered round, they separated sadly, many weeping,
+and with a conviction that a faithful disciple of their faith had gone
+to his rest in Paradise.
+
+For a time, during the forty days of ceremonial and mourning, Zóra
+remained with the Queen Dowager, though apart, so as not to cause
+inconvenience; and for the first few days Maria had not left her except
+at short periods, and to carry on her own duties. She had now many
+friends; and the grief at her loss, which at first lay heavy on her,
+gradually gave place to brighter thoughts. Often and humbly did she
+think on the few months that had passed, on the hopelessness which must
+have been her lot if her grandfather had died at Juldroog or during her
+wanderings. Yes, she had been mercifully protected, and was grateful
+to her heart's core; and as she wept out her grief on Maria's breast
+or that of the Queen, who had adopted her, there was ever present
+the secret hope and trust that she had found a true refuge, which
+was not far distant. For as the forty days of ceremonial were about
+to conclude, the Lady Fatima, urged by her nephew and husband, again
+protested against further delay. Zóra should have one who had a right
+to protect her, and in whose love a new life would open to her, and she
+put herself unreservedly into her friends' hands. She had pledged her
+faith, and had she needed to do so a hundred times over, or under any
+trial, she would have only been more confirmed in it. Enough that the
+time was come; and with all the pomp that her Royal patrons and the
+wealthy house of her husband could furnish, all the dressing, feasting,
+merry-making, processions, and distributions of charity practised on
+such occasions, the marriage ceremonies were at last concluded. Are
+not the loves of this happy pair sung by bards and dancing-women to
+this day? For the poets of the Court poured forth their amatory lays
+and epithalamiums without stint, sure of ample largesse. Many of these
+were set to music, and linger still to charm others, though even the
+traditions of the nobles of Beejapoor have passed away.
+
+And still the good Bishop and Maria remained. Maria pleaded that she
+had promised Zóra to stay with her till the ceremonies were completed,
+and she, with much interest, and not without amusement, had helped
+her through all the events of each day. But when all was over, when
+the bright, radiant, happy girl had been carried away in a grand
+procession, with fireworks, torches, and firing of guns, escorted by
+the whole of her husband's and his uncle's household troops--the play
+played out, and the curtain dropped--then they turned to their work
+again.
+
+Meanwhile the Queen's letters from Ahmednugger grew more and more
+uneasy; and she received a petition, which was signed by all the
+principal nobles and officers of the State, asking her to come to them
+and assume the administration during the minority of the young and
+rightful Sovereign, who as yet was little more than an infant. This
+was necessarily a much more serious subject for contemplation than the
+heretofore task of assuaging national disquietude, and uniting the
+power of the State under one regency, not her own, which should have
+the goodwill of the people. But this was put before her as a solemn and
+patriotic duty, which could be effected by no one but herself. At her
+name, they wrote in her native city, every well affected person would
+unite to support her; the few malcontents would disappear or fly the
+kingdom, and peace and prosperity would reign once more. Day by day, by
+special messengers, and by every other possible means, the frequency
+of these communications, as well as their urgency, increased. They had
+commenced before Francis and his sister had returned from Goa, and were
+much more frequent and more urgent now.
+
+She had concealed nothing from her nephew, the King, or from his long
+tried and faithful Ministers of State. Every letter, every despatch she
+received, was laid before them; but the last general petition seemed
+to leave no loophole of escape. So long as Ahmednugger was disturbed,
+Beejapoor could not be at rest. The frontiers were uneasy, and events
+took place which no precaution could avert, and which might at any
+time plunge the kingdoms into one of those interminable and bloody
+wars which had often nearly brought both to the brink of ruin. The
+last war was finished, peace everywhere prevailed, and under ordinary
+circumstances, there was every prospect of its maintenance; but if
+misrule at Ahmednugger continued, there was no surety. Again, the
+Moghuls of Delhi were gathering in ominous clouds in Malwa and Guzerat,
+without apparent reason; and were they to march upon the Dekhan, there
+was no one to resist them on its frontiers; while at Ahmednugger each
+party seemed ready to sell their country to the enemy, so that a
+temporary local advantage might be gained.
+
+It was a perilous time for the whole Dekhan; and the Queen, with her
+habitual fortitude, determined to meet it, as she had done every
+political and public danger of her life. She would devote herself to
+her native State, for her presence was no longer needful at Beejapoor,
+and her Regency had closed in thankful peace. Nay, there was no time
+to be lost, and it was at once known, by the preparations ordered,
+that Queen Chand was about to proceed to her native place. We need not
+say that Abbas Khan and Zóra were to accompany her. They would take
+no denial, and Abbas Khan, in public durbar, claimed the command of
+her escort, as a point of right and duty. Could he leave his adopted
+mother, and idle away his time in inaction at the capital? Even that
+he had endured since the King's return had been in the last degree
+irksome. We know why the Bishop and his sister desired to go too; and
+even had that reason not existed, Maria must have gone, for the Queen
+had become alarmed, and she viewed with pain a revelation the King had
+made to her that he loved Maria.
+
+As the time drew near for her departure, the Queen Chand had received
+many visits from her nephew the King, and had observed his listless
+manner and his evident anxiety in regard to some subject. He did not,
+however, complain of being ill, and his Queen, Taj-ool-Nissa, had, as
+well as the Queen Dowager, pressed him to consult the good Bishop on
+the subject. To both the Queens, the departure of the elder one, on
+whose counsel in all affairs he had so firmly relied, appeared to be
+the cause; but it lay deeper than that.
+
+One evening, just before the march began, the Queen, Taj-ool-Nissa and
+Maria were sitting at the great window alone, and Maria was putting the
+last finishing touches to a drawing of flowers for her Royal companion,
+when she observed the tears well up in her eyes; and, with a sudden
+impulse, she put the drawing aside, and cast herself upon Maria's
+breast, sobbing piteously. It was in vain that Maria asked her to
+explain the cause of her grief, or tried to soothe her with assurances
+of speedy return, the Queen only wept the more passionately.
+
+"He does not love me, Maria," she said, between her sobs, in broken
+words. "My lord the King does not love me. To thee, O sister, he has
+given his heart, and he will die without thee. I am but a child,
+Maria, and have no beauty or talent to charm him; but thy loveliness
+and accomplishments fit thee to become his Queen. Oh, do not hesitate,
+darling sister; consent to be mine in reality, and we shall be joined
+in his love till we die. Maria!" she cried, looking up through her
+tears, and brushing them away, "dost thou hear? He dreams of thee; I
+hear thy name on his lips as he sleeps, murmured in love. It is no
+deception, and I say it before God; and I know how essential thou art
+to his happiness. Kiss me, and say thou wilt consent, and I shall be
+happy. A few quiet prayers and some preparation, and thou art his wife
+as well as I."
+
+"It cannot be, it cannot be, my darling!" said Maria, very sadly, and
+kissing the gentle, patient face upturned to her. "I am vowed to God's
+service; I repeated and confirmed those vows at Goa, and I go forth,
+with my brother, to perform them. A little while and he will forget me,
+and thou wilt live with thy child to come, happy in his love as thou
+hast been. Nay, urge me not," she continued, as Taj-ool-Nissa was about
+to speak again; "by the love that is between us urge me not again, but
+let me depart in peace, and with thy blessing, on my way. Keep this,
+and all I have left, in memory of me; and hope, as I do, that we may
+meet again in happiness." Then, placing the picture in the Queen's
+hands, she kissed her fervently, with a silent prayer, and, rising up,
+departed. Yet ere she reached the door, she looked back once more. The
+girl was lying with her face among her cushions, weeping bitterly,
+while the sun's light, falling upon her rich brocaded dress, covered
+her as with a glory of gold.
+
+END OF BOOK IV.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK V.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+A SKETCH OF LOCAL HISTORY.
+
+
+Out of the disruption of the great Bahmuny dynasty of the Dekhan
+in A.D. 1489, four independent kingdoms arose. The first secession
+was that of Yousaf Adil Khan, who founded the Adil Shahy dynasty of
+Beejapoor in that year; the second, that of Nizam-ool-Moolk Bheiry,
+in the same year, and Berar had even preceded them. Golconda followed
+in 1512, thus completing the alienation of the four largest and
+most important provinces of the Bahmuny kingdom, and leaving only a
+comparatively insignificant portion in the hands of the remaining
+representative of the Bahmunies, who lived and reigned at Beeder, and
+whose successor was afterwards set aside by his Minister, Ameer Bereed,
+who usurped the throne, and the great Bahmuny family became extinct.
+
+Nizam-ool-Moolk Bheiry had been Prime Minister of the Bahmuny kingdom,
+and his son, Mullek Ahmud, was Viceroy in the large western provinces.
+After the act of dismemberment had been accomplished, Nizam-ool-Moolk
+Bheiry died, and his son, relying on his local power, and possessing
+the requisite boldness and ability, ably maintained his position; and
+there being no capital to the province except the hill fort of Joonair,
+which was inconvenient, as well from position as construction, he
+founded a new city and capital near the village of Bingar, which lay
+between Joonair and Dowlutabad.
+
+Here he built a fine fort and several palaces, laid out gardens, and
+named the place Ahmednugger--or the fort of Ahmud--which appellation
+it still bears. Ahmednugger is now one of the large military stations
+of the Dekhan and of India, and is deservedly celebrated for its
+salubrious climate. It is, in fact, situated near the crest of one of
+the great trap waves of the Dekhan, which breaks into the valley of the
+Godavery, a few miles distant. The country around is open, fertile, and
+free from jungle; and in the times we write of, the position commanded
+the passes from Khandeish, and Guzerat, and Berar, into central Dekhan.
+It had been most judiciously chosen, and, while the kingdom endured,
+it ruled a fair country which stretched from the sea to the confines
+of Berar and Golconda, and was possessed of an ample revenue. Its
+people, too, were the sturdy Mahratta peasantry, who made excellent
+soldiers; and it maintained considerable bodies of Abyssinians, as well
+as Turks, Arabs, Persians, and Central Asians, and their descendants
+of mixed blood, who, as at Beejapoor, were called Dekhanies, and held
+much power in their hands. In this point therefore the two kingdoms
+were very similar, though local customs and parties might not be in
+all respects precisely so. The Ahmednugger State also employed the
+indigenous Mahratta soldiery to a much greater extent than Beejapoor,
+especially as cavalry, and frequently found them of great use in
+checking the turbulence of the foreign levies. They were considered a
+portion of the regular army, and thus the hereditary native chieftains
+of the Mahratta people rose to power, which was afterwards rendered
+conspicuous when the Mahratta people, living upon the ruins of the
+local Mussulman kingdoms, became a nation in themselves.
+
+We do not purpose to write the history of the Nizam Shahy kingdom.
+The Kings were rough, warlike, and quarrelsome with their neighbours
+beyond any others, and were very rarely at entire peace with any of
+them. And while in some of these wars the kingdom had narrowly escaped
+annihilation, yet because a balance of power among these kingdoms was
+necessary for mutual existence, no one of them could be annexed by
+another, and for more than a hundred years they had existed in pretty
+much the same condition as that in which they had commenced in 1489.
+
+They had of course intermarried, and the families for the most
+part were nearly related; but the principal event of this kind was
+the marriage of Chand Beebee, daughter of Hussein Nizam Shah, of
+Ahmednugger, in 1564, to Ally Adil Shah, of Beejapoor, in order to
+cement the political alliance between the States, on the occasion of
+the crusade against the Hindoo powers of northern India. And though the
+object of that coalition and campaign was fully carried out, yet the
+peace of the two kingdoms was by no means assured; and we have already
+had to trace the cause of wars which ended in the death in action of
+King Ibrahim Nizam Shah, the seventh King, in the field of battle near
+Puraindah. After this event the affairs of the unfortunate kingdom fell
+gradually into greater and greater confusion. There was no successor of
+mature age to succeed; and a boy, said to have been of Royal birth, was
+sent for from Dowlutabad and placed on the throne under the auspices
+of the Dekhany party and their chieftain. But this was opposed by the
+foreign faction, who claimed that the infant son of the late King
+should succeed. As usual, both parties betook themselves to arms, and
+many lamentable and bloody engagements took place, not only in and
+near the Royal city itself, but also in other parts of the Ahmednugger
+dominions; the result of which was the general appeal to the Dowager
+Queen, Chand Beebee, to come to Ahmednugger, assume the Regency,
+and govern the kingdom with her well-tried ability and sagacity on
+behalf of the minor Prince; and, as we know, she had, after many deep
+considerations, consented to do so.
+
+There was, however, a more pressing, and, to the Queen's perception,
+more dangerous crisis at hand. The Emperor Akhbar, of Dehli, who was
+gradually annexing all smaller independent dominions to his own empire,
+had already shown a desire for interference in Dekhan affairs. He had
+despatched a large army under his son the Prince Moorad to Guzerat
+and Malwa, to watch the course of Dekhan events, and to invade the
+country should he find pretext or opportunity for doing so; and of this
+invasion the Queen was in dread. Domestic broils and disagreements had
+before on many occasions been adjusted, but the presence of so powerful
+a force as the Great Moghul's army, in the distracted state of local
+politics, was an evil which could not be overrated. Already the leader
+of the Dekhany party was known to have addressed letters to the Prince
+Moorad, imploring his intervention to uphold the claims of the boy whom
+he had placed on the throne; and it was impossible to conceive that
+the astute Prince would neglect the very opportunity he had so long
+waited for. True, afterwards the Dekhany leader perceived and bitterly
+regretted the false step he had taken, more especially when the boy
+whom he supported had been discovered to be spurious. But the mischief
+done was irreparable, and the Queen Regent now knew that she should
+not only have to subdue local disaffection, but oppose the progress of
+the Imperial Prince with all the force and all the energy she could
+command. She had undertaken the duty, however, and cast ease and other
+personal considerations unselfishly aside. She had done what she could
+for Beejapoor, and was wanted there no longer, except to make part of
+her nephew's happiness and share in his prosperity. And now, if in days
+of advancing age she was again to be thrown into those scenes of war
+which had accompanied her early life, it was, she said, the will of God
+and her duty; and she bowed to both with a submission and fortitude
+which never deserted her to the last.
+
+We trust the foregoing sketch of the period, as far as Ahmednugger is
+concerned, will not be out of place. Without it, indeed, the course of
+this tale would hardly be intelligible.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+A PLEASANT JOURNEY.
+
+
+The first halt made by the Queen was at Sholapoor, which, formerly
+belonging to Ahmednugger, had been given to Beejapoor as part of her
+dowry on the occasion of her marriage; and the Royal lady once more
+took possession of the small but elegant suite of apartments which look
+out on the lake or tank which washes the eastern side of the fort,
+and was evidently intended as part of its defences. Sholapoor, for
+the most part, has even now no pretensions to beauty, and the country
+around it, and that which had been traversed since the Queen left
+Beejapoor, is bare and monotonous; but the immediate vicinity of the
+fort, including the lake, with its island covered by a large Banian
+tree and a Hindoo temple, is undoubtedly pretty; and the pleasant sound
+of the tiny wavelets as they plashed against the walls and bastions was
+refreshing to hear, while the wind which played over the water came
+through the windows which looked over the lake very refreshingly. The
+Queen did not, however, tarry here, nor did she take the direct road
+from Sholapoor by the valley of the Seena to Ahmednugger. It was not
+only hot, but the country had been wasted by the previous war, and had
+not had time to recover; she, therefore, turned eastward to Nuldroog,
+or Shahdroog, as it had been called by her husband, Ali Adil Shah, and
+which he had improved by new fortifications and a noble dam of masonry
+across the river, a place in which many of the happiest hours of her
+life had been spent while the great works were in progress.
+
+Nuldroog, for it has reverted to its own old name, occupies a crest
+or knoll of basalt, which juts from the main plateau into the deep
+valley of the small river Boree. After passing the narrow neck which
+connects it with the plateau, the knoll spreads out with a tolerably
+level surface, the north, east, and south sides being for the most part
+perpendicular; while the neck, through which a wide and deep ditch has
+been cut, is fortified by a heavy wall with curtains and bastions.
+These walls and bastions continue all round the crest of the precipice,
+and the result has been a very strong fort of an eminently picturesque
+character, which might not make much defence against modern artillery,
+but which at the time we write of was considered one of the strongholds
+of the country, and usually held a large garrison, especially of
+cavalry. And it was an important military position, too, serving to
+check the forces of Ahmednugger on the one hand and Golconda on the
+other.
+
+King Ali Adil Shah had done much for the place. Besides the
+strengthening of the fortifications, and building near the east end
+a huge cavalier upwards of ninety feet high, ascended by a broad
+flight of easy steps, he had built a dam of stone and mortar of great
+strength and beauty across the river, which held back the waters, and
+created a long, narrow, but deep lake, which gave a plentiful supply
+of water to the town and both ends of the fort. Before this the only
+water procurable had been from the bed of the river, which flowed in
+the bottom of the deep ravine below the fort, and which in the hot
+weather was very scanty and impure. The new dam, therefore, gave a
+new value to the strong fort, and water became not only plentiful but
+easy of access. It is a noble work, stretching from one rocky point of
+the valley to another beyond, upwards of a hundred yards in length,
+and upwards of ninety feet in height. Over this the river falls in an
+unbroken sheet when in flood; at other times, the surplus water is
+carried off by a channel formed in the crest of the dam, which falls
+into the large deep pool that has been hollowed out at the foot. By an
+ingenious contrivance, a pretty Gothic apartment has been left in the
+body of the work, over the windows of which the waters in the highest
+floods can pass without entering, as they are diverted from the top
+down a tunnel, and escape at the base. At the northern end of the
+dam is another fort, or _tęte-du-pont_, formed by the fortification
+of a considerable knoll, which is in itself a strong position, and
+materially assists the other defences.
+
+It was a great delight to the Queen to revisit the place. The
+Governor's house was cleared out for her, and for several days the
+whole fort was made private; and she wandered from place to place with
+her companions and attendants every day, pointing out to Maria and Zóra
+where she had sat for hours together with her lord the King, watching
+the works in progress, breathing the pure fresh air, and taking their
+simple meals on the top of a bastion, or on the high cavalier when
+it was finished, where a great canopy used to be pitched. Nor was it
+possible for the two girls not to be interested in the place itself.
+It was, indeed, very beautiful: the lake shimmering in the sun, with
+the black precipices, hung with many-hued creepers, reflected into it;
+while, after it had shot through the arch on the dam, the river brawled
+down the valley till it was hid from view by the projection of the
+hills below. The air here was cool and refreshing, for they had risen
+to a considerable height above Sholapoor: and this was another reason
+why the Queen had chosen the upper route instead of the lower. Here and
+there, from points on the table land without the fort, where the Queen
+took her companions, the dim blue plains of Beejapoor could be seen
+stretching to the horizon like a sea, and the fresh cool wind would
+come to them freely and soothingly. These, too, were old haunts of her
+husband and herself; and it seemed often to Maria and Zóra that, in the
+dreamy mood of mind in which she often sat alone, she appeared like
+one who had a consciousness of seeing these well-remembered scenes for
+the last time, and carrying away every possible recollection of them in
+her loving heart. Often, indeed, she would draw one or other, or both
+of them, to her side, and with her eyes brimming with tears, would say,
+"Look, children! here my lord received such a letter, or told me such
+a thing, and you must not forget even a stone of it; but, should I ask
+you even when my eyes are dim in death, you must describe it all to me
+as you see it now in the bright glowing sunlight."
+
+I need not follow minutely the daily march in early cool morning, nor
+the succession of beautiful mango groves in which the party rested
+every day, affording cool shade and refreshing rest. They were, indeed,
+seldom in their tents till nightfall, for around the enclosure was a
+screen of tent walls, which made the whole private. The tent pitchers
+selected the shadiest portions of these groves, and usually contrived
+to enclose a number of large leafy trees, beneath which carpets and
+soft cushions were spread; and reading, or the Queen's business, with
+her clever secretary, Zóra, who had gained confidence by experience,
+went on as usual; and embroidery, too, and Maria's paintings, except
+when she retired to her own tents to share her devotions with her
+brother; while overhead the birds chirped, or sang, or cooed, and
+screamed in their glee and freedom.
+
+To Zóra in her new happiness this march was a perpetual elysium. Abbas
+Khan could not always be with her, for he had his own work to do in
+the regulation of the camp, the obtaining of supplies, and the payment
+for them, and all other current business. Sometimes, too, and indeed
+generally of an evening, the large Royal tent was opened; and the Queen
+received in durbar all the officers, zemindars, and chief inhabitants
+of villages around. The Queen had quitted the dominions of Beejapoor
+soon after leaving Nuldroog, and passed into those of Ahmednugger.
+Abbas Khan by no means liked what he heard from all quarters in regard
+to the position of Ahmednugger and the parties there, who seemed to be
+at constant and bloody feud; and he earnestly strove with the Queen to
+induce her to turn back. But she upbraided him. "Would she have the
+world think her a coward? and had she not brought Beejapoor through
+worse troubles than those?" So he was silent thenceforth. It was her
+fate, and whatever was to be, would be fulfilled.
+
+The leader of the Dekhany party, Mean Munjoo, who had set up the
+spurious prince, was not at Ahmednugger. He had taken the boy with
+him, and gone beyond Owsa, towards Golconda, to urge the necessity
+of supporting Ahmednugger; and he was bitterly repentant that he had
+invited the Prince Moorad. He wrote to the Queen for forgiveness, and
+declared he would not return except with troops from Golconda and
+Beejapoor, to drive the Moghuls back. The Queen, too, wrote to her
+nephew, King Ibrahim, to send a heavy force of cavalry, in which the
+Moghuls were said to be weak, and to watch affairs from Nuldroog;
+and subsequently as many as twenty-six thousand of the best cavalry
+of Beejapoor, with six thousand from Golconda, assembled there, and
+occupied the crests of the plateau which stretched northwards.
+
+With these precautions taken, which had occasioned several days' delay
+at Patoda, the Queen now marched on, faster than before, for it was
+impossible to overrate the importance of her presence at Ahmednugger.
+But it was the same pleasant journey throughout, the same succession of
+cool, shady groves and crisp bracing air. Often would the Queen wile
+away the march with her hunting leopards and falcons with her, and
+enjoy many a gallop over the undulating downs, where Abbas Khan and
+the officers of his small force, and even the good Bishop, would ride
+with her and enjoy the sport. Sometimes, too, Maria, when the march was
+a quiet one, rode with her brother, to the great envy of Zóra, who,
+from an elephant allotted to her, looked after them as they cantered
+past her, longing to be with them. If there were anything remarkable
+to be seen, the Queen would diverge from the beaten track, as she did
+at the temple of Pukrode, and, looking over the crest, could follow
+the line of hills to Ahmednugger itself. There she had stayed an extra
+day to wander about, as was her wont, and enjoy the keen air of that
+elevation, which, while it put roses into Maria's cheeks, and made
+Zóra ruddy, tinged even the Queen's pale countenance with pink, and
+restored the bright beauty of her youth. Again from Patoda they made a
+day's excursion to the waterfall of the Incherna and its gloomy abrupt
+ravine; and they would sit for hours on the short smooth sward above,
+and watch the rainbows playing over the pool, nearly four hundred feet
+below them, and those which seemed to start out suddenly from the
+column of water, flash for an instant, and disappear. How glorious it
+all was! Even the heavy state cares which weighed upon the Queen seemed
+to be put aside for the time; and the noble lady's cheerful, nay, even
+playful disposition diffused a joy among her little party which they
+had never felt before. To Zóra it was perfect elysium, as she told her
+husband in their quiet hours; she often felt her heart too full for
+speech. "I had hoped, dear lord, to be happy with thee, and to make
+thee happy; but this reality transcends all my expectations, for you
+are all too kind and too indulgent to me."
+
+"No, Zóra; all the love which inspired me as thou watched over me that
+first night doth but heighten by time. When I had it not, I hungered
+and thirsted for it. Now I have it, it groweth fresher every day, and
+more precious to me. Enjoy these happy days, therefore, to the full,
+for the time cometh, I fear me, in which there may be weeping and woe."
+
+"Why dost thou think so?" she asked.
+
+"I read much in the mother's sweet face," he returned. "When she gazes
+on these scenes of her old happiness, there is a wistful, lingering
+look in her eyes which seems to say, 'I am looking at ye for the last
+time.' When she rises to depart, it is not with a merry remark, as it
+used to be, but with a sigh and a silent tear, which I can read, though
+you may not be able to do so. But it may be only one of those gloomy
+forebodings which torment us sometimes without real foundation, and
+from which the Lord, if He finds us faithful, delivers us happily; and
+so may it be with our beloved mother. There will be lip service enough
+to her when we go; but there are, of all about her, only ourselves upon
+whom she can depend. O wife! when I think on all she hath been to me
+since a child, I could give my life for her, even though I were to lose
+thee, my darling."
+
+"And I would follow thee, my lord. Life would be death without thee;
+for, besides thee and our mother, whom have I in all the world to
+protect me against that bad, terrible man, whose last threatening still
+often seems to ring in my ears?"
+
+A few days more, and through a pass in the Manikdown Hills, they
+reached the considerable town of Ashtee, and thence Bhatoree, a pretty
+village lying at the foot of the mountain, which is crowned by the
+noble mausoleum of Sulabut Khan. There was a comfortable summer palace
+there, now much decayed, but still habitable, which was then perfect,
+and the Queen found it ready for her reception. Groves of mango trees
+around afforded ample shelter for her followers and escort; and the
+situation was so beautiful that many from Beejapoor, who had expected
+to find only a savage wilderness of mountains, were now charmed with
+the prospects before them. One more march, and the Royal city would be
+gained in safety.
+
+Here, too, all the officers and functionaries of State, with their
+followers and troops, came to pay their respects and offer their
+"mezzins" to the Royal lady. And though some had never seen her, yet
+there were many who remembered her marriage; and by none was the
+glorious campaign of 1564 forgotten, and all--old or new--were charmed
+with her grace and dignity, the wisdom of her counsels, and, as far as
+she could decide them, her own intentions; and she assured all that she
+should leave them no more until God willed to take her, and exhorted
+them to be faithful and true. So as soon as the palace in the citadel
+could be prepared for her, the Queen made a triumphal march into the
+city and fort.
+
+Outwardly Ahmednugger presents no imposing appearance like Beejapoor.
+There are no lofty palaces towering over the walls, no tall minarets
+or domed mosques like those she had left behind her; but the city
+had an aspect of comfort and peace, and the gardens of the Furhat
+Mahal, the Bihishtee Bagh, or Garden of Paradise, were inviting and
+pleasant to view, and though comparatively low, the Royal palace in
+the fort was full of comfort. The faithful Mullek Umber, governor
+of Dowlutabad, had sent from his new capital, Kirkee, large baskets
+full of oranges and delicious grapes, writing that in the course of
+a few days he would come himself; and there was no person whom the
+Queen more earnestly desired to see, or in whom she reposed higher
+confidence. Mullek Umber was, indeed, a remarkable man. From the
+condition of an Abyssinian eunuch he had raised himself to the rank of
+a viceroy of the kingdom, and governor of one of the largest provinces
+of the Ahmednugger dominions. He had--following the example of the
+Emperor Akhbar--surveyed and assessed all the lands in every village
+of the country, and reduced the whole to a system which operated most
+beneficially to the State as well as to the people. To this day the
+original settlements exist in many a village record, and are proof
+of the skill and patience with which they were executed, requiring
+little alteration to suit modern demands. A humane, devout man, as well
+as charitable and just, but not one to be drawn into the intrigues
+and dissensions of a Court. Whatever happened there, he preserved a
+dignified neutrality; too strong in his local position, and in the
+devotion of his numerous troops, to be meddled with by anyone. He had
+infinite respect for Queen Chand. He had followed the events of her
+career with profound interest, and he could see that except through her
+the affairs of the State had little chance of settlement or indeed of
+salvation from ruin; and he watched with much anxiety what the result
+of Queen Chand's first acts would be, though his counsel, when asked,
+was given freely and honourably.
+
+For the first week or more events at Ahmednugger were without
+excitement, and nothing occurred to disturb their even current. The
+Queen and her companions made excursions to the Royal palaces and
+gardens without the fort; and even to one at some little distance,
+in a ravine of the eastern range of hills, built near a pretty
+cascade, which is well known to all present inhabitants of the English
+cantonment as the "Happy Valley." There the broad plain of the Godavery
+lay out before them; and even the grim rock fort of Dowlutabad, and
+the tall white minaret of the Emperor Mahomed Toghluk, were distinctly
+visible on a clear day. Maria and her brother were already longing
+to proceed thither, and visit the Portuguese who had settled there,
+many of whom were vine-dressers and orange cultivators; and the Queen
+promised that when Mullek Umber should arrive she would despatch them
+with him. Meanwhile, among the gunners and artificers of the local
+army the Bishop and Maria had found many fellow-Christians; and as
+no feeling of bigotry appeared to exist against them, they promised
+themselves much success in their mission work; while some of the
+Aurungabad Christians came over to partake of the sacraments of the
+Church, and were heartily welcomed.
+
+Thus passed many weeks. The Queen had received answers to all her
+despatches. The Dekhany leader had not returned, but remained with the
+Golconda troops, who were to take up their position at Owsa, while
+those of Beejapoor occupied Nuldroog. Although some pretenders to
+support the party of the spurious new King were known to exist, yet
+for the most part the succession in the right direct line, by causing
+the child Prince Bahadur to be crowned, and appointing the Queen Chand
+formally to be Regent during the boy's minority, as she had been at
+Beejapoor, was the desire of the majority. And of this course the sage
+Mullek Umber entirely approved. There was no doubt of the purity of the
+boy's descent, who, with his mother, had been confined in the fort of
+Chawund; and when he arrived he was welcomed with joy, and on a given
+day was crowned King in the great audience hall of the fort, with every
+demonstration of satisfaction.
+
+There is no doubt, however, that this bloodless revolution gave secret
+umbrage to many, and some severe measures had to be taken. Ansar
+Khan, the governor of the fort, was detected in active correspondence
+with the Prince Moorad, representing the Queen as an abandoned woman;
+the boy she had adopted as the son of a minion of her own; and that
+the people, though they dare not complain, were in the last state
+of discontent; and Ansar Khan being arraigned before the chiefs and
+nobles, was convicted and suffered death. Secure in her position, the
+Queen wrote to the Prince Moorad, recapitulating the past, quoting
+the recantation of the Dekhany leader who had invited him. As a noble
+and an honoured guest of the son of the great Emperor, whom it behoved
+to protect an infant minor--he would be welcome, most welcome, and a
+friendly embassy and escort would be sent to meet him; but if hostile
+intentions still filled his mind, and force were resorted to, she was
+well supported by her neighbours, and had made every preparation to
+repel what she could not avert by conciliation.
+
+But the cloud afar off only thickened, and became more and more
+threatening week by week, and the Queen strained every nerve to
+preserve the fort to the utmost, and prepare for what could not be much
+longer averted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+THE PROGRESS OF THE SIEGE.
+
+
+The rainy season had ceased, and operations could now be undertaken
+without danger of interruption from the weather. For some months
+past the Prince Moorad Mirza had watched the progress of events at
+Ahmednugger with the keenest interest; and had the Dekhany leaders been
+united in regard to the election of the first King, it is probable
+he would not have sought to disturb it, but would have made his
+own terms with them. But their withdrawal from their position, the
+spirited movement of the Queen Dowager in the coronation of Bahadur,
+the infant King, and the rallying about her of parties who had before
+been disunited, promised a very formidable coalition for defence. And
+when, in addition to local unity, it became certain that the very
+formidable cavalry of Beejapoor and Golconda had taken the field to
+cover Ahmednugger, the Prince saw it was time, if he was to strike in
+at all, to do so at once, before the eastern and southern forces could
+arrive at their purposed destination. He had with him thirty thousand
+of the flower of the Moghul cavalry, a large body of Rajpoot infantry
+and artillery, and several of the most celebrated generals of his
+father's army led different portions of the troops; and the prospect of
+a campaign in a new country, and with the celebrated cavaliers of the
+Dekhan, infused the highest spirits into all classes.
+
+Two men had joined the Prince, in whom he had now much confidence.
+Not long before, as he was hunting, a cavalier, well appointed, and
+attended by a small body of spearmen, rode up to him, and offered his
+services for the Dekhan campaign. He and his family had been, he said,
+in the service of Beejapoor for some generations; but enemies had
+prevailed against him, and he had left a service in which he could not
+stay with honour. He knew the whole country of the Dekhan, and most of
+the leaders of parties, Dekhanies and foreigners, and could direct the
+Prince to means of success to which he would, with his own people only,
+remain a stranger.
+
+This brief colloquy had been followed by a private interview, in which
+Osman Beg--for it was the man whom we have already seen degraded and
+dismissed from Beejapoor--laid before the Prince and some of his most
+esteemed councillors the condition of the whole of the Dekhan, that
+of its armies and parties, and the position of the Queen Dowager at
+Ahmednugger, which he did not undervalue. He told them that they should
+not despise the power of a woman like her, whom no danger could appal,
+nor ordinary resistance overcome; and that in the Dekhan there was
+no commander to equal her in the field; while the people loved her,
+and would, most of them, support her to the last. The great object,
+therefore, should be to shut her up in Ahmednugger before she could
+withdraw the infant King to the protection of Beejapoor, which had
+ample means for defence.
+
+"And what, sir, may be your motive for offering your services to me?"
+asked the Prince, doubtingly.
+
+"Revenge," returned the other. "Ask me not for what; that may appear in
+time even to thee. And, for the rest, accept this poor sword, or reject
+it, as seems best to your Highness. To serve in the army of the King of
+kings, under his famous son, has long been a dream of mine, wherever
+that service might lead me. And now that it turns upon my enemies,
+can I refuse? If my star is not fortunate to gain a place under your
+Highness, I will seek my fortune elsewhere. I am a soldier, and know no
+occupation other than my sword gives me."
+
+"Such men are among the necessities of war," said the Prince to Khan
+Khanan, his commander-in-chief, when they were alone. "What think you
+of him?"
+
+"I see deceit and treachery in his face," was the reply. "But what can
+that signify to us? He has some scheme of private revenge to carry out,
+and he will be faithful to that if not to us. Give him a command, for
+he has undoubted knowledge of the country which no one else possesses,
+and in this he will be of use."
+
+So Osman Beg was attached to the division of Khan Jehan, and
+accompanied the army in the capacity of guide and director of the
+marches towards Ahmednugger.
+
+Meanwhile Dom Diego had not been idle. Acting under the advice of his
+banker at Surat, he had written a petition to the Prince, representing
+himself as a soldier of fortune, recently arrived from Europe, who
+had knowledge of the attack and defence of fortified places, and the
+direction of artillery in the field; and, anxious for employment,
+offered his services to the Royal army. While at Surat he had heard
+from his cousin at Goa of the appointment of Francis d'Almeida as
+Bishop of Ahmednugger, and subsequently, that he and his sister had
+accompanied Queen Chand to her destination. What better opportunity
+could be afforded for carrying off Maria than the turmoil of a siege
+and assault. He had seen much service as a soldier in the East.
+Personally he was brave, and in his own land had studied for the
+profession of artillery and fortifications. There was no doubt as to
+his probable usefulness. European adventurers had often rendered very
+essential service to the Royal armies; but the best of them were at
+Dehli, and should the applicant be what he described himself, his
+presence against one of the most celebrated forts of the Dekhan,
+improved, it was said, by the Portuguese, would be invaluable.
+
+A few days after this, Dom Diego, accompanied by Pedro di Diaz and a
+party of his sailors accustomed to the use of large guns, arrived in
+the Royal camp, and was heartily welcomed. The fine martial figure of
+the new comer made a favourable impression upon the Prince; and the
+complete suit of mail in which he made his entry into camp, seated
+on a noble Kattiwar charger, was remarkable and imposing. As before,
+Pedro di Diaz was his interpreter, but he found the Prince to possess
+a considerable knowledge of Portuguese, which he had learned at his
+father's, the Emperor's Court; and Dom Diego, after a short interview,
+found himself not only much more at his ease than he had expected to
+be, but appointed to a lucrative post, as inspector and regulator of
+the artillery.
+
+As he was leaving the Prince's tent, an officer, apparently of the
+Royal army, came up to him and said, "I ought to know that face. Hast
+thou forgotten the mission of Moodgul and the plan of Eyn-ool-Moolk?"
+
+"No; thou art Osman Beg," was the reply, "and I have not forgotten. But
+thou here, my friend? Methought the fair Zóra, whom thou used to tell
+me about, would have more charms for thee than war?"
+
+"What has brought thee, O friend," returned the other, "has brought
+me, strange as it is. There are two women in Ahmednugger whom we would
+have. Nay, deny it not; and we may easily take them when there is none
+to defend them. Your Maria is there; and what matter if you appear as a
+soldier to gain her?"
+
+"Thou hast guessed shrewdly, friend," was the reply; "it is even so. I
+find my life dull without her, and such devotion as I offer to her may
+be accepted at last. And if not--well, we shall see. I have no relish
+for priestly offices, and war and its excitement suit me much better.
+Will the Queen fight?"
+
+"As far as a woman can, she undoubtedly will fight. Men may feel fear,
+but she does not even in the face of imminent danger. If the people
+with her are only true to her, you will see that the result will
+flutter some of these silken love-birds of Dehli. Our Dekhan ways are
+rough, but the men of Ahmednugger are roughest of all; and some of thy
+countrymen made the fort what it is."
+
+"Then it will require one of them to open the casket. Who knows where
+to find the key? And if my old knowledge has not departed from me, I
+may be able to do what force cannot do, or these wretched guns which
+the Prince thinks so much of."
+
+"And the guns of Ahmednugger foundries have ever been famous since the
+days of Chuleby Roomy Khan, the Turk, and many have been bought from
+your countrymen. I would advise caution, Seńor; and may Alla send us
+a good deliverance! When the time comes, we may be able to help each
+other; till then we may meet seldom, or not at all, for my place will
+be the advanced division."
+
+"And mine with the main body and the Prince, where you will always find
+me, Osman Beg, at your service. If you will keep your own counsel, I
+can keep mine; and though we care for what we hope to win, there are
+many here who would laugh at us if they knew our desires; and, from
+what I hear, the Prince sets his face against any abduction of the
+enemy's women."
+
+"I, at least, can demand my wife, after the custom of our law," said
+Osman Beg, with a swagger.
+
+"When she is the wife of another? Ha! ha!" returned the priest, with a
+sneering laugh. "You are not particular, perhaps, though I am. But we
+need not interfere with each other; and so, farewell!"
+
+While the great army was in slow but certain progress towards the goal
+of its desire, we must return for a brief while to the personages
+in this tale whom we left there. Since the coronation of the boy
+King, Bahadur, there had been no violent disturbance of the public
+peace; and though some of the leaders of parties still held aloof,
+watching the course of events, others had frankly joined the Queen
+and declared for her policy. The fort was now full of men, and one of
+the best soldiers of the State, Nihung Khan, who had been confined
+at Dowlutabad for several years, was released by Mullek Umber, and
+sent, with six thousand good cavalry, to keep the frontier, and, if
+necessary, to join the Queen. The Queen herself, with calm fortitude,
+collected provisions till the fort granaries were quite full. Every
+piece of ordnance was thoroughly inspected, and made fit for service.
+Shot, powder, entrenching tools, and gabions were prepared; nor,
+in consultation with her artillery officers, was any measure left
+incomplete for defence. All walls, huts, and some houses which had
+encroached upon the esplanade were levelled, and nothing existed to
+obstruct the fire of the place. She was fearful of exciting jealousy
+in the minds of her troops, and did not therefore appoint Abbas Khan
+to the command of the fort, as she wished to do; but he was her
+indefatigable assistant in every department; nor was there a day in
+which the Royal lady did not visit works in progress, or go out on
+visits of inspection to points where it was suggested trenches might be
+made, or other hindrances to the enemy's advance contrived.
+
+There continued, however, one permanent source of disquietude and
+anxiety to her, which was the inactivity of the Beejapoor and Golconda
+forces, for as yet they had made no forward movement; and as the
+weather was now open, they ought to have taken up the positions she had
+suggested. Once, indeed, when she wrote to Soheil Khan, the Beejapoor
+officer in command, that the Moghul cavalry were about to make a
+movement to turn the flank of the general defences of the kingdom,
+twelve thousand cavalry were despatched from Nuldroog, by way of Bheer,
+to hold them in check; but the movement proved futile, the Beejapoor
+force was defeated and routed by six thousand Moghuls, under Khan Jehan
+Lody, one of the best generals of the army, and the Beejapoor troops
+fled back from the Godavery in confusion, to tell tales of Moghul
+prowess, which considerably added to the existing alarm. In truth,
+Osman Beg had rendered essential service in this movement. By a rapid
+march he had turned the flank of the forces which covered Dowlutabad;
+he had prevented the junction of Nihung Khan's troops with those of
+Beejapoor; and by the defeat of the latter, the rear of Ahmednugger,
+the fertile plain of the Godavery, and several easy passes up to the
+very precincts of the fort, were left in almost perfect tranquillity
+to the invaders. Thenceforth the Queen knew she had no one from whom
+she could expect aid, but she did not relax her preparations or her
+vigilance. She knew her nephew could not leave Beejapoor, for without
+one or other of them the capital could not be trusted; and Soheil Khan,
+the general who had been sent with the cavalry, though a brave man, was
+by no means an enterprising officer, or one on whom she could depend
+in an emergency. Oh! that it had been Humeed Khan, or anyone of the
+devoted friends who had ever supported her, then there would have been
+neither doubt nor hesitation. Soheil Khan was a calm, reflective man,
+and it was on this account, perhaps, that he had been sent. He could
+perceive clearly enough that if Beejapoor took any open part in the
+war, the Moghuls, when Ahmednugger fell, would infallibly declare war
+against it, and that, under all considerations, would be the safest
+policy.
+
+At first, our friends the Bishop and his sister had thought that peace
+would not be broken. The Queen seemed so firm in her position, the
+fort was so strong, and the enemy so distant, that Francis d'Almeida
+did not like to defer taking up the charge he was responsible for to
+his Church; and, taking advantage of the arrival of Mullek Umber, they
+travelled in his suite on his return; but they found only comparatively
+very few Christians at Dowlutabad, who were cultivators of grapes
+and oranges, and a few at the new city of Kirkee, which was then
+being built--who were gunners and soldiers. Many years before, a lay
+monk had settled among them from Goa, and had contrived to keep the
+little flock together; but both Francis and Maria saw that it could
+not readily increase, and that it would be a waste of time to remain
+there longer than would be necessary to establish the foundations of
+what might arise hereafter; and when a small chapel in the city of
+Kirkee was completed under Mullek Umber's assistance, who, it was
+believed, had greater reverence for his old faith than was consistent
+with his profession of Islam, they took their departure, and arrived
+at Ahmednugger shortly before the irruption of the Moghuls and the
+defeat of the Beejapoor forces had closed the valley of the Godavery to
+general travellers.
+
+The Queen was rejoiced at her friends' arrival. If for a brief
+time she had doubted whether the comparative quiet and security of
+Dowlutabad would not prove more attractive to them than the imminent
+risk of war which menaced her, their arrival dispelled all such
+thoughts, and she estimated at its full worth the devotion and good
+faith of the Bishop and his sister. They had not only returned to their
+flock, but were prepared to render such assistance as their peaceful
+calling enabled them to do very usefully and practically. As there
+was no apparent chance of being relieved by Beejapoor, and an attack
+by the Moghul army appeared more and more imminent every day, from
+the reports of progress by the enemy, the worthy Bishop set himself
+to organise something in the form of a hospital, in which Maria, from
+former experience at Goa, was able to render her brother very essential
+service. A large magazine was cleared out, and fitted as well as
+circumstances would allow for the purpose. Bandages, splints, and such
+other necessaries as could be obtained, were stored in it; and while
+the result was watched curiously by the garrison, yet it gave assurance
+in no small degree that the wounded would be cared for, and not left to
+chance, as was too often the case.
+
+We need not, perhaps, follow the daily routine of lives which had no
+change, nor any alleviation of anxiety common to all. The Queen held
+her accustomed durbars, and received reports; she visited the posts as
+often as was possible, especially at night, to guard against surprise;
+and with the danger growing nearer and nearer, appeared to display
+increasing fortitude and resignation, and this demeanour had incited
+in her garrison the highest spirit of devotion and loyalty. Maria
+and Zóra, her indefatigable assistants, had their hands full of work
+of their own; but at times of comparative leisure they met together,
+read to or conversed with their Royal mistress, or often in the still
+evenings sat with her on the terrace roof of the palace, looking over
+the wide country, and watching the bodies of troops marching to their
+posts, or exercising in the open space in the centre of the fort, till
+the evening watches were set, and all at last was at rest.
+
+If Nihung Khan and his Abyssinians could but arrive, the accession of
+strength would prove an additional security. But day after day passed,
+and he came not. There were no means of communicating with him, while
+messenger after messenger was captured or cut off by the force of Khan
+Jehan Lody, which seemed to be as ubiquitous as it was vigilant. But
+the Queen did not abandon hope, she knew Nihung Khan to be wary and
+vigilant, and should he confine himself to the duty of harassing the
+besiegers and cutting off their supplies, important services would be
+rendered.
+
+And at last no doubt remained. On December 12, according to the local
+history, the leading troops of the Moghuls advanced within sight of the
+fortress. All the morning their kettledrums and trumpets had been heard
+in the distance, and by a little after noon the crowd of officers, of
+cavalry, with the Prince's royal canopy in the centre, borne upon a
+lofty elephant, appeared in the vicinity of the Hushti Bihisht Gardens,
+which had been the scene of many a pleasant day's festival for the
+Queen and her companions. It was in vain that Abbas Khan, and spirited
+young leaders like himself, pressed her to allow them to make a sally
+and endeavour to throw the enemy into confusion; the Queen positively
+forbade the attempt. If Nihung Khan did appear, they might advance
+to assist him; but any reverse now would make her situation more
+desperate, and render the defence of the fort--in which she, perhaps,
+placed too much confidence--out of the question altogether.
+
+Early next morning they watched the great army form in line--a
+magnificent though terrible spectacle--and the Royal Prince,
+accompanied by some officers, rode round the fort, out of reach of
+shots, pointing out to the leaders of each division the ground it was
+to occupy. One officer, who acted more boldly than the rest, advanced
+near enough to be within reach of shot, but escaped unhurt. As they all
+watched him from the roof of the palace, Abbas Khan felt sure he was a
+European; but the Royal army contained many such adventurers, and the
+Bishop, though he could not distinguish the features, felt a conviction
+that it could be no other than Dom Diego. He, however, kept his own
+counsel, and said nothing to his sister.
+
+During that day and part of the next the investiture of the fort was
+completed on three sides--north, west, and south; but the east side
+was not closed. Now Nihung Khan, whose advance had been so eagerly
+looked for, had made a rapid march to Beejapoor, and had represented
+to the King Ibrahim the extreme danger of the Queen's position. He had
+succeeded in obtaining some cavalry, which with his own levy made up
+about seven thousand men; and with this he had hoped to arrive before
+the fort was invested, but if not, to cut his way through the enemy's
+lines. He had also, when within twelve miles of the fort, sent out
+spies, who not only reported to him that the east side was as yet
+unoccupied, but contrived to inform the Queen that he was at hand, and
+would, God willing, be with her next day; and we may imagine with what
+intense anxiety he was expected.
+
+The Queen had arisen before daylight, and was watching with Zóra from
+their usual place, when they heard suddenly a great but distant clamour
+arise to the eastward of the fort, which continued for some time. At
+last a body of horsemen, some few hundreds only in number, emerged
+from under cover of some hedges, and at headlong speed crossed the
+esplanade. It was Nihung Khan, who had marched during the night with
+his whole body, but found that, instead of an open passage to the fort,
+he became engaged with the Khan Khanan's powerful division of the Royal
+army. He himself, with his immediate body-guard, had cut his way
+through the enemy to join his Royal mistress, leaving the main body,
+which had retreated, to retire upon the Beejapoor forces. Welcome as a
+gallant soldier like Nihung Khan was, even with a comparative handful
+of men, yet, on the other hand, there was no longer any doubt that the
+investiture of the fort was complete, and that the siege had commenced.
+
+The enemy's operations were conducted with skill and military science.
+No other measures would have been available against such a place
+as Ahmednugger. Dom Diego, after several feints, established his
+head-quarters and trenches on the south-west side of the fort, and
+thence continued his approaches by regular parallels to the crest of
+the glacis, or as near as possible to the point, whence, eventually,
+the breaching batteries were established; but the defenders' artillery
+was infinitely superior to his own, and the operations had been slow
+and difficult. Not only did the artillerists of the fort maintain their
+ancient reputation, but the practice of the Arabs in the garrison
+was very fatal. With their excellent matchlocks nothing could show
+itself in the Moghul trenches without being hit, and the real terror
+they inspired was very great. Then the garrison became more and more
+confident, and their courage rose in proportion. Day and night the
+Queen herself patrolled the fort, watching the terrible game with a
+kind of fascination. Nor could her ordinary companions be restrained
+from sharing the danger with her; while, at night, the well-known
+slight figures, passing from post to post, were greeted with many a
+fervent blessing and prayer for their safety. And who shall tell of
+the gentle ministrations of Maria and her brother; the care and skill
+with which wounds were dressed; the soothing and thirst-assuaging
+drinks that were composed and ministered? Sometimes the worthy Bishop
+would accompany Meeah in his rounds, or sit with him at his post,
+offering a hint here, a suggestion there, as far as his small military
+skill enabled him to do; and when the point of attack was finally
+established, his directions as to the flanking fire to be maintained,
+in case any breach was made, were eminently useful. "Priests," he
+said one day, laughing, "need not be soldiers; yet in my country many
+a Bishop has been obliged to fight for the cause of his Church, and
+why not I for my little flock?" Thus, in the semi-circular bastion at
+the angle, which was large and roomy, and held a number of guns, he
+succeeded in placing two of the best pieces in the fort; and for the
+defence and the cover of the gunners he used large gabions filled with
+earth, which afforded complete protection. It was in vain that Dom
+Diego directed his guns upon this and other large bastions defended
+in the same manner. The nearer he approached, the more deadly was the
+defenders' fire. His trenches were raked by it, and by no means could
+it be silenced. Nor were the Ahmednugger gunners forgetful of the
+legend of the employment of bags of the heavy square copper money of
+the country, and occasionally a shower of it was sent hurtling through
+the air with a screaming noise which inspired more terror, perhaps,
+than it did actual mischief, except at very close quarters.
+
+In truth, Dom Diego's position was not an enviable one. The Prince had
+looked to him to discover some easy manner in which the fort might be
+at once assaulted and taken by storm. Any sacrifice of men he would
+have considered of no consequence; but the admirable construction of
+Ahmednugger forbade any attempt at escalade with hope of success. Its
+lofty walls, its deep and extremely broad ditch, the height of the
+counterscarp and defences for musketry were unapproachable. The Moghul
+artillery, too, was none of the best, and was too light for siege
+purposes; very little effect had been produced upon the lower part of
+the fort. Here and there a few stones had been broken and displaced,
+but the facing only covered and marked the real strength which was in
+the earth, solidified by age, of which the rampart was composed. Day
+after day guns melted at the vent or at the muzzle, and became useless,
+and no progress was made.
+
+On the part of the commanders of the Royal army, two anxieties of a
+very serious character were ever present. Provisions were getting
+very scarce, scarce enough to reduce the ordinary rations of the men
+and horses. For although the Beejapoor troops did not advance to the
+capital, they had command of the most fertile districts, from which
+grain and forage could be derived; and the circle grew narrower. This,
+however, was kept a profound secret, and the operations were continued
+as usual.
+
+The beginning of February had now arrived, and progress in the siege
+was as dilatory as ever; and at a council of war the whole chances of
+success were discussed calmly. Should the Beejapoor troops advance, the
+siege must be raised; and in regard to the siege itself all seemed to
+depend upon the success of mining, which Dom Diego had counselled from
+the first, but which the native excavators declared to be impossible
+on account of the firm, stony nature of the soil. If mines could be
+carried under even one of the central bastions, and a breach made,
+there would, it was considered, be no doubt of success.
+
+Just then the Queen wrote in the most urgent terms she could to the
+Beejapoor officers. If they advanced at once, and operated against the
+rear of the Moghul lines, nothing could save the enemy from defeat,
+and most likely destruction, for their cattle were already dying of
+starvation; the fort was still intact, and there had been but few
+casualties; in short, that victory was within their grasp if they would
+but take it. These letters were intercepted by Osman Beg, who took them
+to the Prince, who added a few lines of his own in a chivalrous spirit,
+to the effect that he had marched from Dehli on purpose to cross swords
+with the cavaliers of the Dekhan, and was waiting for them, and
+trusted they would not delay the opportunity he had so long desired.
+
+But no result followed on these letters, and the Queen almost began to
+despair of the good faith of Beejapoor. Why should they allow such an
+opportunity to escape? Again and again did Abbas Khan and Nihung Khan
+press her to allow them to depart secretly and make their way through
+the hills; but the Royal lady felt that the danger to the fort must
+draw to a head, and whether the Moghuls raised the siege and departed,
+or whether the crisis of an assault arrived, their presence was alike
+indispensable.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+THE ASSAULT.
+
+
+For several days the fire of the besiegers had much slackened, and the
+spirits of the besieged rose in proportion to the highest pitch. Were
+the Moghuls in reality preparing to abandon the attack and retire?
+It might be so, indeed, for a considerable body of Beejapoor cavalry
+had at last moved forwards and taken post in the Manikdown Hills,
+from whence their operations against the Moghul supplies and distant
+outposts were beginning to be seriously felt; but they were by no
+means strong enough to effect any considerable diversion, and, up to
+the night of Feb. 20, affairs continued in the same position. But the
+inactivity of the enemy appeared unaccountable to the Queen and her
+council. Upon what could they be relying? The allied armies were at
+Bheer, and by a sudden and energetic march might be with her in three
+days; but it was impossible for the Queen to communicate with her
+friends, every egress from the fort being so vigilantly watched night
+and day. But the suspense only lasted till the night of the day we have
+named, when, as all were watching on the walls, a loud manly voice was
+heard from the opposite side of the ditch, which cried out--
+
+"O ye brave friends and brothers in the faith, no longer make a vain
+resistance. Ye have fought well for your honour, and may save the
+shedding of more blood. Under the five bastions whereon ye stand five
+mines have been silently driven. They are loaded and ready, and they
+will be fired to admit the army of the King of kings. Beware, then, for
+I have warned ye; and your fate cannot be averted but by surrender."
+
+Then, amidst the profoundest silence, the voice ceased. No figure was
+seen, for it was a profoundly dark night, and some, overcome with awe,
+cried, "It is a warning from the Lord; it is the voice of an angel;
+who shall resist it?" and a great fear fell upon all. But the strange
+incident only seemed to inspire the heroic Queen with new courage, and
+mounting a slight elevation of the parapet, her clear, sweet voice was
+heard above all murmurs.
+
+"Shall we who are unhurt, and have victory in our grasp if we
+persevere, give up our swords, and like frightened women betake
+ourselves to the feet of the invader and beg for our lives? Shall we,
+with arms in our hands, cease to use them to protect all dear to us.
+Your women and children, O my sons, will hardly thank ye for abandoning
+them to the brutal violence of the Moghul soldiers. Behold! I am but
+a woman, and a weak one; but I leave not this spot with my life; and,
+come what may, I rely upon the most just Lord to deliver us and ye all
+from this tyranny. Away, bring up the miners; we know the places, so
+there is no doubt. Bring tools, and set to work. I would rather tear
+up the earth with my weak fingers, than suffer this danger to exist
+while we have the time and the means to avert it."
+
+Then arose a hoarse cry of "We will not desert thee, O Mother. We will
+die if it be God's will, but we will not yield. Fear not then, but see
+what we do."
+
+At first there was some little confusion, but gangs were speedily
+organised, and with a hearty good will they set to work, led by the
+Queen, who, with a pickaxe in her hand, descended into the shaft, and,
+with those dearest to her about her, worked like the rest; going from
+shaft to shaft, distributing draughts of cool water and sherbet to
+those who suffered thirst. It was impossible to exceed the enthusiasm
+which her heroism inspired.
+
+Nihung Khan, Abbas Khan, and even the pacific Bishop, excited by the
+turmoil, ran from place to place and encouraged all. Nor was the result
+disappointing. While they were thus employed, another voice called to
+them from the bottom of the wall to surrender, for that at daylight the
+mines would be sprung. But the warning passed unheeded; two mines had
+been laid bare, and the charges of powder removed after sharp contests
+under ground; and the Queen was in the act of distributing rewards
+for the removal of the charge of a third, when, with a fearful report
+and crash, a fourth mine, as yet undiscovered, was sprung just as day
+dawned on the scene, and a few yards of the wall fell.
+
+When the first mine had been struck by the counterminers, and the
+persons driven out of it had gained the trenches, the alarm was at
+once given in the camp, and the Prince Moorad hurried to the spot at
+a moment of extreme peril to the Moghul army, for the first mines had
+occupied the better part of a month. But the skill of the counterminers
+was so evident from the rapidity with which they had discovered and
+disarmed them during the night, that it seemed hopeless to continue
+the work, as well on account of the nature of the ground as because
+provisions were on the point of exhaustion. His adviser, Dom Diego, had
+not foreseen such a catastrophe as failure. He had visited the mines
+the evening before while they were being charged; he had watched the
+skill with which the native miners laid the charges and tamped them;
+and the result would, he thought, inevitably be that three at least
+of the mines must destroy the bastions under which they were placed,
+and furnish three practicable breaches for the stormers, who would be
+composed of the flower of the Royal army. But these plans had failed.
+All that remained was one small mine under a part of the curtain, which
+had been intended to enlarge another of the main mines. It might make a
+practicable breach, but it would be a narrow one, and it might possibly
+fail altogether.
+
+The Prince and Dom Diego stood together on one of the parapets of the
+temple looking over the fort, the interior of which, as the day was
+breaking, could be seen distinctly, with the thousands of men like ants
+hurrying to and fro, carrying earth in baskets, in cloths, and as best
+they could, from the countermines. Parties of them were collecting, and
+even breaking the surface of the ground near the small mine we have
+mentioned. Dom Diego pointed out the place to the Prince.
+
+"There is our last resource, for the other mines are not charged; and
+they would be useless if they were. Shall I fire it? We shall at least
+see what sort of a heap it makes; and I, for one, am ready to lead any
+party your Highness may appoint to storm it."
+
+"Well said, sir," exclaimed the Prince, "and like a gallant soldier.
+When thou art within thou wilt have the treasury and Royal jewels to
+help thyself from, and I hear they are both rich."
+
+"My treasure is of another kind," replied Diego, "and I do not intend
+to neglect it. Shall the mine be fired?"
+
+"Bismilla!" cried the Prince. "Lose no time."
+
+"I have laid the train," said Pedro di Diaz, who came up at the
+instant; "but the chamber is not half charged, not enough tamped, but
+it will do something."
+
+"Then fire it in the devil's name," cried Dom Diego. "I will watch."
+
+A few moments more, and two thin columns of smoke issued from the fort
+wall, and from that part of the counterscarp which was opposite. These
+places heaved slightly upwards, and earth and stones arose with a
+muffled sound, casting into the air the bodies of a number of men who
+had been walking on the fort wall. The effect of these explosions was
+a clear road into the ditch from the counterscarps, and an apparently
+practicable though steep breach in the rampart of the fort.
+
+"It is done!" cried Dom Diego, with a wave of his plumed hat to the
+Prince. "If your Highness will send for the stormers I will lead them
+at once, if they will follow me."
+
+In the fort, as the smoke and dust of the explosion cleared away, some
+of the garrison seemed to have given up hope, and were girding their
+loins for flight; but the Queen was equal to the emergency. While she
+called to those about her to remember their oath to her, to rally their
+men, for the gates were closed, and there was no egress for flight,
+she cried, "And whither would ye fly, O sons and brothers? To the
+plain yonder, to perish by the swords of your enemies? Nay, for your
+honour's sake, desert me not now; and to the latest day of the Dekhan
+your deeds shall be sung by bards and minstrels. See, we women blench
+not from the storm; and she who brings my armour and my sword, a holy
+Syud's daughter, will die here with me, and her husband, my children
+both, rather than yield while we have life." Then, as Zóra, clad in the
+old green dress of the Turreequt, approached, the Queen withdrew for
+an instant, and putting on her morion and a suit of light chain mail,
+with gauntlets, and waving a naked sword, came forward among them,
+crying the old battle cry of her husband. Over her face, as it was
+becoming light, she had cast a transparent veil, but every feature was
+visible, glowing with a rapt enthusiasm and confidence.
+
+"To the breach, my friends, with me!" she cried. "Who will follow my
+veil? Behold it will lead you to honour, if to death; never to infamy.
+If we die, we shall sip the nectar of Paradise ere night."
+
+No one attempted to resist this appeal. With passionate cries of
+devotion, with tears and sobs, the leaders and men, with her beloved
+Abbas Khan, pressed forward to do their best in her defence. The rough
+veteran, Nihung Khan, with tears flowing down his cheeks, besought her
+to retire to a place of safety, but she cried the more that she would
+remain; and in her own Battle of the Veil it behoved her to lead, and
+no other.
+
+But it was yet some time before the Moghuls advanced to storm, and
+the delay enabled the besiegers to make some defence for the breach
+available. A double row of gabions was placed over the crest, and
+filled with earth; the best marksmen among the Arabs and the garrison
+were posted on the wall above its sides; wall pieces were brought from
+other parts of the fort; rocket-men plied their rockets on the crest of
+the glacis opposite, through which a road had been sloped from above.
+Behind the gabions, and sheltered by them, dense bodies of spearmen
+stood in serried ranks. In short, no precaution that Abbas Khan and
+his companions could bethink themselves of was neglected. Even the
+Bishop, who the whole night through had been at work, ran from his post
+on the large bastion to see that all was in proper order, and his few
+directions were practical and useful.
+
+Every preparation had been made that could be contrived. Every gun
+that the fortifications allowed of had been trained on the breach and
+the enemy's road thither. The garrison had been divided into bodies,
+so as to relieve each other as quickly as possible without crowding;
+and though the enemy fired occasionally from the trenches against the
+breach and the parapets of walls, the precautions which had been taken
+of covering the men with gabions and sandbags almost entirely prevented
+casualties. As to the breach itself, though the enemy fired continually
+at it, they produced no effect, as their shot, knocking up a cloud
+of dust, only sank into the earth harmlessly. Presently, also, Abbas
+Khan and some of the boldest Arabs contrived to let down some gabions
+below the crest of the breach, where they established themselves,
+thus affording increased matchlock fire of a fatal character, besides
+opposing an additional obstacle to the stormers.
+
+"He is sending us his best soldiers, mother," said Abbas Khan, settling
+his turban more firmly on his head, as he prepared to descend to his
+post; "but fear not, none will come near thee."
+
+"Rather let one blow of thy good sword release me, son," she said.
+"'Twould be but kindness, if God will."
+
+He made no reply; but the tears welled up in his eyes as he left her
+and his beloved wife together, and heard their cries of "Deen! Deen!"
+as he entered his perilous position.
+
+Still they waited and no advance was made; and the Queen was not
+unmindful of the necessity of furnishing food for the men who had
+watched with her all night. Since very early, before daylight, the
+cooks had been busy preparing pilaos and boiled meats, which now
+began to arrive in huge cauldrons, and was distributed to the men by
+companies; and all sat down and ate their plattersful, or gathered
+round huge dishes, and ate their fill; but no one moved from his
+appointed station; while the Queen and her attendants, disdaining more
+delicate viands prepared for them, partook of the general mess of
+camels' meat and rice, plentifully seasoned with pepper and onions, and
+which was by no means to be despised by hungry folk. Indeed, for the
+time, the area of the fort in the vicinity of the breach was a place of
+feasting. Elephants moved to and fro with large water-skins, and men
+bearing jars of cool sherbet gave freely to those that needed it; and,
+taking example from the Queen's forethought, every private house in the
+fort sent its quota of food or of drink.
+
+So noon came, and the voice of the muezzin chaunted the call to prayer
+from different quarters of the fort, as if no deadly strife were
+imminent, and the Moslems spread scarves or waist-bands where they
+stood or sat. The Queen had not stirred since the morning from the
+place she had taken up near the gabions; and the only protection she
+would allow the people to make for her and Zóra against the sun was
+a few cloths tied to spears. Once Maria had come to see her from her
+own post, the hospital, but there was no time for much speaking; and,
+committing them to the care of God, she returned to her post with her
+brother, the masses of rough soldiery making way for her with the most
+profound respect. One look with her brother she took from the great
+flanking bastion along the side of the fort attacked, and it gave her
+an assurance she could hardly have expected.
+
+The whole side of the fort was uninjured, except near the breach, where
+there had been much pelting by the enemy's shot, but no fracture.
+The _débris_ of the mine had spread out as far as the bottom of the
+ditch, and partly lay on its level floor; but it seemed, even to her,
+a perilous place for people to ascend. Some part of the counterscarp
+had apparently been dug down or blown in, and it was evidently the way
+by which the enemy would approach. All along the wall, every gun that
+could be aimed was directed upon the breach, and the two beautiful
+bastions which formed the Queen's post.
+
+One reason for delay was the indecision in the Moghul camp. Many
+experienced veterans declared that it was waste of life only to
+attempt to storm Ahmednugger by such a breach as had been made.
+Reproachful epithets were freely banded about, and it seemed a question
+whether any attack would be made that day. But Dom Diego's savage
+temper would brook no control. "I will take the place with the five
+Europeans I have," he cried, "and cowards can follow at their leisure;
+as if breaches in fort walls were to be made like beaten highways for
+dainty fops to strut upon." Dom Diego was, in truth, weary of the
+idleness of the Moghul officers. There was not a true soldier among
+them, and he often thought failure imminent; but Maria was there, and
+while it was possible to win her, even a soldier's death would be
+better than the hell of tumultuous feeling which raged within him.
+
+At last the signal for assault was given from the enemy's camp. First,
+the huge imperial kettledrums sounded a march in their deep booming
+notes, and a general discharge of all their artillery in the trenches
+followed; while, in the bastion of the fort, the Portuguese and Hindoo
+native gunners stood or lounged among their piles of shot and bags of
+copper coin. Many of them were known to Maria; their wives were helping
+her in her own work, and all saluted her reverently and affectionately
+as she left them with a prayer that the Lord would protect them all.
+
+All through the Moghul trenches the silence was almost oppressive. The
+muezzin's call to prayer was proclaimed like that in the fort; and,
+for a brief space, only a distant hum from the town and camp could be
+heard. As Maria stood on the steps of the great bastion, she could hear
+flies buzzing about her, the birds chirruping in the trees near her,
+and even the lowing and bleating of the cattle and sheep which were
+grazing in the broad ditch on the sheltered side of the fortress. The
+sun shone through the thunderous air with a fierce hot glare over all,
+and the plain and glacis were quivering in the trembling light. The
+wind had fallen, and the stillness and heat were so oppressive that she
+was glad to gain the cool shelter of the large vaulted building. Many
+fresh guns that had been brought to bear upon the breach aroused the
+echoes even of the distant hills; but the shot had little effect upon
+the extemporised defences of the breach, or upon the parapets anywhere;
+and the Queen and Zóra, looking through a loophole that commanded the
+breach, saw, with a thrill of delight, that Abbas Khan in his perilous
+post was safe.
+
+Suddenly, on the crest of one of the trenches beyond, a tall, powerful
+figure, dressed in European costume, stood forth, waving a naked sword,
+which flashed in the sun; while with the other hand he removed a plumed
+morion from his head, and made a courteous salute to the fort. He wore
+a bright corselet of steel, with gauntlets, and a buff coat and boots,
+richly embroidered. In his left hand he carried a stout stick, but no
+shield or other defence whatever. For an instant there was a shout of
+"Shabash! Shabash Feringi!" and, instantly, a crowd of men scrambled
+over the trenches, and, as he pointed to the breach, followed him.
+And these, some hundreds in number, Europeans and native volunteers,
+formed the forlorn hope. Again, others came on in denser array: Arabs,
+Pathans, Afghans, Rajpoots, dressed in yellow tunics; and other tribes,
+many singing their war song, others shouting their national war cries,
+armed with matchlocks, sword, shield, and spear, flashing in the
+afternoon sun, which poured its hot rays on all. It was now somewhat
+past four in the afternoon, and the sultry heat of the day had become
+almost sickening, when a slight breeze from the west waved the banners
+of the advancing host, and slightly displaced the cloud of dust which
+had arisen over them. It was a glorious, awe-inspiring spectacle truly;
+but the defenders blenched not from it; every man grasped his weapon
+more firmly, and stood at his post prepared for the worst, should it
+come. On the far side of the ditch, along the crest of the counterscarp
+and covered way, clouds of skirmishers spread themselves, pouring their
+shot upon the defences; but the fire had little effect, and gradually
+slackened.
+
+Scrambling down the road prepared for them by the mine, and without
+order, large bodies of stormers now poured across the ditch, the tall
+figure of the European bounding before them all to the very foot of the
+breach, when suddenly one of the large guns on each of the flanking
+bastions sent its deadly discharge of round shot and copper hail
+among the crowds beneath with fearful effect. Hundreds fell, writhing;
+while from every bastion rockets, fire-balls, and musketry smote them
+as they lay or straggled onwards. There was no chance of retreat, for
+the masses in the rear, which came on in a continuous stream, were
+not checked, and any of the foremost who faltered, or turned to fly,
+were thrown down and trampled into the dust. Again and again did Dom
+Diego attempt the breach, but the earth was so loose that footing could
+hardly be maintained; and the grim serried ranks which covered the
+crest of the breach gave little hope that could he and those with him
+reach the bristling ranks of broad spears beyond, they could force an
+entrance, while Abbas Khan and his body of Arabs plied them with shot,
+few of which missed their mark.
+
+But still none of the stormers turned; on the contrary, thousands of
+men charged down the counterscarp, to be met with the same volleys from
+the great guns, which proved so deadly and so effective. Once Dom Diego
+and some hundreds of men, collected hastily, made a rush up the breach,
+and interchanged blows with its defenders; and Abbas Khan, struck with
+his devoted bravery, called to him to take quarter, and come to his
+post; but the humane effort was rejected with an oath, and he fell back
+among the struggling masses to seek volunteers for a task which was
+beyond the power of man.
+
+Can we, even in imagination, realise in any degree that fearful
+maddening scene--the discharges of the great guns at intervals carrying
+destruction to hundreds at every shot, assisted by the rockets, the
+musketry, and the fire-balls from the walls? Even these were little
+in comparison with the frantic struggles of the masses as they were
+urged on by the Prince in person and his generals--the shouts, the
+screams, and cries of wounded and dying men, the fierce thirst which
+consumed all! The ditch, from the first almost covered by the dead
+and dying, was now rising under the heaps beneath, which every moment
+augmented. There was no escape and no progress; the masses contrived to
+descend, ignorant of what was before them; and as it was industriously
+circulated by the Prince and his advisers that the breach had been
+stormed and the fort was being plundered all rushed on to gain a
+share of the riches it was supposed to contain--only to be met by the
+withering fire which destroyed them, and the horrible heaps of carnage
+grew higher and higher as the evening wore on.
+
+As to Queen Chand, we read in the old chronicles how--fearless among
+the storm of shot, dauntless among the horrid cries and shrieks which
+filled the air--she was seen everywhere, distributing rewards, giving
+water to the wounded and thirsty, and encouraging all. Nor was the
+green figure beside her less active or less useful. Sometimes they were
+at the breach, down which they looked, with a fascination which could
+not be repressed, upon the masses of struggling forms beneath them.
+But still Zóra saw her brave lord safe; and he even smiled and waved
+them back, as the Queen, mounting the parapet of the gabions, spoke
+a few words of encouragement to their defenders. All saw her as she
+defended the breach in person; and the flutter of the "standard of the
+veil," which she still wore over her bright morion, was watched by many
+an one of the enemy's officers, and even by the Prince himself, with
+unqualified admiration of her heroism.
+
+At last night began to fall, and here and there a star peeped out from
+the pure ether through the thick, heated vapour from the combatants
+which filled the air; and the baffled Moghuls, leaving their heaps of
+slain as they were, retired beyond the crest of the counterscarp into
+their own lines. They had lost thousands, for the ditch was a mass of
+carcasses which no one could reckon; they had lost arms, standards,
+officers, and, above all, reputation. That the hosts of the King of
+kings should have been repulsed from a Dekhan fortress commanded by a
+woman was a result which none had anticipated, much less the haughty
+Imperial Prince who had urged on his devoted troops to destruction.
+Gradually, those that remained of the invaders retreated up the slope,
+harassed to the last by the rain of copper hail with which they had
+been tormented; and the Queen and Zóra, with some of the bravest of the
+women and eunuchs, watched the last retreating figures which staggered
+up the slope beyond; or a man here and there extricating himself from
+the horrible masses like one rising from the dead, followed them alone,
+or sank down and perished with the rest. And then, as if seeing each
+other for the first time during the fearful day, they cast themselves
+upon each other's necks and wept for joy. Then, too, Abbas Khan came
+up from his post bearing in his hand a standard he had taken from an
+Afghan, who was almost the only man who had reached the little fort.
+"He was a brave fellow, mother, and would take no quarter, and there
+was little time for thought; but he died like a brave man under my
+weapon, and departed to Paradise. O Mother! what can we render to the
+Lord for these mercies? for ye are unharmed, both of ye."
+
+"Yes," said the Queen, with her eyes overflowing, "thousands and
+thousands lie yonder dead and dying; but we are safe, and have lost but
+few; and the good Padré and Maria tend those who suffer."
+
+"If I may, I will go and see Maria," said Zóra, timidly. What would
+she not have given to fall into her husband's arms and weep out her
+thankfulness, but that was not the time or place.
+
+"Go, child," said the Queen. "Go! greet her from me, and say all is
+safe and well; but do not let her see that," and she pointed to the
+ditch, "it might appal her tender nature." And Zóra went, attended
+by Yasin Khan and some others to fulfil her tender mission, and gain
+relief for her overcharged mind.
+
+"And now," said the Queen to Abbas Khan and those near him, "let us
+leave nothing undone. The breach has, indeed, been saved; but it must
+be made sure. I, for one, will not leave it till it is built up against
+any chance of surprise, or even of attack. Do not talk to me of sleep
+or rest. My best sleep would be here beside the workers. My best rest
+can only come with security. Ye will see what endurance this weak body
+hath when danger is present. It is an old employment of mine repairing
+breaches; but at Beejapoor I worked three days and nights without sleep
+and here, with so many men, all should be ready by daylight; and then
+when the Moghuls see their labour has been in vain, they may leave us
+in peace. See and get Zóra some food and rest," she whispered to Abbas
+Khan, "she will need it."
+
+"Not while thou art here, O Mother," was the reply. "She is young and
+strong, and can bear it better than thou. But why remain? Canst thou
+not trust Nihung Khan and myself to do all?"
+
+"No!" she replied, firmly; "it is my work and I will do it. Nor shall
+Zóra leave me; she will be better for seeing Maria. But my turn has not
+yet come. Hark! there is a cry from the heap of dead. 'For the love of
+God! for the love of God! water!' it cries. Does no one hear? It is
+some Feringi."
+
+"It may be the cavalier who led the assault," said Abbas Khan. "I saw
+him sink down, but he may have survived."
+
+"A gallant fellow," said the Queen. "I, too, watched him. Go, one
+of ye, for the Padré Sahib; tell him to come with his bandages and
+medicine. Quick! quick!"
+
+Abbas Khan, and some men with blankets, descended the breach to the
+foot, but among the dead on the slope they could find no one living.
+They dare not take a torch for fear of drawing upon them fire from the
+counterscarp. They listened, and at last the faint cry of "Aqua! Aqua!"
+was repeated, but in a fainter tone.
+
+"He is here," cried one of the men, "lying under others, and he is
+warm. I see his face now; it is the Feringi."
+
+The Queen was right. Her quick ears had heard a low cry in a strange
+accent, which had escaped all others around her. It was from Dom Diego,
+who, as we know, had led the forlorn hope. When the mines had been
+sprung, he would have advanced at once under the cover of the smoke and
+dust which hung over the wall and ditch, but he found to his vexation
+that the men were not ready. The hour was not propitious, and the Court
+astrologer could not discover a fitting time till the afternoon. No one
+would follow him till the signal was given from the Royal pavilion. And
+though Dom Diego cursed the delay, he had no alternative but to await
+the general order, which came at length.
+
+Dom Diego had done his part bravely. He had led three separate assaults
+of the breach, but was as yet unwounded. Nor was his example lost
+on the brave men who, as one party was beaten back, or sank down to
+make a fresh portion of the horrible bridge, still formed afresh,
+and, reinforced by others crowding on from behind, were led only to
+perish in their turn. At last, in one of the desperate rushes up the
+breach, Dom Diego fell from a matchlock shot, but for a moment only.
+He rose to his feet, and strove to rally those with him, when his leg
+was shattered by a round shot, and in the discharge of copper hail
+which came with it, his left arm was broken, and he fell insensible
+among the heap of dying and dead, and was trampled down with the rest.
+Presently, however, his consciousness returned; but it only revealed to
+him more certainly the hopelessness of his situation. Extrication from
+the mass of dead and dying was impossible, and he must die--unshriven,
+and without hope. We dare not follow his thoughts nor his cries, now
+defiant, now despairing, nor the struggles of a Christian soul which,
+believing in the hell which seemed opening before him, saw no hope of
+repentance or forgiveness. At first it was beyond his power to move;
+but several men above him in their death agonies had loosened the pile
+he lay under, and with his right arm he had been able to push aside
+the dead who most oppressed him, and thus he gained space to breathe.
+It was, however, but a prolongation of his misery, for he felt that
+his leg was shattered, and even to crawl, could he be freed, would be
+impossible. He could see the forms of men on the ramparts and in the
+breach moving about, and even hear them as they spoke one to another;
+but his cries for help and for water had grown fainter and fainter till
+the Queen's ear had distinguished them.
+
+Then Abbas Khan, and the rest who had gone down the breach, lifted away
+the dead from above him and raised him up, placing him in a blanket,
+and carried him up into the fort. At the top they laid him down at the
+foot of the Bishop, who anxiously looked at the face of the sufferer,
+who was now insensible.
+
+"Merciful God!" he cried, lifting up his hands to heaven; "it is Dom
+Diego, and he still lives! Bring him to the rest of the wounded. Quick,
+quick!" he continued, to Abbas Khan, "or he may die without help."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+DIEGO'S DEATH AND THE BISHOP'S EMBASSY.
+
+
+They carried the wounded man gently in the blanket as he lay. It was
+impossible to attempt a palanquin, as the motion would have caused him
+additional agony. But he was now more sensible than at first. He had
+drunk greedily from a cup of the Queen's own cool sherbet, which she
+had kindly sent him; water had been plenteously sprinkled on his face
+and hands by the Bishop; his pulse had somewhat rallied, and he was
+even endeavouring to speak, but was forbidden. "Maria! forgive!" were
+the only words he could utter. Thus they took him on, nor was it far
+to the place. There were lamps lighted inside, and wounded men lying
+on mattresses on the floor; and some, which were the worst cases, upon
+small truckle beds; and on one of these they placed the dying man,
+supporting him by pillows. There were several Portuguese soldiers there
+also, who were tending wounded comrades, and all gathered round to
+assist. Then they carefully unfastened the morion and steel corselet,
+took off the heavy boots, and the coat of buff leather soaked in blood;
+and the Bishop supplied some soft underlinen from his own stock with
+which to dress the wounds. But this seemed hopeless, for several were
+fatal in their nature, and the loss of blood had been enormous. Maria
+had been busy at the other end of the wide, long room, and had not
+seen the new comer; but her brother sent word to her not to come till
+he sent for her, as the sight would be too shocking. All that she had
+heard was that the sufferer was a Portuguese officer, and she knew
+there were some such men in the Prince's army.
+
+D'Almeida's cordial, which had been administered at once, had revived
+the sinking man in some degree, and for the first time he opened his
+eyes and stared vacantly about him. Some of the men were bathing his
+wounds, and this, and the removal of his armour and heavy clothes,
+had somewhat restored him. Francis d'Almeida was bandaging one of the
+wounds, which was bleeding afresh, and Dom Diego recognised him, and,
+with a wan smile, put away his hand and said faintly,--
+
+"It is of no use, brother Francis, I bleed within me, and I am dying.
+Hear my confession, which I will make to thee truly as long as I can
+speak; and then let me die."
+
+"It is, indeed, needful, my poor brother," said the Bishop, gently,
+"for no man living could help thee now, and a brief time must close all
+thy earthly sufferings. Take this cordial, and it will revive thee. Is
+there aught that should be written?"
+
+"Something," he said; "that my wealth may be secured to the Church.
+But write quickly, or I faint. Can masses be said for my soul, that I
+may be forgiven? The writing should be in Persian, for the banker at
+Surat to read."
+
+Who could write Persian there except himself? But the Bishop had seen
+Zóra with his sister, and he sent word to her to come to him, but
+not to bring Maria. And she came. A sheet had been spread over the
+sufferer, and his ghastly wounds were not apparent.
+
+Writing materials were at hand, and seating herself by the bed-side,
+the girl looked up with a scared face, and asked what she was to write,
+while Francis interpreted the words as they dropped slowly from his
+patient's mouth.
+
+"Write," he said, "to Hemchund Premchund, banker of Surat, 'I am dying,
+my friend, and I will that all my effects in your charge be made over
+to the illustrious Archbishop of Goa, or whoever he may depute to
+receive them. Pedro di Diaz is dead, and all there is belongs to me.
+The ship is to be sold, and the crew paid their wages. Five thousand
+rupees are to be remitted to my brother, Francis d'Almeida, of this
+place, for the use of his Church. I am in my full senses, and have
+this written in Persian that thou mayest comprehend. Be faithful, and
+discharge thy trust honestly.'"
+
+Zóra's rapid pen soon traced these words, and it was put into Dom
+Diego's hand by the Bishop. "It is complete," he said; "sign it."
+
+For an instant the dying man rallied, passed his hands across his eyes,
+and then, taking the pen, wrote in his bold hand,
+
+    "D. DIEGO DI FONSECA, S.J.
+    "My own writing.
+
+"Written at Ahmednugger by Zóra, the wife of Abbas Khan.
+
+"Witness, Francis d'Almeida, Bishop of Ahmednugger, &c.
+Before us, 3rd Rujub, A.H. 1004, 22nd February, 1596."
+
+"That will do, my brave child," said the Bishop, patting Zóra on the
+head. "Go back to Maria, and tell her I will send for her soon." And
+Zóra rose, ran quickly to Maria, and delivered her message.
+
+"Who can he be?" she asked. "Didst thou see his face?"
+
+"I dared not look," Zóra said; "he was too terrible to look on; and
+thou wilt soon be told. But the Padré Sahib seemed to know him."
+
+"Blessed Mother of God!" exclaimed Maria, sitting down hastily; "it
+cannot be Diego. What could have brought him here?"
+
+"Diego! Yes, that was the name thy brother called him. But why dost
+thou ask?"
+
+"He was my malignant enemy, sister."
+
+"And Alla hath delivered thee from him. And thou wilt forgive him,
+Maria, even as I forgave mine."
+
+"Yes," she replied, slowly, "I will indeed forgive him. See, my brother
+hath put on his vestment; he is holding up the cross, and the men
+about are kneeling, and the dying man is confessing his sins. Look!"
+
+It was as she said. And the ghostly confession was proceeding, one of
+the men holding a cup of cordial to the sufferer's lips as he made
+motions for it--a broken tale of sin and crime, which we dare not
+attempt to record. Yet it came forth from the dry, parched lips hardly
+without a break till its close. Francis d'Almeida had not missed a
+word; though, from his extreme weakness, Dom Diego had sometimes spoken
+in low, broken whispers, gasping for breath.
+
+"There is no more to tell," he said, faintly, at its close. "As I shall
+answer in the judgment, no more. I have hidden nothing; but, with the
+absolution of the Church, I pray thee let thy sister say, while I can
+hear and see, 'I forgive thee, Diego,' and I shall then die happy."
+
+Then Francis sent for his sister, and whispered, "It is he. Dost thou
+forgive him, Maria?"
+
+"Freely and truly," she said, firmly, "as I may be forgiven."
+
+Dom Diego could not speak now, but he could hear the words which fell
+from the woman he had loved so madly and with so sinful a purpose. He
+tried to raise his hands, but they fell back on the sheet helplessly
+and his large bright eyes were glazing fast, and becoming dim. "Maria!
+Maria! forgive--pardon!" they heard him say in a whisper scarcely
+audible. And while the Bishop was holding up the cross before him, and
+preparing to recite the _Beaticum_, she could not resist the impulse,
+but took the cold hand of the dying man, and said, "I forgive; fear
+not." Then a soft smile of peace and resignation seemed to pass over
+his features. "Forgiven," he murmured; and as the words of "Depart,
+Christian soul, in the name of God the Father Almighty who created
+thee," were spoken, the spirit passed away with a slight shivering
+convulsion, and the body lay still in death; and the Bishop and his
+sister, their sweet voices mingling, chanted the Litany for the dead,
+which seemed to linger amidst the small domes and grooves of the high
+roof, echoed, as it were, by angels.
+
+Zóra had stood by spellbound. She had never seen a Christian die; and
+Maria, who had taught her many hymns, had never chanted to her the
+Litany for the dead. "Come away," she whispered, when silence fell on
+all; "come away, and weep in my arms as I have done in thine. Yea, art
+thou not my sister? and he knew that he was forgiven, and died happy.
+Surely it was the Lord's doing, and his fate brought him to thy feet.
+Come away." And Maria, weeping passionately, suffered the girl to lead
+her to the chamber she had fitted up, and saw her cast herself at the
+foot of her cross and pray fervently.
+
+Yes, it had been a vast relief to Zóra to go, as her husband and
+the Queen told her to do, to Maria, and endeavour to keep out the
+impression which the horrid sights she had seen and the fearful bridge
+of human carcasses had caused. All day long the girl had never left
+her Royal mistress's side, and the green dress of the Syud's child
+had shared the honour of the day with the armour of the Queen and the
+"standard of the veil." But she hardly in truth knew what she had done;
+and when, after her prayer, Maria rose calm and at peace, and, taking
+Zóra to her heart, told her what the wounded who were brought in said
+of the slight lad who gave cups of water to wounded men, helped them
+into litters, and still cried his boyish war cry, Zóra hid her blushing
+face in her sister's breast, and said, "It was not I, Maria; some
+other, perhaps." But Maria said she need not deny it, for that Abbas
+Khan would tell her more, and be proud of her to the end of his life.
+Then Maria bade her return to the Queen; and she departed, saying, "If
+he will let me come to-morrow, and the Mother does not want me, I will
+help thee to tend these poor fellows."
+
+Zóra found the Queen where she had left her, but she was more at
+rest. Her attendants had brought her a small carpet and a pillow,
+but she had not laid aside her morion and shirt of mail, and she was
+sitting close to the breach, where the relays of masons were working
+by the now bright starlight; and the broken wall was rising rapidly
+course by course. Fortunately the old wall had not been shaken to its
+foundation, and on clearing away the rubbish the firm portion was soon
+struck. All through the night the work proceeded steadily; and as
+day broke about twelve feet in height of the wall had been filled in,
+and the breach was secure against all chances of sudden attack and
+surprise. The trenches were not even manned by the enemy; and as day
+dawned messengers came from the Prince Moorad with a flag of truce,
+congratulating the Queen on the heroic defence she had made, and
+informing her that she would hereafter be addressed by the Emperor as
+Chand Sooltana, the Queen Chand, instead of, as before, the Beebee,
+or Lady Chand, and begging her permission for the dead to be removed
+without molestation. And this was granted at once without hesitation.
+It had, indeed, become necessary to do so, for a sickening stench
+had already begun to arise from the festering mass, which would have
+become insupportable had the operation been delayed. But it was a heavy
+labour. Large gangs of men came by relays; and it was not till the day
+after, though they worked unremittingly, that the ghastly contents of
+the ditch were cleared away.
+
+At last, as day was breaking, and a cold fresh wind arose refreshingly
+from the north, the Queen was persuaded to retire and take rest.
+What she had gone through, both in body and in mind, during the last
+two days and nights of the siege and assault, was almost superhuman;
+but the heroic spirit had never quailed, and she appeared to have no
+sense of fatigue or want. There was no exultation in her manner, but
+to Nihung Khan, to Abbas Khan, and the crowd of officers who poured
+forth their congratulations, she simply said, "I thank the Lord, on
+whom I depended, and who, by the bravery of ye all, has given us the
+victory. Be ye as humbly grateful as I am." Zóra helped her to lay
+aside her armour, bathed her, and clad her in cool garments, and led
+her to her little King, who was awake, and asking for her. Then as the
+boy stretched out his arms to her, and she took him, and he stroked her
+face, with a child's compassionate fondness, the emotion which had been
+so long pent up in her loving heart burst forth with a violence which
+terrified those about her. But Zóra laid her down, and soothed her as
+she would have done an ailing child, till she fell into a deep sleep.
+There was no tumult of shouting, and cannon, and musketry to arouse
+her, and peace seemed to have fallen gently upon all.
+
+But for a while only, for the Queen was soon in her accustomed seat
+in the hall of audience, doing her usual work; and she again wrote to
+the Beejapoor commanders, informing them of the repulse of the attack,
+the safety of the fort, and the perilous position of the Moghuls. She
+urged and entreated her friends to advance at once, when she should
+be able to make a sally to meet them; and she sent these letters by
+bold, careful messengers, who, dropping from the fort wall, mingled
+with the crowds who were removing the dead from the trench, and gained
+the Moghul lines. Here, however, they were intercepted, and taken
+to the Prince, who read the letters, adding what he had done on a
+former occasion, and inviting the reinforcements to hasten to their
+destination, as he was most anxious to meet them. "The sooner the
+better." And they did march at last.
+
+But so slowly. The impetuous Queen, who knew they were near enough
+to be with them in three days at most, would fain have had them
+arrive even sooner, and would have helped them to drive the enemy
+ignominiously from their position. But they scarcely moved at all;
+certainly not with the desire of crossing swords with their enemies,
+and it still seemed as if they overrated the power of the Moghul
+cavalry.
+
+And perhaps they were right, for the cavalry much outnumbered the
+whole of the Beejapoor forces in advance, and there had been few
+casualties comparatively out of the thirty thousand horse with which
+the Prince had left Guzerat. The effect of the nearer approach of the
+southern forces told, however, seriously on the Moghul camp, which
+was more straitened than ever for provisions. Prince Moorad would
+have welcomed heartily any attack by the Beejapoor forces; he could
+have beaten them easily in the field, and the scope of his action
+would have been enlarged. He might have gained possession of the upper
+valley of the Seena, now teeming with plenty--nay, he might have
+pushed on to Purenda, and established an advanced post there; but it
+is most probable that the Beejapoor commander had foreseen this, and
+preferred guarding the approaches to a weak point, rather than obeying
+the Queen's hasty summons to attack. The Mussulman historians of the
+period blame the Beejapoor troops heavily for not attacking the Moghuls
+the day after the assault, or during the assault itself; and their
+sympathies are entirely with the Queen, who chafed sorely at their
+delay. But the probability is that their officers were better generals
+than the Queen, and could see where hidden danger existed clearly
+enough to avoid it. When she wrote her despatches, however, the morning
+after the assault, she was in the highest degree sanguine; and when she
+received her officers at the afternoon durbar there was not a sign of
+fatigue or care upon her cheerful countenance.
+
+Among others was the Bishop, who, with Maria, had come up to see her
+before the durbar should commence; and they told her of the death of
+Dom Diego, in whose gallant advance she had been so deeply interested.
+Of course the Queen remembered the tale, as she had heard it before
+her friends went to Goa; but she could hardly be brought to believe
+that the man who had been mortally wounded in the assault was the same
+person, until the general outlines of his confession had been related
+to her. Then, indeed, she took Maria into her arms and congratulated
+her on her escape. Surely God had specially preserved Maria's honour
+and her own, and Maria's gratitude had not been lack of expression.
+
+"And now," said the Bishop, "I must acquit myself of my duty to the
+dead and to the Church and State I serve. I cannot go to Surat myself;
+but the Prince, who has the reputation of being frank and honourable,
+may be induced to interest himself for my Government, with whom he
+is on friendly terms, and receive my explanation of these affairs. I
+would, therefore, solicit a note to him from your Majesty, and be the
+bearer of it while the truce lasts."
+
+"It is dangerous, Padré Sahib," returned the Queen, musing. "My own
+opinion is that he would extort the money, which you say is very
+considerable, from the banker, and appropriate it to his own use; or
+that his people, who are notoriously corrupt, would make away with it.
+But let not this rest on my opinion alone; let us send for Abbas Khan
+and Nihung Khan, on whose ability and discretion you can depend, and
+hear what they advise." And they were sent for. Both were hard by,
+still working at the breach, and they came directly; and the Bishop
+related to them the facts we already know.
+
+They did not apprehend any personal danger to the Bishop in his
+proposed visit to the Prince Moorad, but they were decidedly unanimous
+in advising that he should not be told of Dom Diego's hoard of wealth.
+The Imperial Government, they said, is, by long established law and
+usage, heir to all the property of persons who die or are killed in
+their service, particularly if they are foreigners; and the issue
+would be that this treasure would be lost for the purpose for which it
+is designed. There would be no hope of saving it.
+
+"But suppose," said Nihung Khan, whose opinion, being the elder,
+carried the most weight, "that you ask the Prince for the horses,
+arms, and moneys of the deceased now in camp. That will only be a
+fair demand. If granted, it may open your way to a disclosure of the
+remainder at another audience. But you will see, Seńor Padré," he
+continued, laughing, "that that will be refused on the grounds I have
+mentioned. And it is better you should be prepared for the truth,
+though it may be told in fair words which will give you no offence."
+
+"I dare say you are right, Khan," returned the Bishop. "Dom Diego was
+buried early, with the rites of the Church, and I am at liberty. There
+is no time to be lost; and if I go at all, I would beg that the flag of
+truce be prepared, and that a palanquin be got ready for me."
+
+Maria was very anxious, and now could not restrain her feelings. "Go
+not, Francis," she cried; "go not among those savage men. Why not wait
+a few days, and when they are gone thou canst write to the authorities
+at Goa, and send the letter to King Ibrahim, who will forward it, when
+the necessary steps can be taken, through the bankers of Goa, to obtain
+the effects of brother Diego from Surat without giving any power to the
+Moghul Government to interfere."
+
+"Thou art the wisest counsellor among us, Maria," said the Queen,
+smiling kindly on her, "and I will send thy brother's despatch to King
+Ibrahim myself; there will be no doubt he will do what is needful.
+Bankers are always true, and I see no difficulty whatever. Go, Padré
+Sahib; my mirdhas shall attend thee with honour, and it may be that
+the Prince will make political disclosures to thee which may be of
+importance. Go, prepare thyself, and lose no time, for the day is yet
+ample for thy purpose."
+
+So the good Bishop set out. No armed men were sent with him, but only
+four silver mace-bearers, as a sign that he was a Royal ambassador.
+They were stopped at the first picket near the west end of the
+trenches, and thence passed on cautiously through the busy camp to
+Furhut Mahal, where the Prince had taken up his residence, to which a
+bridge of rough pontoons, or boats, had been thrown across the moat.
+He had to wait at the head of the bridge till permission was given to
+advance, and, attended and preceded by the mirdhas, he was ushered
+into the entrance hall, and thence, following the officer on duty, he
+ascended the steps which led to the upper storey where, for the sake of
+its coolness, the Prince had taken up his quarters.
+
+The Prince Moorad, a fair young man of pleasing appearance, but plainly
+dressed in white muslin, was seated on a pile of cushions, accompanied
+by three elderly officers, who were evidently of high rank. He partly
+rose as the Bishop bowed low before him, returned the salute, and
+bidding him be seated, said, "You speak Persian, sir?"
+
+"Imperfectly," was the reply; "but I am used to speak it to my Queen
+and in the Court at Beejapoor. I can write it also as I speak it."
+
+"Good," said the Prince; "then tell me why you have come. Are you the
+ambassador of the Sultana?"
+
+"I have the honour to bear a note from her," and he withdrew it from
+the sash of his robe, "which will explain the object of my intrusion
+upon your Highness. Will you be pleased to read it?"
+
+The Prince took the envelope. After having examined the seal, he
+carefully opened it and read the contents.
+
+"This only states that thou art a Bishop of the Christian Church at
+Goa; and, as such, thou art welcome. Wilt thou proceed to tell thy
+business? Is it secret or political?"
+
+"Neither, my Prince," was the reply; "but personal only as regards the
+effects of one Dom Diego di Fonseca, who was a priest of the Christian
+Church, and who died of wounds received in the assault yesterday."
+
+"Dead!" cried those present. "Dead! and thou knowest this of a
+certainty?"
+
+"I dressed his wounds during the night, my lords; but it was hopeless;
+and I buried him this morning before the sun rose.
+
+"He was a gallant soldier, if a Nazarene priest," said one of the
+elder officers. "Peace be with his memory, and the peace of God rest
+upon him."
+
+"Ameen!" murmured the others. "With a hundred like him we had won the
+fort."
+
+"And thy business, Seńor Padré?" asked the Prince.
+
+"The effects of the deceased; his horses, arms, pay. These are for
+masses, which he willed should be said; and to give peace to his soul,
+it is necessary they should be performed."
+
+"Yes," said the Prince, smiling; "the Padrés do that at Agra, where the
+Asylum of the World has built them a church. It is called mass. But
+what effects had he, Seńor Padré?"
+
+"I know not, your Highness; but, he said, though only a humble priest,
+he had attained rank. He had not speech to tell me what he had, and was
+too weak to be questioned."
+
+"It is against the law, your Highness," observed one of the secretaries
+present, "to surrender the effects of one who has died in the State
+service; but it is competent to you to give any gift in recognition of
+his death as a gallant soldier, and that will be more acceptable to the
+good Padré than horses, arms, tents, or elephants, all of which have
+been appropriated to the Government use."
+
+"I demand nothing," said the Bishop; "but whatever His Highness's
+generosity may dictate I will take thankfully, be it the smallest sum."
+
+"Nay! the son of Akbar Padshah knows how to be generous," said the man
+who had just spoken. "Permit your slave to send for two hundred mohurs,
+which will be equal to the value of the Christian's effects;" and,
+writing a few lines on a slip of paper, the Prince's seal was affixed
+to it, and calling an attendant it was sent to the treasury.
+
+Most profuse were the Bishop's thanks for, in his estimation, the
+princely liberality with which he had been treated; and for an instant
+he thought he had better have brought Dom Diego's document; but the
+other course, suggested by Maria, was most feasible, and freed him from
+all responsibility.
+
+"And now," said the Prince, "as thou art a discreet and well-spoken
+person, and accustomed, no doubt, to the political affairs of Courts,
+we have a proposition to send, through thee, to the heroic Chand
+Sooltana, whose fame is spread over Hind, to which we invite her
+serious consideration." Then he paused for awhile, and resumed--
+
+"Although," he continued, "by the fortune of war we have suffered a
+repulse from the fort with heavy loss, which has deprived us of many
+brave comrades and soldiers, yet the might of this army is unimpaired;
+and I am prepared to resume the siege as soon as the present truce is
+expired. The Sooltana, we know, is relying upon succour from Beejapoor;
+but we have read her letters, written only this morning, and forwarded
+them to their destination. But she will see that it is impossible
+for the friends she expects to arrive in time to save her. They do
+not exceed six thousand horse, without artillery; and we have with
+us thirty thousand of the Imperial cavalry. But we are without cause
+of war with Beejapoor; and those who watch us we have respected, as
+they have respected us. If we attack the fort again, which we have
+determined to do if our proposal is refused, the consequences will be
+deplorable; for our soldiers, remembering the events of yesterday, will
+allow none to escape from it, and all must inevitably perish, including
+the Queen herself and the boy King. The consequences, therefore, rest
+with her alone; and as a humane and merciful woman she will not provoke
+them by a false estimate of her own power.
+
+"Listen, therefore, Seńor Padré; and you, a man of God and of peace,
+will not refuse to exert your powers of persuasion with her, too. My
+generals and myself, that is the Khan Khanan and Khan Jehan Lody--and
+he introduced them--have this morning, with the aid of my learned
+secretary, drawn up the draft of a treaty between the kingdom of
+Ahmednugger and the Imperial Government of Hind, which, if executed,
+will not only perpetuate the mutual good will of both States, but
+cement their attachment to each other as long as the Sun and Moon shall
+endure. This is it," he continued, taking a roll of paper from the
+secretary's hand; "and I will briefly explain its purport to you.
+
+"We demand no expenses of the war. All the treasures and jewels of
+Ahmednugger remain in the young King's possession.
+
+"Our Royal army will quit its present position, and retire to its own
+territories, on guarantee by the Queen of no molestation, and orders
+for grain and forage to be paid for on delivery.
+
+"In return we demand cession of the province of Berar, which
+Ahmednugger cannot defend, and which is a scene of disorder and
+rapine, and a cause of suffering to the country at large. It is not an
+ancient possession of Ahmednugger, whose proper hereditary dominions
+are guaranteed, it is a province retaken by treachery from Duria Imad
+Shah, who asked for aid against an usurping Minister, was imprisoned,
+and foully murdered. No one can deny this, Seńor Padré, for it is as
+notorious as the Sun at noonday, and has long cried for justice at the
+hands of the Asylum of the World, my father.
+
+"And now, Seńor Padré, you have permission to depart. Take these in
+memory of the son of Akbar Padshah, who presents them to you;" and,
+taking a small rosary of pearls from his neck, he hung them round that
+of the Bishop, while a mirdha in attendance threw a light Cashmere
+shawl over his shoulders. "And my good wishes for your success with the
+Sultana, to whom I forward by you my sincere admiration and respects.
+The sum on account of the Christian cavalier you will find in your
+palanquin."
+
+Then the Bishop rose, and took leave. "I will do my best to stay
+further carnage, O Prince," he said, "but the question must rest with
+Her Majesty the Queen and her advisers." Then he was conducted to his
+palanquin, and passed out of the camp as he had come.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+PEACE FOR AWHILE.
+
+
+It was yet day when Francis d'Almeida again reached the fort; and,
+after giving an account to Maria of the result of his embassy, and the
+liberal conduct of the Prince Moorad, he looked round his patients, and
+sent word to the Queen that he had been entrusted by the Prince with a
+political message which he could deliver to no one but herself; and, if
+she were at leisure, he would come to her presence directly, and would
+prefer seeing her alone at first. The result of the Bishop's mission
+had been what the Queen expected, and she did not hesitate to request
+his attendance as quickly as possible.
+
+"I have only Zóra with me," said the Queen, when the Bishop was ushered
+into her presence. "There has been much to dictate, and I always feel
+more confidence with her, and more at my ease than with the men. But
+what news hast thou brought, Seńor Padré? and how didst thou succeed in
+regard to the effects of the cavalier?"
+
+"They would not give them to me," he replied, "as I was told they would
+not; but the Prince gave me a heavy purse of gold instead, which is
+amply sufficient--nay, a munificent gift; but methinks," continued the
+good man, simply, "if I had told him of the rest, it would have been
+confiscated. I had better obtain it through the banker with whom it is
+in deposit. But that is a minor matter altogether; I have much more
+important news to communicate to your Majesty, which relates to peace."
+
+"Ha!" cried the Queen, clapping her hands; "so they are tired of war
+after the game they have played, and its consequences."
+
+"No; your Majesty must not be deceived nor deceive yourself," returned
+the Bishop. "They are determined to renew the war, to reopen the siege,
+and to continue it until the fort is taken, and every one in it put to
+the sword. This is what the soldiers demand, and cry out for almost to
+mutiny."
+
+"Yes," said the Queen, sadly; "we might perish, all of us, but never
+yield; there the Prince is right. But what terms of peace does the
+Prince offer?"
+
+"He gave me this memorandum, which hath his own seal," was the reply.
+"Perhaps you had better read it yourself."
+
+"Let Zóra read it, Seńor. I have not patience to think of it. Remember
+how unprovoked this war was, and how I strove to avert it. But read,
+Zóra, and let us hear the worst."
+
+Except for an expression of impatience now and again with her hands,
+the Royal lady heard the document to the end. "Some of it is fair,
+and some unfair," she said at length. "It is true we have no hope of
+aid from Beejapoor. When its troops might have struck in and made the
+Prince's position untenable, they kept aloof, and abandoned me to my
+fate. Oh, that Abbas Khan had led them! or why not the King himself?
+Has he forgotten the many times this poor life has been imperilled for
+him and his? But now," she continued, bitterly, "a new building, a
+new ornament to his palace, a new falcon or hunting leopard, has more
+attraction for him than his mother who made him what he is. Let it
+pass, it is my fate; and we have--thanks be to Thee, just and merciful
+Alla!--been able to defend ourselves hitherto, and may defy the worst,
+even death."
+
+"If it were thine own only, noble Queen," said the Bishop,
+respectfully, "it might be welcome to thee amid all the factions,
+intrigues, and perils thou hast to endure; but, remember, thou art
+accountable to God for the lives of all who are entrusted to thee as
+His viceregent, and there are thousands here who look to thee."
+
+"Death!" she cried, excitedly; "did I not court it in the assault? Can
+anyone say that I blenched from it, or hid myself in my zenana?"
+
+"No one, lady," returned the Bishop. "On the contrary, thine enemies do
+thee ample justice, and were even full of praise of thy heroism; and
+they would not have it subjected to the last trial in death. Consider,
+honoured lady, how many lives may be saved if terms can be made. But
+forgive me if I have spoken too freely on this matter."
+
+"Nay, but only as a peaceful minister of the Lord," she returned,
+gracefully. "As to the cession of Berar, I for one would not oppose it.
+Its annexation was the act of a madman. He who murdered his own father
+cruelly, to whom massacre was familiar, and who destroyed the Royal
+family of Berar, was hardly accountable for his actions upon earth; and
+I for one would cheerfully resign all pretension to Berar, which from
+the first hath carried the consequences of its sin-laden possession
+with it. The country never belonged to this kingdom, and its retention
+only embroils us with other parties, and it also lies too distant to be
+defended as it needs with these troubles to meet at home."
+
+"And were Berar ceded, your Majesty will observe that the King Bahadur
+will be guaranteed his throne, and there will be no interference
+with any part of his ancient dominions--which is worthy of especial
+consideration."
+
+"It would be if I could trust those that make it; but my soul tells me
+that the lion has only tasted blood, and would have more. Nevertheless,
+I will lay all before my council in durbar this evening, and will not
+delay an answer."
+
+The evening durbar was numerously attended; all the principal officers
+and Ministers were present, and brought forward their recommendations
+for rewards to those who had distinguished themselves by acts of
+valour; and these having been granted, the general assembly was
+dissolved, and those only remained whom the Queen specified.
+
+"First, my lords," said the Queen, "I desire to know from you all,
+unreservedly, in what condition you find the fort to be after the
+siege, up to the present time. My reasons for the question are urgent,
+and I will state them presently."
+
+Then every department was reviewed. Except at the breach where the mine
+had been sprung, the fortifications were uninjured, as there had been
+no attack on three sides; but the mine, though but little of the wall
+had fallen, had shaken it for a considerable distance on each side,
+cracks were opening in it in various places, and it would require to be
+taken down and built from the foundation ere it could bear any fresh
+cannonade, even from smaller guns than had been employed; "and," added
+the engineer (for so we may call him), "any chance shot might strike a
+weak part and bring down masses of the masonry, which would render the
+fort defenceless on the side that has been attacked. I and the chief
+builders have examined the whole, and that is our decided opinion."
+
+Many others followed. The powder and shot were much expended, and most
+of the new powder had been used. The old was not sound, and must be
+renewed, and shot was needed, but all the guns were in good condition.
+
+The already long-continued siege had caused the expenditure of much
+provisions. About two weeks' supply remained, which might be extended
+for some days more, but there was no possibility of receiving any from
+without, as the enemy guarded the approaches to the fort so closely,
+and had already intercepted several large convoys of grain and ghee.
+
+In fine, the general result of the report was unsatisfactory. If half
+the garrison could be dispensed with, provisions might hold out; but
+the condition of the wall was a peril which could not be remedied, and
+in regard to it there was not one dissentient voice. Then the Queen
+produced the draft she had received from Prince Moorad. "If," she
+said, "our condition for defence had been what I hoped it would be, I
+would have destroyed this paper, and allowed affairs to go on as they
+have begun; but as it is, ye, my lords, should know of it, and bear me
+witness that I have concealed nothing from you. Had my unworthy people
+of Beejapoor behaved as I expected they would, we should not have been
+reduced to these straits; but as they are, they are of no use to us,
+and the few that watch the Manikdown Hills are too weak to advance
+against thirty thousand Moghuls."
+
+"It is true," said Nihung Khan, with a sigh; "they are too weak to
+effect more than they are doing now, straitening the supplies of the
+Moghul army. Yet that cannot be depended upon, since the King of
+Khandesh, it is well known, is now sending up large convoys from his
+dominions by the northern passes, which we cannot prevent, and with
+them come some heavy guns. All these will arrive in the course of a few
+days at furthest, and the Prince does not exaggerate his resources to
+prolong the siege. And how could we repair the wall to meet it?"
+
+"They are clever men, these Moghul engineers," said the engineer
+officer who had before spoken. "We found, this morning, as we examined
+the counterscarp, that five other places had been mined to be blown
+in. There was not time apparently to complete or load the mines, else
+we should have been attacked in several points at once. They depended
+upon the effect of the five mines, which, but for the humane man who
+proclaimed them, would have been fired at once, and the side of the
+fort blown completely open; and they can do the same again."
+
+These ominous words fell with terrible effect on the ears of all that
+heard them. The question was no longer one of opinion, it was one of
+necessity. Was the fort tenable at all?
+
+"Let your servant," said Abbas Khan, "go to Soheil Khan, who commands
+the forces at Shahdroog. If he could be persuaded to march to our aid,
+all these proud Moghuls might be chased from the field."
+
+"But that would involve a delay of nearly a month, even if he marched
+at once," said the Queen.
+
+"And in the condition of the wall, I could not guarantee it to stand
+under fire for two days," said the engineer. "I have no thought of
+life, as I say this; but I think on the helpless women and children,
+and the men who must perish before a ruthless assault which the Prince
+suggests, and which we, were we in the place of the Moghuls, should
+make. Remember that though the fort is hard of access, yet it is
+impossible of egress. No one can escape from it."
+
+The Queen then laid before all assembled the question of Berar. For
+her own part, she desired not to retain it. Ever since the kingdom had
+possessed it, misfortune and war had come with it, as was known to all.
+It need never have been taken; and cruel murder had been necessary to
+its retention.
+
+Thus the subject was debated for some hours with animation. The Bishop
+was called and asked whether he had been directed to carry any message
+to the Prince Moorad from the Queen; but his account of the object
+of his mission and its results, and his assurance that the draft of
+the treaty must have been prepared beforehand, as the Prince's seal
+was only affixed in his presence, assured all that the proposal was
+spontaneous; and after a further brief consultation, it was accepted,
+with some slight modification, and despatched by the hands of Abbas
+Khan and Nihung Khan the next day. And no further objections being
+made, the treaties were mutually exchanged the day following, when a
+great portion of the Moghul army had already marched.
+
+What a relief their departure was to all! How quiet the fort was now!
+No discharge of cannon night and day; no danger from missiles; no
+distress for water, which had before become serious, and for which
+there was no remedy. The people of the city, who for the most part had
+all retired to the villages at some distance, flocked back, opened
+their shops and secret stores of grain, and all was once more as it had
+been; while the public rejoicings at the victory of the assault and
+the departure of their bitter enemies were splendid, and attended by
+munificent distributions of charity in every portion of the kingdom.
+
+The Queen's first care was for the wall, which was found, as the
+engineer officer of the fort had declared, in a perilous condition, and
+was taken down with difficulty, and not without risk to life. It was
+rebuilt, wherever necessary, from the very foundation. All the mined
+galleries of the Moghuls were traced, and inspected by the Queen in
+person, who could the more perfectly understand, with gratitude for the
+escape, the danger that the fort and all within it had escaped. In the
+guarantee of the dominions of the kingdom, too, she felt an increased
+assurance for the future; and could she only avert the misery arising
+from domestic faction, a terror always present, she might expect a
+peaceful minority, and the respect and sympathy of all surrounding
+kingdoms. Of the Moghuls she had no dread then. The man who had
+originally written to the Prince Moorad to invite his interference was
+detained at Beejapoor, and evinced no disposition for fresh intrigue.
+She therefore caused the young King Bahadur to be crowned again, and
+his further residence at the fort of Chawund was no longer necessary,
+the Queen herself taking charge of him.
+
+It was wonderful to see, too, how rapidly and surely the internal
+administration was reformed--in fact, re-created. The revenue survey
+and assessments that Mullek Umber's great genius had suggested were
+carried on as fast as possible, to the satisfaction of the people, and
+the revenues were collected without unequal pressure, and were ample
+for all expenses of the State, affording, indeed, a large surplus.
+Outwardly, therefore, and to all appearance, the kingdom was at peace.
+
+Nor was there any change in the circumstances of the persons whose
+affairs have supplied the events of this tale. The Bishop and his
+sister, as the country became quiet, were able to make excursions to
+Aurungabad, always a source of gratification. And once the Bishop,
+taking advantage of the return of some cavalry to Beejapoor, visited
+his flock there, and was satisfied at its progress. He found the Queen
+Taj-ool-Nissa the mother of a fine boy; and as she put it into his
+arms, she besought his blessing on the child, which he gave solemnly.
+All his old friends welcomed him; and even the bitter priest had many a
+kind word for the man who, as all believed, had fought valiantly on the
+side of the truth of Islam in the battle of the "Standard of the Veil,"
+for so the defence of the fort against the Moghuls had become known
+among the people of the country.
+
+With the King he had many earnest private conversations in regard to
+the future, which to his view was full of apprehension and danger. "It
+was not that I would not, but that I dare not provoke a war with Prince
+Moorad which would set the whole of the Dekhan in a flame. One by one
+the kingdoms of the north--Guzerat, Malwa, and Khandesh--have fallen.
+The Queen-Mother does not see her danger; but the Nizam Shahis and
+all that belonged to them have ever been treacherous, and she may yet
+rue the hour in which she trusted them. But I know--we all know--her
+heroism and self-devotion, and she will die at her post rather than
+abandon it. And yet, Padré Sahib, if she could be persuaded to leave
+Ahmednugger and come to us she would be received with all our old
+affection and loyalty."
+
+"I will do what I can," was the invariable reply to many such
+conversations; "but your Majesty knows her inflexible and honourable
+nature, and nothing less than being driven from her position would
+induce her to abandon it." I think, however, that had it not been for
+what had transpired in regard to his sister, that the Bishop would
+have been well content to have settled finally at Beejapoor, visiting
+Moodgul and a new mission at Cheetapoor, among the distillers and
+saga makers, which his zealous coadjutor had organised; but there
+was no mention of his sister, nor any invitation from the Queen
+Taj-ool-Nissa, and it was evident that for some time to come Beejapoor
+was no place for her.
+
+Of Osman Beg the Bishop could hear nothing. His father had returned
+from Mecca, and, at first, resided on a small property which he had
+retained; but he had died, and his possessions had lapsed to the State.
+Osman Beg had, it was supposed, joined the Moghul army, but where he
+was serving in its wide empire no one seemed to know or care.
+
+There was no change whatever in the situation of Abbas Khan and Zóra.
+He continued to hold the command of the fort and the troops within
+it, and so long as the Queen lived, or remained there, he determined
+to abide with her. He was not ambitious of employment in civil or
+political affairs, and he had an instinctive dislike and mistrust of
+all the hereditary offices of the Ahmednugger State; of those constant
+petty and vexatious intrigues against each other which seemed to him,
+though peace from without appeared more and more confirmed, to be
+dangerous in their machinations, and which must, ere long, burst into
+open contention. Except this, nothing occurred to disturb the serenity
+of their lives. Their little excursions to villages round about, such
+as Bhatoree and others, to the Royal gardens, and to the pretty little
+country palace, which is known now by the name of "The Happy Valley,"
+all served to pass the time pleasantly; and the Queen Regent had ever
+work for Zóra to do in the drafts of private correspondence which she
+carried on. Zóra, too, was now the mother of a fine boy, and the pride
+of her husband and herself in the thriving, crowing, little fellow
+cannot, I think, be exaggerated. They were lovers in the truest sense
+of the word, cheering and supporting each other: she, a companion to
+him, whose bravery and work had been amply tried; he, to her, the same
+as she had watched over first in the fearful night at Juldroog, which
+had had so deep an influence over their lives. But the political events
+of the time were more and more threatening, and were not to be averted
+either by former treaty or by the wisdom or heroic perseverance of
+the Queen; and the details of the local historian, Ferishta, form a
+melancholy record of the last struggles of the unhappy and distracted
+kingdom. Without entering too much into historical details they may be
+briefly sketched, so as to render Queen Chand's position intelligible.
+
+Retaining Nihung Khan as commander of the forces, as he lacked
+administrative ability, she had appointed Mahomed Khan, an hereditary
+officer of much experience, to the general direction of affairs, and
+for a time all went prosperously. But the ambition of Mahomed Khan
+was not proof against the temptation to increase his power, and he
+confined Nihung Khan, aspiring himself to become Regent, and to deprive
+the Queen of all authority whatever. This the Royal lady resisted,
+and wrote urgently to her nephew, King Ibrahim, to send her such a
+force as would keep the rebellious Minister in check. To no one better
+than Abbas Khan, whose friendship for Nihung Khan was sincere, could
+she entrust this delicate negotiation. The King would hear from him
+the true state and danger of affairs at Ahmednugger; nor would he,
+she knew, be slow to urge, or lack eloquence in urging, the necessity
+of interposing to prevent further pretext for intervention by the
+Moghuls, which was the point most especially to be dreaded. We need
+not describe particulars of this journey to Beejapoor, nor of the
+political discussions there; nor yet of Abbas Khan's happy meeting with
+his uncle and aunt, and many old friends; but he was successful in the
+object of his mission. Soheil Khan was despatched with a sufficient
+force, which arrived at Ahmednugger in safety; but the Beejapoor
+troops found that their entry was opposed by the usurper, but the
+garrison, being faithful, seized him and made him over to the Queen.
+Meanwhile, however, Mahomed Khan had despatched letters to Khan Khanan,
+the Moghul general then in Berar, praying for assistance, as he was
+holding the country in trust for the Emperor of Dehli. Had this been
+discovered at the time, it is hardly possible that the usurper would
+have escaped with his life; but he was spared, Nihung Khan was released
+and appointed to the chief authority, and the Queen's power being
+reestablished, the troops from Beejapoor were dismissed with handsome
+presents and grateful thanks.
+
+The Moghuls, however, as Soheil Khan learned on his way back, had
+occupied districts much to the south of Berar, and he wrote to the King
+of Beejapoor for instructions. The King ordered him to stand fast on
+the Godavery river, and sent a large reinforcement aided by troops from
+Golconda. These allied troops advanced against the Moghuls; but after a
+bloody general engagement, which lasted for two days, victory remained
+with the Moghuls. Now the Queen Chand had sent to the assistance of the
+Beejapoor troops a number of her own for defence against aggression,
+and it is possible this was considered a cause for the new war which
+had commenced so inauspiciously.
+
+Strange as it may appear, Nihung Khan, regardless of danger from
+without, now endeavoured to destroy the power of his benefactress.
+Indeed, he had attained so much local power that, inflated by pride, he
+sent a force to invest the town of Beer, which is situated to the south
+of the river Godavery, and to which the aggressions of the Moghuls
+had extended. He also made an attempt to invade Berar, but both these
+movements being unsupported, failed of effect, and he returned to
+Ahmednugger.
+
+These continued disturbances naturally attracted the attention of the
+Emperor Akbar. His son, the Prince Moorad, had died during their
+continuance, not long, indeed, after the victory over the combined
+forces of Beejapoor; and the Emperor, now determined to prosecute the
+war in person, marched to the south, captured the important fortress of
+Asseergurh, and directed his second son, Prince Daniel Mirza, with Khan
+Khanan, his chief general, to undertake operations against the fort and
+kingdom of Ahmednugger.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+THE SECOND SIEGE OPENS.
+
+
+The political events sketched in the last chapter occupied upwards of
+two years, and bring down the action of this tale and the Queen's life
+to the close of 1598, or commencement of 1599. Nihung Khan, foiled
+in his ill-considered attack on Berar, in which he had been entirely
+unsupported by the allies of Ahmednugger, and out-manoeuvred besides by
+the General Khan Khanan, burned all his heavy baggage on the borders
+of Berar, at the head of the pass he was unable to descend, and fled
+back to Ahmednugger. Here he vainly tried to make terms with the Queen
+and regain his old place. But she refused to admit one to her councils
+who, though a man of high renown, was fatally rash and untrustworthy;
+and having no other place of refuge, he fled the country and was seen
+no more. After their bloody defeat in the Godavery, the Beejapoor and
+Golconda troops made no further attempt to check the advancing enemy;
+and that defeat had, there is no doubt, already decided the fate of the
+Ahmednugger kingdom; and as the monsoon of 1598 broke up, the Emperor
+Akbar ordered the forces under his son Daniel and Khan Khanan to
+advance without delay. With Queen Chand no commander of note remained
+in the field. All the troops on which she could have relied to check
+the enemy's advance were broken and much separated, and to bring them
+together would be a work of labour for which there was no time, and
+neither Beejapoor nor Golconda were in the humour to risk further
+collisions with the Imperial army by an advance. What troops it was
+possible to collect and organise, Abbas Khan, ever steady and faithful,
+collected about the city, and the fort was put in as complete order as
+possible, and provisioned liberally for six months.
+
+To the command of the garrison Humeed Khan was appointed, originally
+a Beejapoor eunuch attached to the Queen's palace for many years. She
+had brought him with her on the last occasion; and, as he had been well
+educated and displayed soldier-like qualities, he had been employed in
+the field, and had on all occasions distinguished himself by valour
+and sagacity. In the first siege of the fort he had been selected
+both by Nihung Khan and Abbas Khan for command of a large portion of
+the garrison; and his valour on the repulse of the attack and in the
+general defence was as valuable as it was remarkable. Nor with these
+antecedents was it at all strange that he should be selected for the
+post he now held, with the approval of all, for he was popular with the
+soldiery; and had succeeded in uniting all in a determination to stand
+by the young King to the last, and defend their fortress to the utmost.
+
+But it was seen and observed by all that a tone and manner of
+despondency possessed the Queen which was new to her character. Her
+only solace seemed to be the boy Bahadur, who, now about five years
+old, returned her affection with tenderness and a child's, loving
+consideration; and as she often strained him passionately to her
+breast, would cry, "Weep not, O grandmother; when I am a man I will
+make all bad men thy slaves; and we will be so happy, and no tears
+shall come again." Yes, the little fellow seemed to be a great solace
+and comfort to her. Not that she put Zóra aside, or Maria, for they
+were her daily companions as before; but she made no new friends,
+and the old ones she felt had their own vocations and cares in life,
+which occupied and interested them more than those of, as she said, a
+worn-out old woman.
+
+Yet it was not so. Never at any period of their lives had Maria or Zóra
+loved her more devotedly or fondly; and the patience and submission
+with which she endured all her vexatious troubles, and the heroism and
+cheerful trust with which she now prepared to meet new perils, gave
+her additional interest in their eyes. To all others she preserved
+her old calm demeanour. She held her durbars as usual. Every point of
+the administration was reviewed and checked as of old; Zóra had her
+appointed private tasks allotted to her, and, with Abbas Khan and his
+officers, every question regarding the completeness for defence and
+organisation of the defenders was discussed with her usual wisdom. But
+in the quiet hours, when business did not occupy her, it was plainly
+visible that anxiety very often cast her down, almost beyond the power
+of raising herself again. At such times, if they asked her why she
+wept, she could not tell them, except that it seemed to her she was
+being drawn away from earth and all she most loved, and so the Lord was
+preparing her for Paradise; and as the present was her true Paradise,
+it grieved her to change it, and so she wept. Before her was a mystery;
+here there was no mystery, only the homage of loving hearts. They
+are wrong, she used to tell them, who prayed for death as a release
+from trouble and suffering. Rather let all live on that life may be
+purified, and the spirit exalted, till God sees fit to take it, as He
+will when He has purified and chastened it. And thus, she said to all,
+she was being prepared, and they were to rejoice when she wept rather
+than sorrow.
+
+How thoughtful was she for them all! She was evidently most anxious for
+Maria. "Thou art more tender of heart," she would say, "than we tough
+Moslems. Thy faith is more tender; and the scenes thou hast endured
+with us here are not fit either for thee or thy brother, and ye must
+leave me till the peril be past. If it pass, and we have peaceful lives
+before us till my boy grows up, thou and thy brother shall roam where
+ye will, and preach as ye will; for who does not love and honour ye?"
+
+It was a bitter parting; but the Queen sent Maria and her brother
+away. A body of men came from Dowlutabad, sent by Mullek Umber to
+escort treasure for the pay of the troops with the Queen; and the Queen
+sent the Bishop and his sister with them to her faithful friend. It
+was the only opportunity there might be for many weeks; and if peace
+ensued, they could at any time return again in a few days. And Maria
+had been absent before, and had returned safely; so Zóra was comforted,
+but not the Queen.
+
+The evening before the small force marched, Maria and the Queen were
+alone together, and the Royal lady, taking Maria's head on her breast,
+said gently, "Thou hast been a true and loving daughter to me, child.
+All the women of my country are feeble and impetuous; but from the
+first even unto the last thou hast been the same. Thou hast borne with
+a weak old woman's waywardness; thou hast put sweet loving thoughts
+into my heart, and told me truths which well up, and teach me mercy.
+And oh, Maria! though I have never mentioned it to thee, how can I
+thank thee for thy conduct at Beejapoor; so gentle, yet so firm. Thou
+dost not know, thou never canst know, how he pleaded with me for thee,
+or what he offered me for thee. And he, too, is loving, and would have
+been kind and faithful to thee; and at first I grieved that it could
+not be. But thou wast right. The Lord vouchsafed wisdom to thee, and
+thou art blessed with that thought, O, my daughter; for when ye meet,
+all will have passed away in peace. He is the father of children now,
+and is happy; though he hath not forgotten her who was a joy to him.
+I would often fain have spoken to thee about that eventful passage in
+thy young life; but these are my last words to thee, and thou wilt not
+forget them."
+
+"Never, never! my more than mother," she returned, sobbing bitterly.
+"And may the Lord grant that we meet again in peace." She would have
+said more, for her heart was full of gratitude; but the Queen said
+gently,--
+
+"It may not be, daughter. My message is coming nearer to me; nearer,
+nearer, day by day, and I am content. Go now, and leave me, with but
+one embrace--the last. I shall think of thee in safety, till the angel
+summons me. Lo!" and she stretched her hand on high, while a smile of
+triumph spread over her features, and her still lustrous eye glowed
+brightly, "Lo! he is near me, even now."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+We have already said there was no force in the field which could
+pretend to check the advance of the powerful army which was now
+approaching by safe and easy stages. The siege train was especially
+powerful and its equipment complete, and the Emperor had sent a large
+body of the famous miners of the northern provinces, who in their
+peculiar vocation were unsurpassed in skill and daring. Khan Khanan,
+who knew the ground perfectly, had determined to risk as few of his
+own troops' lives as possible, and he had already seen proved how
+comparatively easy and how certain it would be to destroy the fort with
+gunpowder.
+
+Osman Beg was in his place as general leader and director of the
+marches, and he had gained the confidence of the commander-in-chief
+with singular adroitness and plausibility. All these intervening years
+the mad craving of his heart for Zóra had never diminished, nay, it
+had fed on its own imaginings. What would she not be now in the full
+possession of her matured beauty? How different to the poor Fakeer's
+daughter of Juldroog, whom he had so madly loved. No one, he believed,
+knew that he belonged to the Moghul forces at all. His name was a
+common one among the bodies of Turcomans who served in the Imperial
+army, and in the first siege he had kept himself aloof from the camp
+and the siege operations. Dom Diego had asked him to command a portion
+of the storming party, and even taunted him with cowardice when he
+refused; but Osman Beg had laughed at the possibility of taking the
+fort as the priest imagined, and he heard of his death without surprise
+and without regret. "Mine shall be a sure game," he thought; "one in
+which the risk will be small and the reward certain. Then I shall gloat
+myself with revenge, and my virtuous cousin shall die at my feet or be
+hurled into the air to feed the vultures. Let but our position become
+securely taken up before the fort, and I will see what Moghul gold may
+not effect within."
+
+The last march was made. The people of the city and its environs,
+warned by previous experience, had deserted their homes for some days,
+and nothing was left in the streets but starving, homeless dogs, who
+howled piteously night and day. There was nothing on the plain but
+the grim old fort and its defences, which the Moghul commander could
+see were in much more complete order than they had previously been.
+The wide esplanade was cleared of every vestige of cover; trees all
+around had been cut down; the defences of the parapets had been newly
+topped with clay; loopholes had been narrowed, and embrasures protected
+by sandbags and gabions. Even the covered way at the crest of the
+counterscarp had been cleared out and fitted for musketeers, and larger
+guns than before mounted in many places on the broad rampart and the
+bastions. The work had been that of months, and Abbas Khan was not one
+who would trust to others to see it performed. He and the Queen had
+passed their days on the ramparts, and during working hours the red
+umbrella of the Queen could be seen by the whole garrison, moving from
+point to point; while at night she went the accustomed rounds in her
+turn, with other officers, generally accompanied by Humeed Khan. So
+far as human means and the science of the time could ensure security,
+Ahmednugger was safe.
+
+And the Moghul commander felt that it was so, and that all the skill
+of his own engineers would be needed to meet the preparations. After
+the first reconnaissance, in which he lost many men from the combined
+fire of the fort and the garrison of the covered way, the trenches were
+carried on by sap as before. But the defenders of the covered way, led
+by brave and enterprising officers, attacked the trenches at night, cut
+off the workmen, and vexed the whole operation until it made very slow
+progress in comparison with what it had done on the first occasion.
+These skirmishes, too, cost the defenders little in comparison with the
+terror they inflicted. The hardy Mahratta Mawalees, from the western
+ghauts, who afterwards became so famous under Sivagee, fell on the
+enemy with their national shouts of "Hur! Hur! Mahadeo!" sword in hand,
+and seemed insensible to danger. Showers of arrows were shot into the
+trenches, and if pursued by the Moghuls, the lightly equipped Mahrattas
+ran back into their galleries, and crossed into the ditch and fort by
+the sally ports which had been opened. As yet no attempt had been made
+upon the defences of the fort, and the garrison grew more confident
+even than before. The siege did not progress, and the young Prince
+Daniel and Khan Khanan grew impatient, for they well knew if there were
+the least sign of failure the Beejapoor and Golconda armies would be
+again in motion.
+
+One of the chief leaders of these daring night attacks was a young
+Mahratta chief, one of the Sirkay family, who, with his cousin
+Peelagee, were hereditary officers of the Nizam Shahy kingdom, and
+had brought their own retainers to the defence of the fort. Both were
+famed for personal valour of no ordinary kind, and the Sirkay Mawalees
+had established a reputation for boldness in their peculiar manner of
+attack, which had gained them deserved fame. Their post was in the
+covered way in the south-east angle of the ditch, which enabled them
+to make flank attacks which were most annoying to the enemy; and this
+being part of the particular command of Humeed Khan, he had several
+times brought them to the Queen's notice, and had them rewarded by
+rings and anklets of gold, and other valuable gifts. As if to vex
+Abbas Khan, with whom he had had some slight difference, he said to
+Sirkay one evening, "Let me come with ye to-night, and witness what ye
+let Abbas Khan share in, but not me." So it was arranged, and taking
+as few of his followers as possible, Humeed Khan went to the post at
+night, and, led by Sirkay, the Mawalees were soon on the crest of
+the glacis, crouching like wild animals, to watch their opportunity.
+That night, however, the breaches seemed deserted. The men had been
+withdrawn, probably expecting an attack; and Sirkay would have
+returned, but Humeed said, laughing, "As we are here, we may as well
+see for ourselves what is doing, and whether the general is mining, as
+I shrewdly suspect he is."
+
+So they proceeded warily and cautiously, leaving the men behind; but,
+on turning the angle of a trench, a party of men burst upon them
+and secured them. Both gave themselves up for lost, for under such
+circumstances life was little worth; but, instead of putting them to
+death, they were taken roughly to an officer who sat near a covered
+way, which some men by the light of torches were driving on. It had
+been Osman Beg's turn of duty that night in the trenches, and he had
+taken up as secure a position as possible; and he recognised Humeed
+Khan in an instant, who at once saluted him wonderingly.
+
+"Dost thou know that I could behead thee at once as a spy?" said Osman
+Beg.
+
+"I know it," returned the other; "and there would be one man in
+Ahmednugger the less, that is all. Nor would Abbas Khan, perhaps, be
+sorry to lose me."
+
+"Then ye are enemies?"
+
+"Not so, openly; but he hates me. He it is who hath vexed ye with
+sallies; and as I would not be sent on one by him, I have come myself
+to-night."
+
+"And the Queen?"
+
+"She is much what you remember her, but, methinks, weary of the war.
+She would like to get safe to Joonair, and give up the place. She does
+not say this openly, but that is in her heart."
+
+"We shall take it from her, brother."
+
+"Never," replied Humeed Khan. "She will perish in the ruins, but she
+will never yield."
+
+"And Abbas Khan?"
+
+"You know what he is, Meeah, only prouder and haughtier than he was;
+and he will never leave the Queen."
+
+"And his wife, Zóra? Dost thou see her?"
+
+"I see her, Meeah! She is more beautiful than ever she was; and he
+dotes on her like a fool."
+
+"I owe him revenge for what happened at Juldroog, and for what happened
+in the Palace."
+
+"And thou sayest she is thy wife. What wouldst thou give me for her?"
+
+"I have little to give; but hark! ere we part. Give me the fort by any
+means thou wilt, and we may both be rich and free. Canst thou come
+again?"
+
+"Not as I have done to-night; but I may be able to send a message. Now
+let me escape, and pretend to pursue me;" and Humeed Khan dashed on
+at his utmost speed, striking down one of the men who had held Sirkay
+apart. Sirkay shook himself free of the other, narrowly escaping a
+sword cut, and they soon rejoined the men they had left behind, who
+fired a volley of arrows to check the pursuers, and made their way into
+the fort.
+
+"That was a narrow chance, my friend," said Humeed Khan, when he had
+regained his breath; "but the fellow was too busy asking me questions
+to see that his men held me fast. But they seemed half asleep, and I
+watched my opportunity to shake myself free."
+
+"I had given up hope, my lord," was Sirkay's reply; "and I have to
+thank you for your part in my escape. We must be more cautious in
+future."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+THE LAST TRAGEDY.
+
+
+The eunuch reflected deeply on the strange adventures of the night. He
+had known Osman Beg from boyhood, when he was the companion of Abbas
+Khan. He knew the story of Abbas Khan's love for Zóra, and was present
+at Osman Beg's trial before the durbar at Beejapoor, when Osman Beg was
+banished, and it was strange that he should meet him again under such
+circumstances. But he was not surprised that his hate for his cousin
+continued in all its bitter virulence. The eunuch had been jealous
+of Abbas Khan from the first, and he was now compelled to bear his
+authority and submit to his directions; and such jealousy soon turns
+to hate. He might make his own terms, perhaps, through Osman Beg, with
+the Moghul general about the fort. Its possession would be an immense
+assistance to the Emperor's plans, and its betrayal would be richly
+rewarded. As to the Queen, he hated her because she had placed him in
+a subordinate position under her minion; and what would it signify
+what became of her? She was out of place now. There would be no great
+difficulty in communicating with Osman Beg, and he trusted to his good
+luck to carry on the intercourse that had been so strangely begun.
+
+At his morning audience of the Queen the eunuch detailed the events of
+the night, which were entirely corroborated by Sirkay. Both the Queen
+and Abbas Khan, while they rebuked them for rashness, none the less
+praised them for their act of valour; and the eunuch gave his opinion
+that what he had seen was either the head of a new mine, or a shaft
+into one which had been begun at a greater distance; and this was what
+Abbas Khan dreaded. This was no noisy siege. On the contrary, the
+silence was often oppressive; and the hum of thousands which filled
+the enemy's camp, the boom of kettledrums, and the music which played
+before the Royal pavilion, were for the most part the only sounds heard
+from without; while from within there was nothing to fire at, and the
+large stone shots from the mortars, which were dropped at random in the
+direction of the enemy's camp, were frequently the only shots fired by
+the gunners of the fort. It appeared to the soldiers of the garrison
+as if the enemy were afraid to attack the fort as they had done on the
+first occasion, and their vaunting and self-confidence were unbounded.
+Whenever the Queen went abroad on her usual rounds on the walls, she
+was met with assertions that the enemy were afraid; that the Moghuls
+would some day abandon their fortress and march back as they came. But,
+though she did not undeceive them, she became more and more anxious;
+and, on his part, Abbas Khan well remembered what Khan Khanan had
+impressed upon him at his interview with the Prince Moorad regarding
+the first treaty, that if the siege were renewed, it would be by mines
+under the fort itself, which would be destroyed with all it held; and
+that this operation was now in progress there could be little doubt.
+
+Alas! there was now no friendly voice to give them warning, as before,
+of existing danger, and implore them not to make a useless sacrifice of
+their lives. The proceedings were of the stern character of the eminent
+soldier who directed them, who never knew sympathy for an enemy who
+defied him.
+
+How often Abbas Khan besought the Queen, even with tears, to save
+herself and the King. It might be done; he felt assured that no
+enterprise would be more welcome to the Mahratta Mawallees than
+to carry her with them in a night sortie, and to conduct them by
+bye-paths, and after their own fashion, to Joonair. Then it mattered
+little what became of the fort. Those who remained could make terms,
+and, in the western fastnesses, the King would be safe against all
+attacks from without, and could rest securely till happier times. "As
+to all you would leave behind, we should be in the hands of the Lord,"
+he pleaded; "for as soon as you and the boy were gone, we might hold
+out for a time as a point of honour, and make terms by which every life
+would be saved. As to the treasure, let it perish, mother, if I could
+not, as I might, offer a ransom for the fort. I say, let it perish.
+Is there not enough for all in Chawund and Joonair to suffice for many
+years?"
+
+Thus, day by day, he pleaded, but still she would not listen. It seemed
+to her a dishonourable act to desert those who had stood by her with
+such valour and devotion all through her trials. What care or wish had
+she for life, except with honour? What would be said of her, but that
+the Queen who had fought the fearful "Battle of the Veil" had absconded
+secretly from her people at night to save her own life, leaving all to
+perish! No! if death were nigh, let it come to her there; she should be
+blessed.
+
+But there was restlessness in her mind which she could not overcome.
+Zóra felt she had no longer power over her. She, too, had implored her
+Royal mistress to save herself and the boy she now loved; and the boy's
+mother, feeling that with the Queen he would be safe, had besought
+Queen Chand not to think of her, whom no one would molest by herself,
+and to carry him away to Joonair, which, against all attacks from
+without, was impregnable. But, as we have said, the Queen's mind was
+restless. She felt unable to decide on any course, and many arguments
+on both sides impelled her first in one direction then, in another,
+which were alike impossible to her on further thought; and she had only
+to go out among the garrison to hear the old war cries of Beejapoor,
+and her own country, to feel that she was yet a Queen, and, before God,
+responsible for all, and no steps were taken either for flight with the
+Mawallees, or to obtain terms from the Moghuls.
+
+During this period Osman Beg had not been idle. He had contrived to see
+the eunuch many times at night; and, after the first chance interview
+with him, he had gone boldly to Khan Khanan, and had privately
+communicated to him that he had an old Beejapoor friend in the fort,
+who was, in fact, its commander, and that, if he were authorised, he
+could enter into negotiations with him for its betrayal, or its capture
+by surprise. Khan Khanan felt no scruple as to the means of attaining
+possession of a place which had already cost him so dear, and the
+capture of which by siege would probably extend so long; and the miners
+were already complaining of the hardness of the ground in the mines on
+which they most relied, which were to be sprung inside the walls, and
+not without much risk and difficulty. Humeed Khan was brought to him
+once, at night. Khan Khanan was then assured of the perfect condition
+of the fort, the high spirits of the garrison, and the inflexible
+determination of Abbas Khan to defend the place to the last extremity.
+"He is searching for mines daily," said the eunuch, "and should one be
+discovered, your whole work would be checked indefinitely."
+
+"The difficulty, then, lies with the Queen and Abbas Khan," said the
+general.
+
+"It does," replied the eunuch; "but it is not insurmountable; and
+I know for certain that if they are offered honourable terms of
+capitulation, and permission to remove all property from the fort,
+except guns and arms, they would agree to them."
+
+"That would be impossible," said the general; "we have the game in
+our own hands, and we are ready to play it out. What is a month, or
+even more, to us? To them it is life or death. Were they to propose
+terms, indeed, it would be very different; but I know nothing less
+than unconditional surrender would satisfy the Emperor, and I am not
+prepared to modify that. I suppose," he added with a sneer, "your
+valiant Dekhanies would not give up their arms."
+
+"They would not," said the eunuch; "and no one dare propose that to
+them."
+
+"Not even the Queen?"
+
+"Not even she. Her life would be the instant forfeit."
+
+"Now," continued the general, grimly, "suppose that such a report were
+spread as would raise a tumult among your Dekhanies. We might take
+advantage of it."
+
+"You might, my lord."
+
+"And we should be successful?"
+
+"That I cannot answer for. It would depend upon yourselves."
+
+"Not entirely, sir. You who command the Dekhanies might persuade them
+to be neutral; to--to--in fact to throw themselves on the Royal
+clemency. And suppose I assured you personally two lakhs of rupees for
+the service, and through you all arrears of pay to your party, would
+that suffice?"
+
+"Take it, friend," said Osman Beg. "My lord will give the amount in
+bills on Dehly or Guzerat, unless thou wait the issue and receive it
+here in cash. Thou canst not carry away the coin, and we cannot send
+it."
+
+"I am content," said the eunuch, "for the service I shall render to the
+Emperor, whose name be honoured, to receive whatever may be given of
+his own gracious bounty."
+
+"And remember," said the general, "that I have nothing to do with the
+results if the Dekhanies rise in mutiny. All that rests with them and
+you."
+
+"I take the responsibility, my lord. I wish only for peace."
+
+"You have forgotten me, Humeed Khan," said Osman Beg angrily, as they
+left the tent.
+
+"Not so, friend," said the eunuch. "What I purpose will cause much
+confusion. The gallery of the counterscarp will be deserted, and thou
+knowest the way into the sally ports. Who will distinguish friends
+from enemies? Thou must do thy part, and I shall be able to aid thee.
+Fear not, one who desires a fair woman must needs do something to get
+her. More I cannot say; be ready on my signal, and join me. There will
+be enough of screaming women, and who will heed if one among them is
+carried away in a blanket? Surely thou hast some of thy old dare
+devils to help thee. If not, give up the girl."
+
+"I cannot, and will not; she is my fate," returned Osman Beg, moodily;
+and for the time they separated.
+
+For several days Abbas Khan had been diligent in his search for mines.
+Shafts had been sunk, and one was at last discovered which led directly
+under the palace. It was not loaded, and no one was guarding it; but
+the chamber was ready, and it could have been charged at any time.
+Abbas Khan, and some others with him, explored it; and, covered with
+dust and dirt as he was, he went direct to the Queen to tell her of it.
+"It will be destroyed," he said; "and even now the masons are at work
+building up the gallery with stones. But who can say, Mother, how many
+more there may be, or where they are? I have ordered cross cuttings to
+be carried on; but the ground is nearly rock, and the Moghul miners
+have skilfully followed a soft vein which they discovered, and have
+never quitted. Mother! Mother! hear my last prayer to thee. Arise, and
+flee the place with the boy. When night falls, I will be with ye and
+guide ye forth."
+
+"And leave ye all behind to perish? I cannot do it!" said the noble
+Queen, with a calm, serene expression on her countenance; "but if all
+could be saved, I should be grateful. I have thought over the subject
+night and day since it was broken between us, and this is my final
+determination. I am prepared for death if it should come, but not for
+flight, and, to my perception, dishonour. Go, see to the mine; trace
+others if it be possible, and to-morrow I will save all if I can. And,"
+she added, with a confident smile, "I think I shall be successful.
+There is no dishonour in what the Lord hath put into my mind, and all
+our dear ones may be happy. Where is Zóra? Does she know of the mine?"
+
+"No," he said, "and I will not tell her, since that danger is past."
+
+"Then send her to me, Meeah; I would speak with her;" and he went out.
+
+The Queen was alone in her private chamber, musing over what she
+purported to do. She would address the Prince Daniel himself, laying
+before him her desire to prevent the sacrifice of life, and offering
+him possession of the fort and all public property, on the condition
+that the garrison should march out with the honours of war.
+
+Zóra entered as the Queen had reviewed all this in her mind, and her
+mistress could not help being struck with her unusual beauty and
+brightness. Her hair had escaped, and hung in massive waves about
+her shoulders; her cheeks were glowing, and her eyes sparkling with
+excitement.
+
+"Oh, we have had such fun, mother; the children have been romping
+together, and I and some of the girls were as mad as any of them. I
+would thou hadst been there. But why art thou so grave: there is no bad
+news?"
+
+"I have a grave task to do, daughter," she replied. "Get thy writing
+materials, and I will dictate. Thou canst be trusted; but I fear the
+secretaries, and what I tell thee must be secret till all know it." And
+Zóra wrote.
+
+"And now read it all over to me again, child. While it was in my mind
+the purport seemed uncertain; but now that it is on paper, methinks it
+is clear enough." And when Zóra had read the paper, which was only a
+few short paragraphs, the Queen bade her make a fair copy.
+
+"What should I do without thee, darling?" she said. "Now go and play
+with the children again; but be within call."
+
+"Is Humeed Khan without?" asked the Queen of an attendant eunuch. "If
+so, tell him I wish to speak with him;" and he entered soon after, and
+sat down, making his usual salutation.
+
+"And the mine hath been discovered," said the Queen, "under the very
+palace. Hast thou heard of it?"
+
+"I have," he said. "It was dangerous; but Abbas Khan has already
+prevented mischief, and is searching for others."
+
+"And the garrison; what said they?"
+
+"There was some excitement at first, but it has subsided. All they
+cried was that they would defend the fort to the last, and you should
+lead them to victory, as you did when they followed the Standard of the
+Veil."
+
+"Ah!" said the Queen, with a sigh, "those were different times. Many
+were with me then who have since become traitors, and done the State
+irreparable injury. I have, I know, many faithful about me, but can I
+trust all?"
+
+For an instant Humeed Khan thought that the remark was made for him,
+and the blood rushed to his dark face, almost causing it to glow. But
+the Queen continued--
+
+"As I was musing upon this, Khan, it occurred to me to write a draft
+of a proposal to the Prince, to allow all here to pass free with their
+effects, and to give up the fort, which appears no longer tenable, to
+him, on behalf of his father. And we would fain have your opinion, as
+that of one of the most faithful of our officers, wise in counsel and
+brave in action. Read this draft, which no one but myself knows of,
+except her who wrote it fairly for me, and give thy opinion freely. I
+would save life if I can, and this appears to me the only course to
+pursue. Those who know me, even my enemies, will not charge me with any
+other motive."
+
+Humeed Khan took the paper with a reverential gesture, and carefully
+perused it. As he read it he could hardly conceal his exultation and
+agitation. What it would have taken me days, nay weeks, to effect, he
+thought, she has done with her own hand, and of her own device. Surely
+now her time is come. Let her perish.
+
+"It will be dangerous, lady," he said, with an affected calmness. "In
+their present temper the Dekhanies are not safe, and the last thing
+they think of is surrender. If they were to mutiny, who could stay
+them?"
+
+But the Queen shook her head. "They know me and have trusted me, and I
+know them and trust them now. Believe me, when they know all, they will
+be satisfied I have done the best; but if--"
+
+"I hear some voices without," he said, hurriedly, interrupting her.
+"Perhaps another mine has been discovered; perhaps----, but your slave
+will return immediately." And he hastily quitted the room.
+
+The Queen could hear no voices then without, and she sat thinking on
+what she had heard. There was danger, then, even from within; and those
+on whom she most relied might indeed, if excited, be her worst enemies.
+"If it be so," she said to herself, "I need not send this letter; but
+meet death here, or do as Meeah wishes me. And yet, no. Not that--not
+that; better death than flight!"
+
+Suddenly a loud tumult of voices arose, and seemed to be approaching
+the palace by the plain in front. "It is this he heard," she said, and
+waited, with her heart throbbing. "They come close now."
+
+It was Humeed Khan who had rushed out, as he left the Queen, into the
+great square where soldiers were exercising, and casting his turban
+on the ground, took up handfuls of dust, flinging it into the air, and
+crying, "Ye are betrayed! ye are betrayed, brothers! The Queen Chand is
+in treaty for the surrender of the fort! Deen, deen! She is not fit to
+live. Deen, deen! Follow me to her presence!" And he fired the rocket
+which was always ready for signals at the entrance.
+
+There was no hesitation. At once, and with infuriated cries of
+"Treachery! treachery!" the mass surged into the great hall of audience
+with drawn swords, crying, "Where is the Queen? Cut her to pieces!"
+
+The Queen had not moved except to rise from her seat, and she stood
+with her lips parted and her eyes distended with an absent fascination.
+How often in her life had a word from her quelled the wildest
+tumult--how often had her excitable people calmed down; but now? And
+yet for a moment the foremost were awed by the presence all had loved
+and venerated; but only for a moment. Humeed Khan, with a vile oath,
+rushed on and cut furiously at her with his sword, and others followed
+his example.
+
+The noble woman fell covered with desperate wounds, but she still
+breathed; and Zóra, who had been at first appalled by the tumult,
+caught up her child in her arms, gave him to his nurse, and rushed to
+her beloved mistress's side. One ruffian would have struck her; but
+another said, "It is Abbas Khan's wife; let her be."
+
+She raised the Queen's head and tried to give her water from the vessel
+which always stood at her side, but the Queen put her hand aside
+gently, and smiled. "This is death, my child. I hear--I hear--the
+angel--call," she gasped. "Lord!--I come;" and murmuring the Belief her
+head sank, and with a last sigh she breathed no more. The noble Queen's
+spirit was gone for ever.
+
+Just then a number of other men rushed into the small apartment with
+their faces tied up, and in a moment Zóra found herself covered by a
+blanket and borne away among the crowd which was roaming through the
+palace, plundering all that could be found. She screamed, but what
+voice could be heard in that tumult? for there were thousands there,
+and still others swarmed into the great hall; but rescue was at hand.
+
+Abbas Khan, when he had left the Queen, went back to the shaft of the
+mine; but as the workmen told him there was nothing more to be done
+at present but to continue the work that had been begun, he sat there
+encouraging the miners, and a number of his own guards, his faithful
+Beejapoor men, gathered about him. He heard the first shouts of the
+tumult, and all ran to the wall thinking there might be a sudden
+assault, but a man ran up, and cried, "To the palace! to the palace!
+The Queen is attacked!" and, led by their master, the whole body ran
+thither at their utmost speed. It needed but a glance to see what had
+taken place.
+
+"Who did this?" cried Abbas Khan. "What vile traitor did this foul
+deed?"
+
+"Humeed Khan," said a eunuch boy, who was sitting by the body of the
+Queen, weeping; "I saw him strike her first. And they have taken away
+Zóra-bee, and little Meeah is crying. Bring her back."
+
+It hardly needed these words to urge the Khan on. Near the entrance of
+the audience hall he saw something covered with black being carried
+along, and the mass of his powerful men charging through the crowd soon
+came up with it. Osman Beg's covering had fallen from his face, but
+he did not see his cousin at first, nor till he was suddenly pulled
+back did he think he would be recognised; but he immediately attacked
+Abbas Khan with his sword. Neither spoke a word, but the ruffian had no
+chance of life, and lay dead at his cousin's feet almost before he had
+realised his presence.
+
+"My poor darling," said the Khan, as he released Zóra from her bonds,
+"this is no place for thee. Go to Meeah. But thou art safe--blessed be
+Alla, thou art safe!" Truly it was no place for her. The floor around
+was a pool of blood, and the bodies of some strangers, among whom were
+several negro slaves, lay there in ghastly death with their master.
+Zóra cast one shuddering glance on the horrible group, and, covering
+her face, hurried back to her child, trembling and terror-stricken.
+
+Meanwhile Yasin, with another body of the guard, had found Humeed Khan
+hiding in an ante-room, and brought him, with his arms tied together at
+his back, to the spot where Abbas Khan stood. "He did it! He did it!"
+cried a thousand voices. "Let him die!"
+
+"Thou art not worthy of a soldier's death," said Abbas Khan, "but of a
+felon's. Yet, if thou wilt, say why thou didst this foul crime? What
+had she done to thee, who was thy benefactress for years?"
+
+"It matters not why I did it," was the sullen reply. "I did it, and rid
+the world of one who had vexed it too long;" and he spoke no more. Then
+some men, taking him up, put a noose round his neck, and, throwing the
+end of the rope over the branch of a tree, left him to wrestle out his
+life in the air.
+
+By this time the rest of the Abyssinians, the Arabs, and other
+foreigners, had assembled in the square, and the majority of the
+Dekhanies, who were deploring the Queen's murder with passionate
+weeping, separated quietly, crying to Abbas Khan to lead them against
+the Moghuls, for they were true to their King, of whom he was now the
+only protector.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+By the time Abbas Khan could reach the room to which the body of the
+murdered Queen had been taken, it had been laid out with the usual
+formalities. He could have done nothing there, and it was necessary
+for him to satisfy himself that no deep-laid treachery or disaffection
+was at work. And of these there appeared no traces. All the leaders of
+Dekhany parties came forward and made their salutations, as usual, and
+the men crowded round him with professions of attachment and devotion,
+which left no cause for doubt that the dreadful act that had been
+committed was one of sudden frenzy, enacted by the eunuch, whom he had
+long suspected, though undefinably, of sinister designs. He was a man
+in whom the Queen had reposed as great confidence as in himself; and to
+breathe idle suspicion to her would have been only to excite suspicion
+of himself, and he had not attempted to do so; but since the flight
+of Nihung Khan, the eunuch's manner had been changed, and the former
+unreserved confidence that had existed no longer continued at heart,
+though outwardly the two men were apparently as cordial as ever.
+
+Satisfied that all was tranquil, and that the fort and garrison had
+subsided into their usual calm, Abbas Khan returned to the palace, and
+reverently visited the remains of his beloved mistress and mother, for
+he had always looked on her in the place of one; and as such, and his
+Queen, paid her reverence. Outside, in the hall of audience, and in
+the ante-chamber of the room in which she lay, were Moollas, reading
+and chanting the stated portions of the Korán. Incense was burning,
+and its smoke hung about the clustered pillars, niches, and fretted
+ceilings; and within, the women and eunuchs of the household were
+wailing, moaning, and occasionally breaking into passionate cries and
+adjurations. Zóra and the young mother of the boy King were sitting at
+the head of the Queen, with their faces covered, and heads bowed down,
+wailing like the rest; and as Zóra looked up, her husband saw her face
+and eyes swollen with weeping, and full of unutterable woe. She could
+not speak, and longed to throw herself into his arms. But that was not
+the place for such an action, and she remained kneeling.
+
+Nor could Abbas Khan say more than the usual salutation to the dead.
+"Peace be with thee, and the blessing of the Lord," and burst into an
+almost uncontrollable passion of weeping. All the majesty, all the
+heroism, all the benevolence, all the political ability of the noble
+woman lying there, in the last sleep of death, surged up to his memory,
+mingled with tender thoughts of her loving kindness, her bearing with
+all his waywardness from boyhood; and now a traitors sword had closed
+that noble life, without a warning or a suspicion.
+
+The Queen's face was not changed, except to wear the expression of
+a glorious death. A soft smile, as if of peace in the last supreme
+moment, lingered on her lips; and though her poor slight body was
+covered with wounds, the face had escaped mutilation, and had become
+more beautiful, if possible, in death than in life. Who could forget
+it? and long they gazed and watched. Who ever would forget it? Zóra
+would fain have had him stay, for she needed comfort; but with a few
+soothing words he said, "I must not sleep to-night, darling; but watch,
+too, over ye all, as is my duty. It may be that the enemy may be
+unquiet, and the people need all my vigilance." Then he took up his boy
+and kissed him, and blessed them both.
+
+At the earliest dawn he was with the mourners again, and what remained
+of the Noble Queen was reverently taken up and carried to a little
+private cemetery in an angle of the fort, and there laid in the earth.
+Abbas Khan had sent a flag of truce to the Moghul trenches to say
+that unshotted guns would be fired for the Queen; and the salvoes of
+artillery which mingled with the chants of the Moollas and the wailings
+of the people, who crowded every point from which the last procession
+could be seen, were not noticed; while during the day a letter of
+condolence, in the name of the young King, was sent by the Prince
+Daniel, an act of unexpected courtesy.
+
+We cannot linger on the sadness that fell over all. Under such
+circumstances a public calamity has greater effect than at any other;
+and sadly were the noble lady's cheering smile and hearty words of
+encouragement missed by all to whom they had become familiar. What
+was Abbas Khan to do? Who was to undertake the Regency on behalf of
+the young King? Zóra entreated her husband not to do so. Then, too,
+Ahmednugger was severed, and she longed for a peaceful existence at
+Beejapoor. Her life had been one of continual alarm, danger, treachery,
+and war, and still danger most imminent surrounded them; and yet she
+could not counsel flight.
+
+The suspense was not of long duration, and after consultation with the
+officers of the fort, it had been determined to send a flag of truce
+into the Royal camp--not to write--to ascertain what terms would be
+given for the surrender of the fort, and the conveyance of the young
+King to Joonair. But the proposal was never made. Encouraged by the
+death of the Queen, and convinced that the garrison had lost heart,
+Khan Khanan redoubled his exertions, and though the great mine was
+disabled, yet those in the counterscarp and under the ramparts, five in
+all, were ready, and were loaded during that day and the next.
+
+On the day following, masses of the Moghul troops were seen from the
+cavalier to be marching upon the fort, and taking up new positions
+during the morning. It seemed as though new ground was to be broken to
+the east and north; or a feint made to cover some operation outside.
+A few shots were fired at them, but they were too distant to have any
+effect. The movement was, however, a feint, and a successful one,
+for under cover of it the enemy had lodged a heavy mass of infantry
+as a storming party in the trenches, and soon after midday, at the
+hottest period, the mines in the counterscarp and rampart were fired
+simultaneously; and the effect was so sudden and so unlooked for, that
+the enemy made his way into the ditch and up the breach, now a wide and
+easy one, without much loss and without check, and a scene of massacre
+ensued which we have no need to describe.
+
+Abbas Khan had been sitting on the rampart, watching with several of
+his men, when the mine nearest them was sprung, hurling the guard of
+one of the smaller bastions into the air, when he felt himself struck
+with a large piece of stone, and remembered no more. Some of his men
+took him up at once, and led by the faithful Yasin, carried him to his
+apartments in the palace, and laid him down. But he still breathed, and
+Zóra, who knelt by him, could see no blood; and through the terror of
+assault, and the shouts and shrieks of the combat at the breach, she
+continued to bathe his face and hands with water, and to rouse him to
+consciousness. But nearer and nearer grew the tumult, spreading on all
+sides; and, expecting momentary death, she knelt with her boy beside
+his father's body and said the last prayers of the dying. While she
+was thus employed a Rajpoot officer of rank, accompanied by a crowd
+of men, rushed in pell-mell with uplifted swords, but their commander
+restrained them; and Zóra, seeing his action, fell at his feet,
+beseeching her husband's life.
+
+"My name is Bénee Singh," he said, "and I have led the assault. To me
+and my Rajpoots is committed the charge of all the treasure of the fort
+and the command of the palace, and we have orders to spare those we
+find and to protect the young King. Direct us to him, and I will leave
+some men to guard you and yours. Do not fear, you are safe; and we bear
+no enmity to wounded and helpless men. See to him, Hurpul Singh," he
+continued to a sub-officer; "let him not be disturbed, or the lady; and
+keep people out--perhaps he is dying."
+
+But Abbas Khan was not dying. He had only been struck senseless by
+the blow of the stone; and after a while, to the infinite joy and
+thankfulness of his wife, he opened his eyes, and would have stretched
+out his arms to her, but one--his left--was powerless.
+
+"What has happened, Zóra?" he said. "Why am I here? And who are these
+men?"
+
+"Be still," she said, gently. "Thou art safe, and the child is safe;
+but the fort is taken by the mines. Dost thou not hear the tumult
+without?"
+
+"And I was not with them to strike a blow in our defence! O cruel
+fate!" And he tried to raise his arm again, but it fell back.
+
+"Be content, my lord," said the man called Hurpul, "It was your luck
+the first time, it is ours now; and we have won. Even now the gates
+are wide open, and masses of men are entering. Presently the Prince
+and Khan Khanan will come, and a salute will be fired. But is thy arm
+broken? Let me see. No," he continued, "it is sound, but the bruise
+is a bad one; and thou art as helpless as a child. Thank God for thy
+life as thy lady doth. Get her to make a fomentation of meem leaves and
+turmeric and thou wilt be relieved. When the Khan Khanan comes I will
+bring him hither."
+
+Zóra hid herself when the great general came in soon afterwards, and
+spoke kindly to her husband. "I have not forgotten thee, Abbas Khan.
+From the time the treaty was executed I have wished thou wert among us,
+as friends of Beejapoor, rather than these faithless, fickle murderers;
+and thou might be so yet. Thou hast held the command here?"
+
+"Yes, my lord," returned the Khan, "since Nihung Khan, the Abyssinian,
+fled. After his defeat by you I have had to do my duty."
+
+"Well, I cannot stay, sir, now, but will come to you hereafter. I have
+ordered apartments for you and your household in the palace, close to
+the city, where you will be removed this evening, and promise that all
+your private property shall be sent after you. The eunuchs will, no
+doubt, know what it is."
+
+That evening, in closed palanquins, Abbas Khan and his wife, the
+boy King and his mother, were removed to the convenient and elegant
+structure we have mentioned, which has been converted now into an
+English residence. The cool, pure, untainted air, and the pleasant
+shady garden, soon effected Abbas Khan's recovery from the dangerous
+and painful contusions he had received, and all he now desired and
+besought from the Prince and his general, who came frequently to
+converse with him, was permission to depart with his effects to
+Beejapoor. Both the Prince and Khan Khanan had been greatly struck
+by his ability and intelligence, and would fain have had him enter
+the Moghul army, and assume a high command, but he respectfully
+declined the honour. His estates in Beejapoor, with Zóra's, were very
+considerable. The Queen had much enriched him, and all the contents
+of his private treasury in the fort had been scrupulously made over
+to him. He had afforded all the information possible as regarded the
+State affairs, and he and Zóra had visited the humble grave of their
+beloved mistress to perform some necessary ceremonies there; but Zóra
+could never enter the palace; from her mind the visions of blood and
+slaughter it brought back would require many years to efface.
+
+So, when a suitable opportunity offered, Abbas Khan and his family,
+accompanied by all his retainers who had escaped the siege, set out
+for Beejapoor, travelling by the route by which they had come, past
+Nuldroog and Almella, where they were welcomed with joy. We may
+imagine, too, with what hearty rejoicing his uncle and the Lady Fatima
+welcomed their long absent ones, and with what profuse entertainments
+the little Meeah, now a sturdy little fellow, was inducted into the
+general heirship of the house. But Abbas Khan's most impressive
+reception was from his King, who, grateful for his devotion to Queen
+Chand, received him in a grand durbar, and raised him to the highest
+rank of nobility, and conferred upon him other substantial proofs of
+his gratitude. Not long afterwards, Dilawar Khan, Viceroy of Moodgul,
+whose health had failed, gave up his viceroyalty and military command,
+and, to his wife's infinite delight, Abbas Khan accepted both with
+gratitude.
+
+Before Abbas Khan had been allowed to leave Ahmednugger, the boy King,
+Bahadur Nizam Shah, with his mother and other female relatives, had
+been taken away as prisoners, and were confined in the fortress of
+Gwalior. All the treasures and regalia of the kingdom were confiscated
+and removed thither with him. Thenceforth the greatest portion of the
+kingdom was annexed to the Moghul empire; but for some years after,
+the remainder, up to the frontiers of Golconda and Beejapoor, was ruled
+over by Mullek Umber, on behalf of a descendant of the Royal family,
+who was crowned under the title of Moortuza Nizam Shah, but the family
+finally became extinct about the year 1607.
+
+The Bishop and Maria were miserable until they heard the real facts of
+the capture of Ahmednugger. The Queen's murder had been repeated with
+endless exaggeration, and Abbas Khan was said to have perished with
+her, or in the last assault; while of Zóra nothing was known, but it
+was believed she had been carried away into captivity. Still they had
+hope, and Mullek Umber bid them hope, and despatched a trusty messenger
+to the city, who soon found out Abbas Khan and his wife, and brought
+letters from them. "We are safe," Zóra wrote to Maria, "and are going
+to Beejapoor. You must come too, and live together again." But the
+country was hardly safe yet for travelling, and they were detained till
+Mullek Umber could send them to Nuldroog by the way they had come. At
+Beejapoor they found that Abbas Khan and Zóra were already established
+at Moodgul, and after a short stay at the capital, they proceeded to
+their destination. The Bishop had applied to the King for a letter to
+Goa, in relation to the wealth of Dom Diego, and it was satisfactory
+to the worthy man that the affair had been arranged by the banker, and
+that the Church was the richer by several lakhs of rupees.
+
+How thankful and how happy they all were. Nor was it long before Maria
+and Zóra revisited the scene of their first meeting. The old house
+was cleaned out for them and purified, and their first excursion from
+Moodgul was to that well-remembered place. Even the Lady Keysama was
+not above meeting the Lady Zóra Khanum, and they talked over bygone
+events with interest. As to Runga Naik and Burma, they were beside
+themselves with joy; insisting that the ladies should see the cataract
+from the palace at the top of the fort; that Zóra should revisit the
+fearful scene of her abduction and escape; and she pointed out, with
+eyes swimming in tears, where she had been confined, and how delivered.
+"Your slave only regretted that he did not go in and slay that vile
+ruffian in his sleep," said Burma Naik; "but the Lord reserved him for
+your hand, Meeah, and we rejoice that he died at your feet like a dog."
+This, however, was a subject which the Khan rarely alluded to, and the
+Beydur saw that it had better be avoided.
+
+They revisited the place many a time afterwards, but on the first day,
+neither too full to be frightful, or too empty to be meagre, the noble
+cataract was in its full beauty; and they descended from the palace
+by the small path by which Zóra had been carried by Jooma, the slave,
+and sat down on the gun in the bastion, as they had done before. In
+the distance the giant fall sparkled with rainbows, and the spray at
+times was full of golden light, which, from the evening sun, spread
+itself over the rugged sides of the ravine, over the feathery foliage
+which clothed the crags, and the plashing water which fretted against
+the rocks at their feet far below. While the little Meeah, in his
+father's arms, pulled handfuls of flowers from the creepers which hung
+everywhere around, Zóra and Maria sat hand in hand without speaking;
+and perhaps their hearts were too full for aught else than loving and
+reverent memories of the past. Nor was the place ever left unvisited by
+Zóra in after days, when the little mosque was repaired, and prayers
+were said by an old Syud whom she placed in it; and she came there with
+her children on the sacred anniversaries of her grandfather's death.
+But he is forgotten now; and of the "Peer," who receives a traditional
+anniversary worship to this day, no name has been preserved. We may
+be sure that on these anniversaries no more delightful subjects for
+stories for the children arose, than their mother's accounts of her
+early perils and escapes. Once little Meeah said, looking earnestly in
+her face, "Mother, how didst thou escape from all these troubles?" And
+Zóra answered, gently, "I trusted in the Lord, my child."
+
+Reader, who hast followed us in the course of this old world tale, we
+need hardly tell you that all are forgotten now; and there are traces
+of none except the two Beydurs, whose descendants still inhabit Korikul
+and Kukeyra, and are unchanged from what they used to be in the times
+of which I have written. For the rest, Beejapoor is a magnificent ruin,
+but Ahmednugger flourishes as an English station and cantonment, and
+the stout old fort is in perfect preservation. In both, and in the
+country round, nay, in all Dekhan, the memory of Chand Beebee, who
+defended the fort, and was murdered by her ungrateful people, and her
+heroic deeds and devotion in the battle of the "Standard of the Veil,"
+are still sung and recited as the fittest memorials of
+
+    "A NOBLE QUEEN."
+
+
+
+
+NOTE.
+
+
+There are no records traceable at Moodgul of the worthy Bishop and
+his devoted sister, but they are believed to have remained there
+some years, and to have eventually returned to Portugal. But the
+small Christian Churches so strangely preserved under the continuous
+Mussulman Governments of the Dekhan still survive, and are steadfast
+to their faith. They are still as they existed at the period of this
+tale--Moodgul and Raichore, with their dependencies, Chittapoor on the
+Bheema, and Aurungabad, and they are ministered to by priests under the
+jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Goa.
+
+
+
+
+GLOSSARY.
+
+
+  Adalut, _Court of justice._
+  Ajaib! _Wonderful!_
+  Ajuba! _Extraordinary!_
+  Akhbar, _News letter._
+  Alla dilaya te leonga! _If God give, I will take!_
+  "Alla hu Akhbar!" _"God is victorious!"_
+  Amán! _Mercy!_
+  Ameen, ameen!_ Amen, amen!_
+  Astagh-fur-oolla! _God forbid!_
+  Azán, _Evening prayer._
+
+
+  Bairagees, _Hindoo mendicants._
+  Beebee, _Lady._
+  Beydur, _Tribe of aborigines._
+  Bhylmees, _Tribe of Mussulmans._
+  Birianees, _A kind of Pilao._
+  Bismilla! _In the name of God!_
+  "Burkhat, Durbar Burkhat," _"The Durbar is dismissed."_
+
+  Chabootra, _Earthen platform used for assemblies._
+  Chaoree, _Village place of assembly._
+  Chaya Mata, _The nymph of the fall._
+  Chistee, _The designation of a tribe of Fakeers._
+  Chitnees, _Correspondence clerk._
+  Corus, _Anniversary._
+  Cucheri, _Office for public business._
+
+
+  Daad! daad! _Complaint! complaint!_
+  Dacoits, _Gang robbers._
+  Dall, _Split pulse._
+  Darogah, _Superintendent._
+  Deen-deen! _For the faith! for the faith!_
+  Dohai! _Cry for justice._
+  Doputta, _Scarf._
+  Duffadar, _Inferior officer._
+  Duftur, _Record Office._
+  Durbar, _Court._
+  Durora, _Gang robbery._
+
+
+  Fatehas, _Thank-offerings._
+  Feringhi, _European._
+  Furashes, _Sweepers and tent pitchers._
+  Futteh Mydan, _The Plain of Victory._
+  Futteh-i-Nubber, _Victory to the Prophet._
+
+
+  Geesoo Duráz, _"Long Locks"_--title of saint at Kulburgab.
+  Ghee, _Boiled butter._
+  Gopal swami, _Appellation of the god Krishna._
+  Goruk Imlee, _Adansonia._
+  Gosha, _Privacy._
+
+
+  Hai-hai! _Alas, alas!_
+  Hakeem, _Physician._
+  Harem, _Women's apartments._
+  Hari Ból, _Hindoo war-cry._
+  Hoons, _A gold coin._
+  Howdahs, _Seat on elephant._
+  Humeenas, _Thin bag of leather worn at the waist._
+  Huzrut, _Prince._
+
+
+  Imáms, _Religious officers._
+  Inshalla! _Please God._
+
+
+  Jamahs, _Loose trousers._
+  Jemadár, _Native officer._
+  Jerreeds, _A game played on horseback with javelins._
+  Jey mata! _Victory to the Mother!_
+  Julaybees, _Kind of sweetmeat._
+
+
+  Kabob, _Meat roasted._
+  Karámat, _Miracle._
+  Kazee, _Mohamedan law officer._
+  Khan, _Title of respect._
+  Khanum, _Wife of Khan._
+  Khedive, _Head of sect of Mussulmans._
+  Khoda Hafiz, _God protect you!_
+  Kibleh, _Point of attraction._
+  Kicheri, _Dish of rice and pulse._
+  Killadar, _Governor of fort._
+  Kooroo Kshetra, _The great battle between the solar and lunar races,
+                   described in Mahabarut._
+  Kotwal, _Town magistrate._
+  Kullunders, _Tribe of Fakeers._
+  Kumkhob, _Cloth of Gold._
+  Kurnum, _Village accountant._
+  Kussal, _Butcher._
+
+
+  Lakh, _A hundred thousand._
+  Loongee, _Man's waist cloth._
+  Luddoos, _Kind of sweetmeat._
+
+
+  Mahabarut, _Sacred epic of the Hindoos._
+  Máma, _Confidential female attendant._
+  Mawallees, _A Mahratta tribe._
+  Masháek, _Religious devotee._
+  Mashalla! _Praise to God!_
+  Meeah, _Familiar title of eldest son among Mussulmans._
+  Mirdha, _Court usher._
+  Mohurrum, _Mahomedan festival._
+  Mohurs, _Gold coin._
+  Momins, _Weavers._
+  Monsoon, _Rainy season._
+  Moolla, _Religious teacher._
+  Moonshee, _Secretary._
+  "Moonskir and Nakar," _"The Angels of death."_
+  Moorsheed, _A disciple._
+  Muezzin, _Caller to prayer._
+  Mufti, _Law officer._
+  Mundan-ool-Ghyb, _Spirit supposed to protect travellers._
+  Mynas, _Starlings._
+
+
+  Nagáras, _Large kettledrums._
+  Naik, _Head of Beydur tribe._
+  Nalkee, _Sedan chair._
+  Nawab, _Lord._
+  "Neem," _"Melia ardizarachta."_
+  Nika, _Marriage of the second order._
+  Nobut, _Band of music attached to persons of high rank._
+  Nuzzur, _Offering._
+
+
+  Owleas, _A saint._
+
+
+  Palkee, _Litter._
+  Pán, _Betel leaf._
+  Patell, _Head officer of village._
+  Peer, _Saint._
+  Peer-i-Dustugeer, _Respectful address to a saint._
+  Peshkar, _Minister of Finance._
+  Pice, _Copper coin._
+  Pilao, _Savoury dish of meat and rice._
+  Pooja, _Hindoo worship._
+  Puleeta, _A lamp charm._
+  Punah, _Protection._
+  Putwari, _Village accountant._
+
+
+  Rámáyan, _Hindoo epic poem._
+  Ranee, _Hindoo princess._
+  Roostum, _One of the heroes of the Shah Nama._
+  Rujub-ool-Ghyb, _A spirit supposed to watch over travellers._
+  Rumzan, _Mussulman fast._
+
+
+  Salaam aliekoom! _Salutation of peace._
+  Sari, _Woman's garment._
+  Séndhee, _Fermented palm juice._
+  Shabash! _Well done!_
+  Shah, _King._
+  Shookr, shookr! _Thanks, thanks!_
+  Shoolka, _Scones._
+  Shubgusht, _A marriage procession by night._
+  Shytan, _The Devil._
+  Siah Chuttree, _Tribe of Mussulmans_--called "black umbrellas."
+  Soosi, _A kind of cotton cloth._
+  Synd, _A division of Mussulmans._
+  Syndanee, _Female Synd._
+  Swami, _Title of Hindoo religious princes._
+
+
+  Touba! touba! _Shame! shame!_
+  Tukeea, _Abode of a Fakeer._
+  Turreequt, _Path to salvation._
+
+
+  Ul-humd-ul-illa! _Praise be to God!_
+  Unjeel, _The New Testament._
+
+
+  Vakeels, _Agents._
+
+
+  Wallee, _Saint._
+
+
+  Ya, Alla, Kureem! _O Lord, most merciful._
+  Ya Kureem! _O merciful!_
+
+
+  Zemindars, _Land owners._
+  Zenana, _Women's private apartments._
+  Zools, _Portions of the Korán._
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+_Spottiswoode & Co., Printers, New-street Square, London._
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Notes
+
+Obvious errors of punctuation and diacritics repaired.
+
+Hyphen removed: "goodwill" (p. 82), "handwriting" (p. 96),
+"kettledrums" (pp. 179, 197), "midday" (p. 27), "noonday" (p. 29),
+"overcharged" (p. 7), "sally ports" (p. 252), "sandbags" (p. 194).
+
+Hyphen added: "to-night" (p. 275).
+
+"D'Almeida" changed to "d'Almeida".
+
+P. 80: "Dom Matthias de Abuquerque" changed to "Dom Matthias de
+Albuquerque".
+
+P. 220: "Mogul" changed to "Moghul" (the Moghul Government).
+
+P. 228: "A" added (A kind of cotton cloth).
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Noble Queen, by Philip Meadows Taylor
+
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Noble Queen, by Philip Meadows Taylor
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A Noble Queen, Vol. 3 (of 3)
+       A Romance of Indian History
+
+Author: Philip Meadows Taylor
+
+Release Date: January 29, 2014 [EBook #44789]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A NOBLE QUEEN ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Moti Ben-Ari and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[i]</a></span></p>
+
+<h1>
+A NOBLE QUEEN:<br />
+<i>A ROMANCE OF INDIAN HISTORY.</i>
+</h1>
+
+<p class="spaced space-above center">
+<small>BY</small><br />
+<big>MEADOWS TAYLOR,</big><br />
+<small>C.S.I., M.R.A.S., M.R.I.A., &amp;c.<br />
+AUTHOR OF 'SEBTA,' 'TARA,' AND OTHER TALES.</small>
+</p>
+
+<p class="spaced space-above center">
+<small>
+'O, never was there queen<br />
+So mightily betray'd!'<br />
+<i>Antony and Cleopatra</i>, act i. sc. iii.
+</small>
+</p>
+
+<p class="spaced space-above center">
+IN THREE VOLUMES.<br />
+VOL III.</p>
+
+<p class="spaced space-above center">
+LONDON:<br />
+C. KEGAN PAUL &amp; CO., 1 PATERNOSTER SQUARE.<br />
+1878.
+</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[ii]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="center">
+(<i>The rights of translation and of reproduction are reserved.</i>)<br />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[iii]</a></span><br /></p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[iv]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[v]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CONTENTS<br />
+OF<br />
+THE THIRD VOLUME.
+</h2>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>BOOK IV.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">CHAPTER</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td align="right">PAGE</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">I.</td><td align="left">THE KING'S ENTRY</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">II.</td><td align="left">PARDON</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">III.</td><td align="left">THE TRIAL</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">IV.</td><td align="left">FREEDOM</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_50">50</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">V.</td><td align="left">CHANGES IN SOME POSITIONS</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_68">68</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VI.</td><td align="left">PROCEEDINGS AT GOA</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_85">85</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VII.</td><td align="left">THE INQUISITION</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_104">104</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VIII.</td><td align="left">A DEATH, A MARRIAGE, AND A DEPARTURE</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_126">126</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center" colspan="3">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>BOOK V.</i></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">I.</td><td align="left">A SKETCH OF LOCAL HISTORY</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_148">148</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">II.</td><td align="left">A PLEASANT JOURNEY</td><td align="right">154<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[vi]</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">III.</td><td align="left">THE PROGRESS OF THE SIEGE</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_168">168</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">IV.</td><td align="left">THE ASSAULT</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_187">187</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">V.</td><td align="left">DIEGO'S DEATH AND THE BISHOP'S EMBASSY&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_208">208</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VI.</td><td align="left">PEACE FOR AWHILE</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_228">228</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VII.</td><td align="left">THE SECOND SIEGE OPENS</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_244">244</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">VIII.</td><td align="left">THE LAST TRAGEDY</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_257">257</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">IX.</td><td align="left">CONCLUSION</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_273">273</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">&nbsp;</td><td align="left">NOTE</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_286">286</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="right">&nbsp;</td><td align="left">GLOSSARY</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_287">287</a></td></tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="center"><big><b>A NOBLE QUEEN.</b></big><br /><br /><br /></div>
+
+<div class="center"><big><b>BOOK IV.</b></big><br /></div>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER I.<br />
+
+THE KING'S ENTRY.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The triumphal entry of King Ibrahim II. into his capital was not
+only a glorious sight to its people, but an assurance that the long
+and disastrous wars between the rival States of Beejapoor and
+Ahmednugger were at an end. King Ibrahim had kept the field
+against the conspiracy of his cousin, the Prince Ismail, who was
+supported by a large portion of his own army under Eyn-ool-Moolk,
+and by his uncle, Boorhan Nizam, Shah of Ahmednugger;
+and against the possible advance of the Portuguese of Goa,
+whose skill in war was well known in the Dekhan. The King
+of Ahmednugger, however, could make no impression on the
+Beejapoor troops, who defended the frontier stoutly, and, falling
+ill, died in his camp at Puraindah. His son Ibrahim, a youth,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span>
+was placed upon the throne, and soon after again pressed the
+war against Beejapoor, which brought on the general action in
+which Humeed Khan, the uncle of Abbas Khan, had proved
+victorious; and as the troops of Ahmednugger fled from the field
+with the loss of the whole of their artillery and war elephants,
+the long continued struggle came to an end, and the Royal
+army returned to Beejapoor, escorting their King in triumph.
+"On the 18th Mohorrum," writes the historian of the period,
+"the King made a triumphant entry into Beejapoor amid the
+acclamation of the people, who on this occasion had adorned the
+streets with gold and silver tissues, velvets, brocades, and other
+rich cloths and ornaments." But it was not the splendour of the
+spectacle which gratified the people; it was the assurance of
+safety and security from further disturbance, for which all were
+thankful. Those who had wavered in their allegiance now declared
+a hearty loyalty; and the southern invaders, under the
+Hindoo Prince of Penkonda, who had joined the conspiracy on
+the assurance of the conspirators that they might thus regain the
+dominions they had lost, having been defeated and driven back,
+there remained no part of the Beejapoor dominions that was not
+in profound peace after a long series of years of rebellion; and
+the people rejoiced in a real gladness which had not been felt
+for several generations.</p>
+
+<p>As we already know, the force under Abbas Khan had marched<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span>
+northwards to the aid of the King; but as the rainy season
+was at its height, King Ibrahim had taken up his position at the
+fort of Shahdroog, or Nuldroog, and had left Humeed Khan with
+the main body of the army to watch the frontier and repel incursion
+should it take place. Abbas Khan, therefore, on receiving
+orders from the King, had marched to join his uncle, and arrived
+in time to take part in the finally victorious battle.</p>
+
+<p>From his uncle he had received a very hearty and affectionate
+welcome, the particulars of which need not be recorded here; and
+it was with a great satisfaction that the veteran commander heard
+the details of the combat in the presence of the Queen Dowager,
+and the discovery of Osman Beg's treason. Abbas Khan had,
+indeed, to recount all the passages in his life which we already
+know of, which to his uncle had been so grievously misrepresented.
+There was nothing left but for Abbas Khan to show his valour in
+the next engagement that ensued, which proved to be a very severe
+one, for the left wing of the Beejapoor troops was broken by an
+impetuous charge of ten thousand of the Ahmednugger cavalry.
+Many nobles and high officers of rank were slain, and many
+fugitives rode at once to the King's camp declaring that the whole
+army had been routed. For three days the King was in the last
+degree of anxious uncertainty, till a despatch from Humeed Khan,
+sent by the hand of his nephew, who could describe the action,
+assured him of the most perfect victory. Then it was, too, that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span>
+day might have gone hard for the Royal army but for the exertions
+and daring bravery of the fresh force under his nephew; and he
+related, also, how bravely the enemy's heavy battery had been
+stormed by the Beydurs, who appeared unconscious of danger,
+and how both Abyssinians and Dekhan cavalry had vied with
+each other under their young leader. In a few days the King's
+forces joined those under Humeed Khan near Sholapoor, where
+public thanksgiving was made for the close of the war, and some
+rewards and honours were publicly bestowed. But the grand
+ceremony of all was to take place at Beejapoor on the day of entry
+into the capital; and the King, carrying with him the whole of his
+army, with the trophies in artillery and elephants, Royal camp
+equipage and treasure that had been won, crossed the Bheema
+river slowly, and, as we know, safely reached his destination.</p>
+
+<p>While in camp together, our friends Runga Naik and Abbas
+Khan had held many an anxious conversation on the subject of
+the old Syud Dervish and Zóra. Runga had told him of the
+forcible abduction of the girl, and of her rescue by himself and
+Burma; how, when he was obliged to leave Korikul, he had made
+her and the Syud over to Burma's care, but from that time he
+had no news of them.</p>
+
+<p>If they had left Kukeyra they might be at Sugger, or, possibly,
+had gone on to Gulburgah; but nothing could be known for
+certain till the men who were returning from his own force should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span>
+reach their territory, and either bring the old man and Zóra
+with them to camp or to Beejapoor. It was this very party which,
+crossing the country direct from the Royal camp, so providentially
+rescued Zóra, unharmed, and took her to her grandfather; and
+regulating their movements by those of the King himself, arrived
+in time to witness his triumphal entry. I trust this slight digression
+will be pardoned, for, indeed, without it the position of the
+parties would hardly be understood with exactness.</p>
+
+<p>After the slight interruption caused by raising the infirm old
+man, the grand march was resumed; and the young King rode on,
+with the bitter cry of the old Syud, "Daad! Daad! Justice!
+Justice!" ringing in his ears, and the sightless eyes and feeble
+arms raised to heaven. Abbas Khan's tale had distressed him
+seriously; but he was here face to face with one instance of the
+first King Ibrahim's cruelty, and the sin of it rested on his house.
+Well, it could be condoned, perhaps, for the curse of a holy Syud
+could hardly be averted even by penance; but he would do, as he
+had vowed to Alla, what it was possible to do ere the sun set. So
+the young Monarch rode on in his pride; Humeed Khan on his
+right hand, Soheil Khan and the brave commander on his left,
+preceded by his gold and silver mace-bearers shouting his titles,
+and followed by the crowds of nobles and officers who composed
+his train. The day was as yet young, but it was bright and clear;
+and the flood of light glittering on morion and coat of mail,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span>
+on cuirass and greave, on trappings and housings of gold and silver
+cloth, on banners and standards, and the great white buildings
+and palaces which stood out against the clear, deep blue sky,
+formed a combination of splendour which the mind can hardly
+realise, and which was well-nigh overpowering to all who saw it.</p>
+
+<p>As to Zóra, she&mdash;who had seen nothing in all her life of splendour
+such as that&mdash;was fairly overpowered. She trembled, and
+her cheeks flushed as the first portion of the troops issued from the
+gate and passed them, drowning the feeble chaunt she and her
+grandfather were raising. But alms were showered upon them,
+and Ahmed had gathered up several times already what lay on
+the sheet. When the hoarse cry arose of "The King cometh!
+The King cometh!" and all heads bowed to the earth as he
+passed on, she did not think of him, but of one that might be
+with him. And yet, if he were, would he remember her? Would
+he even see her? Ah! it was an anxious moment, and her beating
+heart fluttered till she could hardly breathe. As the glorious
+pageant went slowly past, she could see the face she sought
+distinctly. Abbas Khan was riding near his uncle, conversing
+joyously with him and others around him; and the appearance of
+the gallant cavalier, dressed in glittering armour and cloth of gold,
+was almost too dazzling to look at. There were hundreds of
+Fakeers lining the road, crying for alms in stentorian voices.
+How would the faint chaunt of an infirm old man and a girl<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span>
+be heard amidst the din&mdash;the jangling bells of elephants, the
+neighing of excited horses, and the cries of the Royal titles?
+And Abbas Khan must have passed the group but for the sudden
+action of her grandfather, who threw himself forward with
+his shrill cry. Even then the grooms who ran by the King's
+horse, which had been somewhat startled, would have removed
+the old man, roughly enough, perhaps, from the Royal path;
+but the action of Abbas Khan had been rapid, and instantaneous,
+and decisive. What he had said to the King she could not
+hear; but the King's reply, "Bring him to the palace instantly,"
+at once gave her the assurance she needed. Now Abbas Khan
+had dismounted, and stood embracing her grandfather; and was
+telling Runga Naik, who had seen all, to seek for his litter, which
+was under some trees at a little distance. Poor Zóra had not been
+able to obtain one at Almella, and she had ridden her own stout
+pony, which was also brought up; and she was preparing to
+mount it when Abbas Khan cried, "Stay, Zóra! not in this
+crowd; here is a palanquin of the King's for thee." So she
+entered it, shut the doors, and was carried on. There was no
+time for words. The whole scene was to her so altogether strange
+and unexpected that she could not find speech to thank any one;
+and as she shut the doors of the palanquin, and was safe from observation,
+her overcharged heart found relief in a burst of grateful
+sobs and tears.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>As the King's procession went on towards the city, outside the
+walls, for he had to receive the blessing of the Chishtee priest
+whom we know of, it was easy for Abbas Khan to turn off with
+his charge into the gate of the citadel, while Runga Naik brought
+up the baggage ponies behind. All was comparatively clear in the
+citadel, and would be till the King arrived; so that Abbas Khan
+had no difficulty in speaking to one of the chief eunuchs of the
+private apartments, whom he knew, and putting his old friend
+and Zóra under his charge. He could not stay; and galloping
+after the procession soon overtook it, and resumed his place by his
+uncle's side.</p>
+
+<p>"Who was the girl beside the old man who helped to raise
+him up, and whom my horse well nigh trampled down? I never
+saw a more beautiful and expressive face in my life," said his
+uncle with, as it seemed, a peculiar smile.</p>
+
+<p>"She is the old saint's granddaughter, sir; and has devoted
+her life to him. Yes, she is beautiful."</p>
+
+<p>"Then thou hast seen her, Abbas?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have, uncle. The night I was in delirium at Juldroog she
+watched me, and gave me medicine and cool sherbet; but I could
+only see her face as that of one in a dream, and I have never
+looked on it since but once, and that only as a passing glance, till
+to-day, when I could not help seeing her, for the handkerchief she
+had tied over her turban had fallen off. It is evident that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span>
+Syud hath taken the vow, perhaps at Gulburgah, where His Highness
+Geesoo Duráz made him a Wallee."</p>
+
+<p>"Was he a Fakeer before then?" asked his uncle.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir. Though he called himself a Dervish, yet he had
+not taken any degree as a Fakeer, and people only called him
+Dervish. When he confided to me his identity his chief prayer was
+to be allowed to go free, that he might pay his vows at Sugger and
+Gulburgah, where, it appears, he was raised at once to the highest
+rank; and his title now is Luteef Shah Wallee. His is a sad
+story, uncle. Dost thou remember it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was a mere boy then," was the reply, "and used to attend
+the durbar with thy grandfather; but I quite remember the sadness
+with which all the city heard that Syud Ahmed Ali, the
+physician, had been blinded and sent to Juldroog. Everyone
+grieved for him, for he was not only the most learned of all at
+Court, but the most charitable. Many will remember him, and
+Ekhlas Khan was an intimate friend. Yea, it will cause a murmur
+in durbar when his name is mentioned, for he has been clean forgotten;
+and it was believed he had died soon after he was imprisoned.
+And thou hast told the King all?"</p>
+
+<p>"All," replied the young Khan. "As the old Dervish told the
+tale to me, so did I repeat it faithfully; and I told him, too, how,
+under the Lord's will, he had saved my life."</p>
+
+<p>"And what said he?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"He wept, uncle; and said that the curse of a Syud should
+never rest upon the Adil Shah's realm or people; that search
+should be made for the Dervish. Then one day there came a
+holy man with a great retinue from Gulburgah, and told him&mdash;I
+was there&mdash;how a Fakeer had preached in the mosque, and a
+miracle had been done, and the heretofore Dervish had been made
+a Wallee at once, as the people demanded. And the King said to
+me, 'Thou art witness, Abbas Khan, that if I ever am blessed by
+the old man I will restore to him and his all he has lost.'"</p>
+
+<p>"And he will do it, too," replied Humeed Khan. "And
+amidst the rejoicings of to-day one heart will be gladdened."</p>
+
+<p>"Ameen! Ameen!" was the reply; and the conversation
+dropped.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER II.<br />
+
+PARDON.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Meanwhile Zóra and her grandfather had been conducted by
+the eunuchs through the entrance corridor into a suite of small
+but elegant apartments, which opened into a court and garden
+behind the palace. Their servants were brought in by a separate
+passage into a little kitchen and adjoining room; and there were
+baths and everything necessary for a pleasant, though necessarily
+confined residence. Here Zóra and old Mamoolla soon spread
+her grandfather's carpets, and they found cushions and bedsteads
+already provided. Presently, when all was arranged, Zóra led the
+old man to the cushions, and he sat down with a sigh of
+thankfulness.</p>
+
+<p>"Where am I?" he said. "Surely I heard Meeah's voice?
+Where has he gone? Bring him to me."</p>
+
+<p>"You are in the King's palace," said Zóra, throwing her arms
+around him. "Be thankful, Abba, that all thy sorrows and trials
+are over. We are safe in our refuge at last."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," he said, "at last! More than forty years have passed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span>
+over me since they sent me away to exile, blinded and in torment.
+Dost thou think I have forgotten that?"</p>
+
+<p>"O, Abba!" cried the girl, putting her hand over his mouth,
+"didst thou not tell me when the Fateha was said before the
+tomb at Gogi that thou hadst forgiven King Ibrahim? Was it for
+thy blindness, Abba?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am again rebuked, Zóra, and will forgive still; but it is hard
+to forget the past, and the joy with which I came forth from Almella,
+and within an hour was taken out, blind and bleeding! Forgive
+me, child! that I am false to thee. And forgive me, O Ibrahim!
+who hast received me back, that this bitter thought should have
+come into my mind. Yes, as I entered, I felt I was within the
+palace. This I am sure, by the turns we took as we entered, was
+the very apartment which I used to dwell in whenever my visit
+was prolonged. I even now scent the jessamine and tube roses of
+the little garden, and I feel as though I were in my old seat, with
+the soft south wind blowing on me. Methinks I see the blue
+Damascus tiles which are inlaid round the arches, and the carved
+window of the Zenana beyond."</p>
+
+<p>"It is even so, Abba," said Zóra, much moved, as her grandfather
+pointed out the several objects with his finger. "Nothing
+has been changed; everything is as perfect now as it was then,
+and looks as quiet and peaceful as our little Zenana used to do at
+Juldroog."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But it is only a gilded cage, my child; and I shall long to be
+free again, and to teach and preach, ay, and beg as I used to do
+even at Juldroog. And here there is more to do, else the Lord had
+not brought me."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Abba, dear Abba!" began Zóra; and he interrupted her
+with, "Be patient, child! Dost thou think I do not welcome this as
+a place of rest, even as thou dost? And when Meeah comes he
+may bestow us elsewhere, when we can go and come with freedom.
+Then we shall have our own house, and our own servants, and
+palanquin, and bearers; and a sweet garden where I shall love to
+sit and discourse on the mysteries of holiness with the learned of
+the city, and on medicine with the physicians; and thou wilt have
+thy pigeons and flowers, and find out poor people and relieve
+them."</p>
+
+<p>"Enough, enough, Abba!" cried Zóra, laughing and crying at
+the same moment. "Thou wouldst make a princess of me at once,
+and art tempting me by a hundred delightful anticipations fit but
+for the noble and great. But I see only my Fakeer's garments,
+and think of my uncompleted vows. And after all, am I not your
+humble little Zóra?"</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art my precious treasure, child!" replied the old man,
+with emotion; "and the most noble house in Dekhan cannot produce
+one like thee."</p>
+
+<p>Almost as he spoke, the curtain, which was drawn across the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>
+entrance, was partly raised, and a man's voice said hurriedly to a
+companion, "The rooms are occupied by strangers, Maria; we
+must retire."</p>
+
+<p>Zóra started to her feet, and rushed hastily forward. She
+saw two figures she at once recognised retreating into the corridor,
+and cried, "Maria! Maria! it is only your little Zóra; and Abba is
+here. Oh, come to us, we are alone."</p>
+
+<p>In their turn Maria and her brother started. There was
+no doubt left when they saw the slight figure stretching out
+its arms with a low cry of joy, and the soft, flushed cheeks wet
+with tears; and a moment after they were locked in each other's
+arms, and approached the old man's seat, who was crying out joyfully,
+"Come! come to me, my friends; we are, indeed, with you
+at last. O Padré Sahib, thank the Lord with me that we are here
+safely, and in honour, for of a truth we have endured much."</p>
+
+<p>Maria was not changed, save that the bright rosy colour of her
+cheeks had increased under the effects of better health; and she
+had attained a true majesty of beauty which far exceeded that
+which Zóra used to look on with wonder at Juldroog. Zóra seated
+her beside her on the cushions, but she could not give vent to
+her feelings of delight. Her loving brown eyes looked up like
+those of a dog to her friend; she threw her arms round her, and
+kissed her forehead, her eyes, her lips, passionately, hardly able to
+speak, except to say, "Thou art here, Maria, and restored to me.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span>
+Oh, yes, to me, who in all my troubles and tears have never forgotten
+thee; and this which thou gavest me," and she drew the
+little silver cross from her bosom, "has never left me, and has
+been my charm and deliverer of my honour when all hope of my
+deliverance seemed gone. And thou hast been happy, Maria?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very happy, my darling," returned her friend, "longing to
+hear of you and Abba, but could obtain no news of you. Your
+little letter and the feather reached me safely, and I have them
+still at home. And I wrote a reply to you, Zóra, and my brother
+gave it to Abbas Khan, for I was able to write that the Queen had
+ordered Abba and you to be sent to her, and that he would be
+restored to his old rank; and I knew you would like to hear the
+good news from me, Zóra. But we had no reply, and then I heard
+of the Nawab's ill-treatment of you, and that you had escaped, and
+the Queen thought you might come direct to her."</p>
+
+<p>"And I would have done so had I heard from Meeah," said
+the old man; "but I soon learned he had reached the city, and
+what could I have done alone?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," observed the Padré, "we were more than a month
+detained on the road, as Abbas Khan's horse fell, and his wound
+opened again. He had a severe return of the fever, and I feared
+for his life. Nor did he stay when he arrived; after the combat
+with the Abyssinian champion, whom he slew, the Queen sent him
+to the army, and I hear he has returned to-day."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and we have seen him," said Zóra; "and he brought us
+here. And thou art with the Queen, Maria?" she continued.</p>
+
+<p>"I am with both of them, Zóra; but chiefly, by desire of Queen
+Chand, with the Queen Taj-ool-Nissa, whom my brother hath
+restored to health, and she is now strong and well. It is such a
+change, Zóra, and we laugh, and say the King will not know the
+miserable wife he left. And she has grown very dear to me, and
+loves to talk of you, who, she says, must be her sister. Come,
+shall we go to Queen Chand, she will be vexed with me if I take
+you not?"</p>
+
+<p>"But I must change these clothes, Maria; it is not fitting for
+me to appear before her with these Fakeer's garments."</p>
+
+<p>"On the contrary, child, she will love thee the more, and
+honour thee for wearing them. See, Abba, I am carrying off
+Zóra already," she continued, "and my brother will be security for
+me that I bring her back safely."</p>
+
+<p>It was a strange thing to Zóra to feel herself guided through the
+intricate passages and corridors of the huge palace, and to see the
+strange deference and respect shown to Maria by all the eunuchs
+and Mámas on duty. At length they reached the entrance to the
+private apartments of the Queen Dowager, and after a brief colloquy
+with the eunuchs at the door, were admitted, and led to the
+Queen's seat by one of the women in attendance.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art welcome, Maria," she said, kindly; "but who is this
+thou hast brought with thee?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"It is Zóra, your Majesty, of whom I have so often spoken.
+She would have taken off her Fakeer's dress; but I said I was
+sure she had better come as she was."</p>
+
+<p>"And you were right, child. I welcome thee in the name
+of the King, thee and thy grandfather. By the blessed Prophet,
+how lovely thou art: come hither and embrace me."</p>
+
+<p>What idea Zóra had previously entertained of a real Queen it
+is difficult to say: something very awe-inspiring, no doubt, and
+magnificent; but at the sight of the slight girlish figure and plain
+muslin dress of the great Queen whose praises were in every one's
+mouth, and who had held the power of the whole kingdom, Zóra
+became assured, and advanced to kiss the Royal lady's feet, and
+embrace her as she desired.</p>
+
+<p>"Power of God!" cried the Queen as, having embraced Zóra
+she took both her cheeks in her hands and turned them alternately
+to the light, and looked into her soft glowing eyes; "Power of
+God! she is lovely, indeed, even in this poor dress. But thou hast
+not taken the vows, Zóra?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, my Queen, not yet; but when my grandfather was exalted
+in rank at Gulburgah I would have done so, but for a worthy lady
+of Golconda, who would not allow me."</p>
+
+<p>"And she was right, child," returned the Queen; "such vows
+only belong to widows and devotees; but thou, may God forgive
+the thought, art neither one nor other; and if the blessing of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span>
+Chand Beebee avail aught, she will live to see thy children
+about thy knees;" and, stretching forth both her hands, she
+placed them upon Zóra's head, praying for her welfare. Then
+Zóra sat down and told her what had befallen her since the time
+that Osman Beg carried her off, and the escapes she had had,
+particularly the last. How her grandfather attained the rank of
+Wallee; and, in short, all the story we know up to the events of
+the morning.</p>
+
+<p>"Remember that thou art my guest," said the Queen, as she
+dismissed Zóra; "and thou shalt want for nothing. Perhaps," she
+added, "thou mayest be required to-morrow at the durbar, for
+Osman Beg hath arrived in custody, and there may be need of
+thy evidence, should he deny what is alleged against him. Thou
+wilt not be afraid of the King's presence and the durbar?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am only a poor weak girl," said Zóra, casting down her
+eyes; "but I have never yet been ashamed before God or man,
+and have no reason to fear the King or the durbar. But I have forgiven
+the Nawab freely. I have no claim upon him or against
+him; I have left all to the good Alla to judge between us. Yet, lady,
+had not my poor friends Runga and Burma Naik, whom I have
+known since I was a child, rescued me, I had surely been despoiled
+of my honour, and become an outcast. Now, blessed be the
+Lord, I can stand before my lord the King, or you, gracious lady,
+without shame, or a thought of shame. Forgive me that I speak<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span>
+so freely, lady; but thou art as a mother to me, and my tears and
+my thoughts well up together without restraint. I know none of
+the manners of a court, for hitherto I have been secluded, and
+my speech may appear curt and abrupt; but my thoughts are not
+so&mdash;indeed, indeed, they are as a child's before its mother."</p>
+
+<p>"Thy speech is good courtly Persian, at which I marvel, child,"
+returned the Queen, "and thou needest not be ashamed of it, Zóra;
+and thy fearlessness doth thee honour. Yes, I will be thy mother
+truly; and though thou mayest have forgiven thine enemy, the State
+hath not, and it is not seeming that such acts as Osman Beg's should
+be passed by unnoticed. Now depart, both of ye, for I hear the
+kettledrums from the city, and I have much to do ere the King
+enters. Bid thy grandfather eat something and be ready, for I
+have no doubt he will be sent for soon after His Majesty arrives."</p>
+
+<p>As they passed the entrance to the young Queen's apartments,
+Maria asked whether they might be admitted; but it was too
+late; the Queen was in the bath, and her attiring would scarcely
+be finished before the King arrived. Then they went down
+to the old man and his friend, whom they found deeply engaged
+in the discussion of the young Queen's ailments; and in the
+Padré's treatment of the case the old physician heartily agreed.
+Zóra delivered the Queen's message, and after a bath, which
+Ahmed had prepared, the Wallee's costly robe of honour and his
+crown were put on him. Zóra had changed her tunic for one of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span>
+her simple woman's dresses, and they sat enjoying pleasant converse
+in regard to the past, while the salvoes of cannon, braying of
+trumpets, and loud nobat music playing on the terrace above,
+announced to them the arrival of the King.</p>
+
+<p>Nor had they to wait long. Another salute from a battery of
+cannon before the Hall of Audience announced that he had taken
+his seat; and two of the gold mace-bearers in waiting arrived to
+request the attendance of His Holiness Luteef Shah Wallee as
+soon as possible. And then the old man rose, and, led by Zóra,
+whom he declared must guide him, passed by the lower corridors
+into the great hall. It was a strange sight to the nobles and commanders
+assembled there, to see the venerable man led by the
+simply, not to say coarsely, dressed girl to a seat apart from the
+rest, and near the group of holy men who had already taken their
+places. All rose in deference to the new comer, whose rank was
+indeed superior to that of any there; but he was spared the difficulty
+of performing any act of reverence to the King himself, who,
+rising, went to him, while Zóra fell back under charge of one of
+the mace-bearers, an elderly eunuch, who took care of her; but
+she could see and hear perfectly whatever passed.</p>
+
+<p>"We have sent for thee, illustrious Syud," said the King, as soon
+as silence was enforced&mdash;for the murmur of astonishment and pity
+had been loud and full of emotion&mdash;"to do an act of justice, which
+shall mark this happy day with a deed peculiar to itself. We had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span>
+heard of the illustrious Syud before from Abbas Khan, who was for
+a time at Juldroog, and we had vowed to send for him. But, lo!
+as if by a miracle, or the direct interposition of the Most High,
+as we entered the city gate, we found him present before us.
+In the humble garb of Fakeers he and his granddaughter appeared
+by the wayside, and he fell at our horse's feet. The just and
+Almighty Alla had, by a strange course of circumstances, guided
+them to our feet, not as they were in their exile, but with increased
+glory and honour; for at Gulburgah the Prince Geesoo
+Duráz, with other princes and learned doctors of Islam, had conferred
+upon him, in regard to his power over men's minds, his
+learning, and piety, the spiritual rank of Wallee; and as such, we
+ourselves, as we vowed, present him to you, O friends and
+brothers in the faith, and pray you to do him reverence, as we
+ourselves do, in the presence of ye all; for the Lord hath brought
+to us in honour one whom our ancestor Ibrahim&mdash;may peace
+be on his memory!&mdash;blinded and cast out to exile, where he was
+forgotten and might have died, but for the aid of Him in whose
+service his life had passed."</p>
+
+<p>Then many wept. Many who had known the old man in his
+prosperity, and thought him dead, pressed forward with tears and
+quivering features to grasp his hand once more, and kiss his
+feet; while cries of "Deen! Deen! A miracle! a miracle! May
+the saint live in peace and honour!" rose from all parts of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span>
+vast hall, and were taken up without with an enthusiasm which
+spread among the people even to the far ends of the city; and men
+saluted each other with the message of peace and the blessing of
+God, and the cry, "The sin of the State has been removed, let
+us be thankful."</p>
+
+<p>When the tumult had subsided, the King, standing on the step
+of the throne, cried again with a loud voice, and said: "Know all
+men, and brothers in Islam present, that before food or water hath
+passed our lips to-day, we freely and entirely revoke the cruel
+sentence passed on the illustrious Syud Ahmed Ali, now Syud
+Luteef Shah Wallee. We implore, in the name of our ancestor,
+forgiveness for the shame and pain he hath endured for forty years,
+and pray him to intercede with Alla the Most High, and His holy
+messenger, to wipe out this sin, and remove it for ever from us
+and our people. We further establish this our illustrious saint in
+all the possessions and estates which were granted before; and we
+give, in addition to these, the pergunna of Kokutnoor, the scene of
+his child's delivery from violence. So let it be, Ameen! Ameen!"
+Nor was a soul present who did not cry "Ameen! Ameen!"</p>
+
+<p>"Zóra! Zóra!" cried the old man, who was trembling with
+excitement, and feeling about with his hands, "raise me up and
+support me, else I cannot speak. Zóra, the Lord hath won the
+victory for us, and there is no longer aught hid from thee, O my
+child. Let her come to me, Sir, for I need her aid;" and there was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span>
+a way opened for her, and he felt the soft warm hand steal into his,
+whilst her gentle "I am with thee, Abba," assured him. A strange
+sight was it to all that gorgeous assembly; the venerable old man
+leaning on the shoulder of the slight girl. He, clad in his rich
+saint's robe, and his crown with which he had been crowned;
+Zóra in her humble dress of soosi, and her plain muslin scarf now
+covering her face. But she was calm and dignified, and her
+modest self-possession struck those who saw her with wonder and
+admiration.</p>
+
+<p>Then the old man stretched forth his hands and blessed
+the King, and the Queen who sat above, and all the people.
+"What can I say, my King?" he cried; "what can I say?
+My poor speech is dumb, but my heart goeth forth to thee
+and thine, and to all present who behold me. As I came hither,
+O King, I rested at Gogi, and distributed Fatehas at all thy
+ancestors' tombs; but my heart was hot and hard and sore within
+me, and I was about to pass King Ibrahim's tomb, when God sent
+me a rebuke by the mouth of this poor child: 'Forgive him,' she
+cried, 'forgive him; go not away from this place till thou hast
+forgiven him;' and I kneeled down by his tomb, struck by
+remorse, and bared my head, and cast dust upon it, and cried, 'I
+forgive thee, O Royal master, all thou didst to me, and may it be
+forgiven to thee in the day of judgment.' And my heart was softened,
+and I was accepted at Gulburgah because I preached peace<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span>
+to the people, as, Inshalla, I will do here, and there will be no more
+war or trouble. And now, O King, bid me depart home to rest,
+for I am old, and the events of this day have overpowered me."</p>
+
+<p>Then the King ordered the ushers to bring a robe of honour,
+and he put it on the old man with his own hands, and hung a
+valuable string of pearls round his neck, to serve as prayer beads,
+while the people around the hall still cried blessings on them!
+and Zóra heard voices in the Queen's balcony crying, "Ameen;
+Ameen!" with, as she thought, Maria's blending with them, and
+sobbing too. While she led her grandfather back towards their
+apartments, Zóra hitherto had been able to repress her emotion,
+but finding Maria already there, she fell on her neck and wept
+passionately. She felt not only thankful for the honour accorded
+to Abba, but for what spoke to her heart more deeply and fondly,
+that Abbas Khan, and a noble old officer, whom she supposed
+to be his uncle, had been looking at her all the time. Nay,
+had she not heard their cries of joy and congratulations rising high
+above all others! And, late in the day, Meeah brought his uncle,
+and they kissed the old man's feet, and delivered the King's command
+that he should attend the great durbar on the morrow at
+noon. But Zóra had retired; she dared not look on them.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER III.<br />
+
+THE TRIAL.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Somewhat before noon on the following day the tall, burly figure
+of a man, who wore a dress of red cotton cloth, advanced slowly
+over the short turfy sward which lay beneath some huge adansonia
+trees in the fort. They were situated at some little distance
+from the gate of the citadel, by themselves, with no buildings near
+them, for the spot was considered impure and unholy, being, in
+fact, the usual place of execution in Beejapoor. A few persons
+were following him, and as he stopped and seated himself in the
+shade of one of the trees, some of those who had gathered round
+him began to question him as to what was to happen, for the
+executioner rarely made his appearance in his official costume
+unless some event were to follow.</p>
+
+<p>"Who is it to-day, Khan Sahib?" asked one of the bystanders,
+with an expressive jerk of his head. "Who is to be sent to Paradise
+or to Hell? Nothing has happened for a long time past,
+but now the King has come again, thy hands will be full of
+work."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, brothers," returned the grim functionary; "while Queen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>
+Chand was in authority, there was no business. She is a great
+deal too kind and compassionate, and she cheated me out of one
+fellow who was bigger than I, and the greatest bully and villain
+in Beejapoor, by letting that brisk young fellow, Abbas Khan, kill
+him. Now I should like to have slain that devil, because he was
+too mean for the young Khan to meddle with, and he was always
+mocking me and scoffing at my sword, which, he said, was nothing
+in comparison to his 'kussab,' as he called it, which I ought to
+have had also, but the Kotwal has taken it. Now look, friends,
+can anything be more beautiful than this?" and, rising, he
+drew from its scabbard a broad-bladed sword, rather broader at
+the point than at the hilt, with a point nearly square, with some,
+to him, strange-looking letters upon it, which he believed to be
+a charm. The motto, indeed, was&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>
+"Inter arma silent leges,"<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>and the sword had been forged in Germany. "All I know is,
+friends, that the blade is a true 'Allemagne;' and though it is as
+sharp as any razor, and I got Daood Sahib, the King's armourer,
+to retouch the edge to-day, there will not be even a notch in
+it when I have done my work, and not a cloud on its fair polish.
+Ah, sirs, that 'kussab' of the Abyssinian's is a brutal weapon, to be
+used but by main strength; whereas this, my Allemagne, requires
+only skill, and when any great person is made over to me, I use
+it and no other."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Then it is some great person, Khan Sahib, who will go to
+judgment to-day?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, friends, I know not," returned the executioner. "Some
+one belonging to the Prince Ismail's affair was brought from the
+south in a palanquin which was fastened up; and I know pretty
+well, when Hyat Khan sends me word to go to the trees and remain
+there, what that means. Now, go away, all of ye, for no one must see
+this put into its scabbard, lest an evil glance fall on it. My art is
+vain, unless the edge be keen and firm. Away with ye all, I would
+be left to my prayers and meditations. When ye see the palanquin
+come out of the gate yonder, ye can return if ye will, and see what
+I do." And when all around him had gone, the man put the blade
+of his sword to his forehead and chest reverently, made a salaam
+to it, and slowly and carefully replaced it in its richly embroidered
+velvet scabbard; and as the muezzins of the neighbouring
+mosques sang the midday call to prayer, spread his
+waist-belt on the green sward, and performed his devotions, for
+the executioner was a devout man, careful in the stated observances
+of his faith.</p>
+
+<p>The citadel was now a busier scene than when Queen Chand
+acted as Regent in the absence of the King. There were so many
+more dignitaries to be received, so much relating to the army to
+be arranged, so many rewards and dresses of honour to be distributed,
+that the approaches to the palace were always crowded.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>
+This did not affect our friends in the least, as they were not only
+pleasantly secluded, but at such a distance from the exciting crowds
+and turmoil, that they saw none of it, and heard only a little. At
+the council of the night before, all the public accounts for the
+period of Queen Chand's administration, which had been prepared
+beforehand, were read to the King, and duly audited. Many new
+patents of nobility as rewards for service, and grants of estates,
+were ordered to be drafted, Syud Luteef Shah Wallee's among
+the number. And we are glad to record also, that not only Abbas
+Khan, now created Khan Bahadoor, and commander of five
+thousand, but Runga Naik was received into the lower grade of
+nobility, and created lord of twenty villages near his own ancestral
+estate of Korikul, and was to receive a dress of honour in full
+Court. Assuredly his service had not been in vain, while other
+rewards, in proportion to their merits, were allotted to his brave
+followers. But all these were minor points; the business assigned
+to the morrow was of a much more important nature, for as they
+sat in the councils hall, Hyat Khan, the Kotwal, announced to
+the King that Osman Beg, the Governor of Juldroog, had arrived
+as a prisoner, and asked how he should be disposed of. The
+Queen Chand, who was sitting beside her nephew, said, "Son, I
+claim thy attention to this case first, for it is of grave importance
+to many that the truth should be made manifest to all, and justice
+be done. We would have seen to it ourselves when you were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span>
+absent, but we thought thou shouldst decide upon it. It is a
+painful case, but justice must be done."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, and without favour, aunt. Yet why not by thee?
+Is there any power thou dost not share with me? Is there any
+order of thine to which I do not bow? Yet"&mdash;for the Queen was
+waving her hand in deprecation of his expressions&mdash;"yet, if thou
+wilt, I will be present with thee, and we will share the task
+together. Let the prisoner be well lodged and cared for, Khan
+Sahib," he continued to Hyat Khan; "let his arrival be announced
+to his father, who may visit him, and let him be present
+to-morrow at the afternoon durbar, when we shall be at
+leisure."</p>
+
+<p>And now the time had come. The King as he rose had received
+many persons of rank, and transacted his usual business
+with the Ministers. He then retired for awhile; but, after the
+noonday prayer, had entered the great hall of audience, and, due
+proclamation having been made within and without, he took his
+seat on the Royal throne, which had now been properly arranged.
+This was, in fact, a broad, low, wooden stool, with cushions of
+rich velvet, with a back also of wood, both being covered with thin
+plates of gold, inlaid, especially the back and canopy, with very
+rare and valuable precious stones, arranged in ingenious patterns.
+Queen Chand sat by her nephew, on her usual seat or cushion of
+velvet, and dressed in her usual simple fashion; but the King,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>
+though he wore white muslin only, had a precious jewel in his
+turban, and a necklace of large diamonds and emeralds, which
+flashed brightly whenever he moved. Before him lay a light Court
+sword, in a purple velvet sheath. He looked younger, as indeed
+he was by three years, than Abbas Khan, who, with other officers
+of the private Court, stood rather behind and to one side of the
+Royal daďs; but he was of slighter make, while his features,
+though delicate, were of darker colour than those of Abbas Khan,
+whose complexion was almost ruddy.</p>
+
+<p>A little lower, on the first broad step or platform of the daďs,
+sat the old Syud, Luteef Shah Wallee, in the place of honour
+nearest to the King and Queen; and just behind him, indeed
+touching him, the slight form of Zóra, dressed in her ordinary
+coarse garb, was seen covering her face as well as she could
+from the earnest and curious glances of those who, were wondering,
+as before, at her presence among so large a company
+of men. Behind her was the priest, Francis d'Almeida, who
+cheered her every now and then; but his sister, for whom Zóra
+was longing, sat above in the Queen's balcony with the other
+ladies-in-waiting and servants. The hall itself appeared the
+same as on the first day we saw it, except that the dresses of
+the courtiers were not of a military character, but of simple white
+muslin, crossed by a baldrick of gold lace or tissue, which was
+intended to hold a sword; but such weapons were carried in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>
+the hand, while a knife or dagger with jewelled hilt was stuck
+into the muslin girdle.</p>
+
+<p>When all the presentations had concluded, the King, having
+had silence proclaimed, spoke with a firm voice, and said,
+"Listen, O ye nobles and Ministers of the State! Sundry accusations
+have been made against Osman Beg, son of the brave
+Sooltan Beg, and we have caused him to be present here, before
+us, before the law officers of the State, and before his equals and
+superiors in rank. Let no one, therefore, say that this investigation
+was held secretly, or otherwise than in the sight of the Lord
+on high, and the day-beams of justice. Let, therefore, Osman Beg
+be brought hither, and let him reply to these accusations."</p>
+
+<p>The old Syud could not see him, we know, but he stood
+directly in front of Zóra as he entered, accompanied by a party of
+the Kotwal's guards, and proclamation was made by the Mohur
+that Osman Beg, Turcoman, stood before the throne. The prisoner
+then made a deep obeisance to the King and Queen, which was
+not returned by either, but to those assembled he made no
+gesture of salute. He looked round defiantly as he crossed his
+arms, and then, letting them drop to his sides, again saluted the
+King slightly, and said with a firm voice, "I am present, O King,
+to hear any accusation."</p>
+
+<p>At the sound of his well-remembered tones Zóra shuddered,
+for the events of the last night she had seen him were too<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>
+fresh in her memory to be forgotten. But it was not a shudder
+of fear, it was rather a repellent action as against a foul reptile,
+and her cheeks flushed, and her tiny white teeth were set as if in
+resolution.</p>
+
+<p>Then the chief Kazee spoke from his seat, and said, "This is
+a case of treachery, O King, against thee, and thy person, kingdom,
+and security. These letters were found on the person of the
+Abyssinian slain in the combat of ordeal, and are addressed to
+Elias Khan, who died in battle. Osman Beg, in the name of the
+King, I ask thee if these are truly thine own; look at them."</p>
+
+<p>Osman Beg was not allowed to touch them, but they were held
+near his face and turned in every possible direction. There were
+many of them, the date and purport of each being read aloud by
+a scribe present.</p>
+
+<p>What could he do or say? the writing was sometimes his own,
+sometimes that of his confidential scribe. All the seals were his,
+and corresponded exactly with that he wore on his finger as a
+ring. He appeared to become weary of these documents being
+read, and handed about to receive the criticisms of others; and,
+with an impatient exclamation, for which he was reproved by the
+ushers, and admonished to be more respectful, he said, "Do
+not trouble yourself, Kazee Sahib, the letters are all mine; I deny
+them not."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will read one, only one, for His Majesty to hear," was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span>
+the reply; and, standing up, the Kazee selected one and read it
+so that all could hear. It was to Elias Khan, stating that the
+Padré at Moodgul, Dom Diego, had agreed to all conditions;
+that three thousand Europeans were ready at Goa; and that when
+Eyn-ool-Moolk was prepared he should deliver over the fort to
+any officers they might send, when he would join them; and,
+having overpowered Abbas Khan's detachment, they would march
+rapidly upon Beejapoor, put Chand Beebee to death, and take
+possession of the treasury and the capital; while another party,
+led by himself or Elias Khan, should pursue the King and bring
+him to Beejapoor, or execute him in camp, as might be most
+expedient.</p>
+
+<p>The Kazee could read no more, for there arose a shout in the
+assembly of "Let the traitor die! Send for the executioner! Away
+with him!"</p>
+
+<p>But Osman Beg turned in defiance to them all. "Dogs!"
+he cried, "all this would have been, and more, had Eyn-ool-Moolk
+not been slain, as Elias Khan was, by treachery. Ay!
+and ye know it, one and all of this assembly. What I have
+done, I have done; and what has happened is my fate. Yes, if
+ye wish to know what the Padré at Moodgul did, and wanted to
+do, get some one to read his letters. He was a brave fellow that,
+and would have struck in for us. Very different from the other,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span>
+who, I hear, is in Beejapoor; he was too great a coward to be a
+traitor."</p>
+
+<p>"He confesses before the King, and before God and men, that
+he was prepared to do all that is written in these letters by his
+own hand; and the law is that the punishment is death," cried
+the Kazee.</p>
+
+<p>"My lord! my King!" cried Abbas Khan, as he saw the King
+was about to speak; and had he declared judgment, there would
+have been no delay in execution, "I cry for mercy and pardon.
+When I was ill and near to death in Juldroog he was kind to me;
+he not only gave me protection, but attended me as a brother.
+My King, he is my cousin, and we have played together when we
+were children; nor was my King absent. For the sake of his
+noble father, spare his life!"</p>
+
+<p>Osman Beg answered not a word. He stood, as he had done
+hitherto, with his arms crossed defiantly, looking now to the
+Kazee, now to the King, and now to his cousin, apparently defying
+all.</p>
+
+<p>"Of a truth thou deservest death, Osman Beg. Thou wouldst
+have, by thine own writing, put my venerable aunt, beloved of all"&mdash;and
+the people cried "Ameen! Ameen!"&mdash;"to a cruel death.
+Thou wouldst have slain me and thy cousin, Abbas Khan; and
+thou wouldst have prolonged war and misery in our kingdom.
+But it pleased Alla, the just and merciful, to frustrate all thy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span>
+plots, and to bring them to naught; and for the sake of thine
+aged father, who fought beside Humeed Khan in the last desperate
+fight, and, when others fled, refused to fly with them, and still
+rallied men round his standard, we, in the name of the Most
+High, whose Regent we are over this people, give thee thy life;
+for He hath spared His servant through fields of carnage; and we
+would not, on the first day of taking our seat on the throne of our
+ancestors, stain it with blood. But thou art disgraced; thy rank
+and thy estates are confiscated; and thou canst stay here no
+longer. If thou, Osman Beg, returnest under any pretence,
+remember, the Kazee's just sentence shall at once be carried out.
+Hyat Khan, see that he be removed and banished, conducted ten
+coss beyond the frontier, and let to go whither he will."</p>
+
+<p>Osman Beg did not move. He glared around him with defiance
+still, and, looking at the King, cried out, "I go, as thou wilt have
+it, King Ibrahim; nor will I return to disgrace and dishonour. But,
+before I depart, I claim justice at thy hands, justice which thy
+meanest subjects may claim from thee. Give me my wife. Take
+honour, rank, estates, what thou wilt, but give me my wife whom
+I see sitting there with the Dervish of Juldroog. There!" he
+shouted, as he pointed his finger at Zóra; "there! she is mine by
+the law, and I claim her under the law. Give her to me and I
+depart, and leave only my curse behind me."</p>
+
+<p>Then arose another shout, more fierce, more prolonged than<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span>
+the first. "He has forfeited clemency; he has insulted the holy
+saint. Let him die!"</p>
+
+<p>"Is it so, Huzrut?" said the King, addressing himself to the
+old Syud, as soon as silence had been proclaimed; "is it so?
+Speak, or let the child speak. Fear not, maiden," he continued,
+in a soothing voice to Zóra; "thou art in God's presence, and the
+King's; speak as thou wouldst do, and wilt do, in the day of
+judgment."</p>
+
+<p>"I have no complaint against him, my lord," replied the Syud.
+"For what he did to my child when we were under him at Juldroog,
+he will answer to God, who mercifully protected and delivered
+my child and me from cruelty and insults. All that is past
+now, and we are here in safety; and, for my own part, he is now
+forgiven. I say, then, leave him to the Lord's will. Ask her, she
+will not be ashamed to say the truth, even in the midst of thousands
+of men. Rise, then, Zóra, and the Lord will give thee
+strength, my child. Thou art a Syud, and a Syud's honour
+trembles not before righteous judges. Men will not so much as
+look at thee, child; for a Syud's honour is as precious to them
+as it is to me and thyself."</p>
+
+<p>"Fear not, Zóra-bee," said the King, gently, "we are all thy
+grandfather's friends and thine; but Osman Beg hath demanded
+thee as his wife, and should have his reply from thyself, for thy
+honour's sake. Speak, and fear not."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Zóra had trembled with shame and indignation as Osman Beg
+made his demand, at once so appalling and disgraceful to her.
+Her breast heaved with sobs, her eyes grew hot, and scalding tears
+fell from them over her burning cheeks. She felt as though she
+would have choked and died. But the girl's undaunted courage
+did not fail her even in that dire extremity, and the solemn
+adjuration of her grandfather and the gentle words of the King
+stimulated her and assured her; and hastily brushing away the
+tears which still glistened on her cheeks, and murmuring a silent
+prayer, she rose to her feet with a calmness she had little expected,
+and a kind of dread silence fell on the assembly at a scene
+so novel and so strange. Above, in the Queen's balcony, she
+heard a low clapping of hands, which gave her courage; and the
+Queen Dowager's encouragement of "Fear not, daughter, no harm
+can come to thee," was timidly acknowledged by a grateful look
+and reverence.</p>
+
+<p>As she cast her eyes around, she saw that men's faces were
+averted from her, and many heads bowed down; but opposite
+to her stood Abbas Khan, his features quivering with excitement,
+and his eyes as if striving to catch hers and give her
+strength; while near the centre of the hall stood Osman Beg,
+glaring on her defiantly, with a horrible expression of anticipated
+triumph, which thrilled through her, but from which she did not
+blench.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Those who saw her remembered for years afterwards the
+simple, modest figure, dressed in clothes hardly better than those
+of a peasant, and the beautiful but excited face of the maiden.
+And those who did not dare to look on her, heard only the tones
+of her soft musical voice, which penetrated to every ear, and,
+indeed, to every heart of the many who heard it.</p>
+
+<p>"Before the Lord God, and ye who hear me," she said, slowly,
+"I am not his wife; and I have witnesses that I am not. I see the
+Moolla of Juldroog, who has known me from my birth, sitting
+yonder. Let him speak, if he be allowed." And as the King
+assented and signed to him, the old man rose.</p>
+
+<p>"It is the truth, O King and brethren. I was summoned before
+the Nawab one evening to perform a nika between him and Zóra-bee,
+which I thought strange. But I found the whole affair a mockery,
+and a shameful violation of all law and custom. Zóra was imprisoned
+under charge of two women from Moodgul, and I called
+for her in vain. Osman Beg dare not produce her. There was
+no one to represent her. And to expect me, a humble priest of
+God, to perform a mock marriage to cover his violence, was an
+insult to me; and I rose and left the assembly, every respectable
+person in it accompanying me and guarding me. Next day
+messengers were sent in every direction to obtain a Moolla, but
+none arrived until Zóra-bee and the old Syud had escaped.
+There was no marriage, O King and brethren; and he lies before
+God who says there was."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"He lies!" cried Osman Beg, furiously; "he lies. She,
+standing there shamelessly, had come to me before, and what I
+did was to save her shame&mdash;the shame of a holy Syud, whom I
+respected."</p>
+
+<p>This pitiless speech affected the assembly deeply. The
+Moolla's evidence had carried conviction to every heart; but was
+this terrible accusation true? Some even seemed to lose faith in
+the girl, but her faculties were now strung to the highest tension,
+and her spirit seemed to rise with the increasing danger of her
+situation, as she cried,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"He says I am shameless, and that I came to him of my own
+will. Let his slave Jooma, who stands yonder, say what
+happened."</p>
+
+<p>Jooma, who with other witnesses had been brought from
+Juldroog, being now called by the usher, stepped forward and made
+a humble prostration; then rose, and joining his hands, said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Let my master do me no harm, O King, and I will speak the
+truth."</p>
+
+<p>"No one can harm thee," replied the Kazee for the King.
+"Speak truly, and without fear."</p>
+
+<p>"He," and he pointed to Osman Beg, "had often asked me to
+bring Zóra-bee to him; but I had played with the child, and
+gathered flowers for her, and I always refused; and he threatened
+me. One day he ordered two other slaves like me to bring her,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span>
+and when they refused, he drew his sword and slew one, and a
+eunuch, who has run away, killed the other; and their bodies
+were flung into a hole in the rocks, and are there still. Their
+blood was wet on the rocks when he sent for me, and he had his
+bloody sword in his hand. 'Go, and bring Zóra,' he said, 'else
+thou shalt die!' And I was afraid; God forgive me for being
+afraid, and I bowed my head, and said, 'On my head and eyes be
+it.' And I took another slave with me, who knew nothing about
+it; and we went to watch for the girl, and saw her come to the
+bastion she loved, with Ahmed. Then we went down to them,
+and I sent Ahmed away on a false message. Zóra was never
+afraid of me. When Ahmed was gone, I seized her, and she
+screamed; and I tied her up with my waist-band, and we took
+her to the palace in a black blanket; and I carried her in my
+arms, and laid her down on a bed where the Mámas were. Oh, my
+lord King, I did wrong," continued the man, blubbering, as he
+cast himself on the ground; "and if Zóra is to die, kill me also,
+for it was I that did all the mischief. Not anyone else but me,
+because he said he would slay me as he had slain the others.
+Their bones are in the hole, and the new Killadar tried to get
+them out, but he could not. Ask him."</p>
+
+<p>"As if a master could not slay an insolent slave whom he had
+bought with his own money," cried Osman Beg, scornfully. "And
+can such as he be believed against a true Moslem's word? I say<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>
+he lies, there was no force; and she came when I sent him to call
+her."</p>
+
+<p>It was well for Zóra, then, that Osman Beg's cook, whom we
+may remember, had also been brought. She now stepped forward,
+and said, simply, "Jooma speaks the truth; Zóra-bee was brought
+into the harem tied up in a blanket, and I saw Máma Luteefa and
+her servant untying her. I went from the kitchen to look, as every
+one was saying the Nawab had had Zóra carried off, and was going
+to marry her; and I was ordered to cook pilao for the company.
+And, for the matter of that," continued the old woman, as she
+looked round confidently, as many cries of "Shahbash! well
+done!" fell on her ears, "every one in the palace knew it; every
+one in the fort. Why, I could name a score, yea, a hundred, who
+knew it too. Why don't they speak out like me? His wife,
+indeed! She was as much married to him as I was; and she is
+as pure now as when she was born. Does the Nawab think any
+one could have come to him without my knowledge? Shookr! he
+should be beaten on the mouth with a shoe for all he is a Nawab.
+Ask Goolab-bee, the pán woman; she was with Zóra and the two
+Mámas of Moodgul all the night Zóra was carried off by Runga
+Naik, and kept her safely as her own child."</p>
+
+<p>"We need hear no more, my friends," said the King. "For my
+own part I am satisfied. Yet I ask her once more if she hath
+aught to adduce?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Only these papers," she said, timidly, "which my grandfather
+told me to preserve. This is the letter he wrote, and sent by
+Máma Luteefa to Korikul. It bears his seal, and is in his own
+hand; and he says he will come to us and have the marriage
+done. The second is the deed he gave to the robber who
+had instructions to carry me off from Kukeyra, and who
+was killed; and with it is also the letter he wrote to the
+Kazee of Kembavee, asking him to come and marry me to
+him. Oh, my King and my lord, why should he have selected
+me, a poor orphan and a Fakeer, for this persecution, from
+which the Lord saved me many times? Even at Kokutnoor
+I had not escaped from the robbers but for the heavy rain that the
+Lord sent. If I had been guilty and shameless, as he declares I
+was, would the Lord have helped me? If I had been married to
+him, as he declares, why ask for me again? Why ask the good
+Kazee of Kembavee to marry him to me? I am ashamed to speak
+so much," she continued, timidly, "but her honour is dearer to a
+Syud's child than her life. I had not thought to complain, and I
+make no complaint. I have forgiven him freely, as I forgive him
+now; and I would have been silent, but when he said I was
+shameless, could I be silent? I have no father, no mother, my
+lord, but you and the Queen. I am but a poor orphan crying to
+you both for justice before the Lord."</p>
+
+<p>The reading of the several papers produced had, to all appearance,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span>
+silenced Osman Beg, and his head drooped on his chest
+despairingly; yet still, beaten back on every point, he made one
+more last effort.</p>
+
+<p>"If I produce the Moolla who married me," he said, scornfully,
+"will ye be content? Stand forth, Moolla Aboo Bukr, and speak
+for me."</p>
+
+<p>"I, your slave, will speak the truth, master," he said, removing
+the false beard he wore; and then prostrating himself before the
+King, cried, "May I be your sacrifice, O King, but I am not even
+one of the faithful; I am only a Hindoo, a poor buffoon, who
+frequents marriages and festivals, and tries to amuse people. The
+night Zóra-bee was to be married, and when thy servant found
+the Moolla walked away in a huff, and we sat looking at each
+other like owls, I clapped on my beard and wagged it, and said,
+'Good people, let me marry them;' and, God pardon me, I tried
+to recite&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Enough! enough! this is no time or place for thy buffoonery,"
+cried the King, who, however grave the occasion, could
+hardly keep his countenance. "Away from the presence. Is the
+Khan mad, mother, that he tried this last resource?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know not," said the Queen; "but I long to embrace that
+brave child, who shall be as a daughter to me henceforth." The
+Queen had been sobbing as she sat, and her face was wet with
+tears. "Come to me, Zóra," she said gently to her, "and I will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span>
+acknowledge thee before them;" and the girl, who had sat down
+weeping tears which soothed and relieved her, whispered to her
+grandfather that the Queen needed her, and rising, passed behind
+the throne to the Queen Dowager's seat; and the Royal lady,
+placing her hands on the girl's head, rose up, and said to all present,
+as Zóra stood beside her, "This child the Lord hath preserved
+from danger and ruin, and she is pure, and a holy Syudanee.
+She is an orphan, moreover, and her revered grandfather, Syud
+Luteef Shah Wallee, is old and infirm. Therefore, we, our lord the
+King and myself, adopt her as our daughter, and will marry her
+honourably in her own rank. As for that man," and she pointed to
+Osman Beg, "my lord the King will deal with him as he deserves."
+And then once more the great hall rung with cries of "Justice is
+done! May Chand Beebee live a hundred years!" "Hear the
+gracious words she speaks!" and the like; till, at a signal from the
+King, the usher again enforced silence. But before he could
+speak, an aged man, whose figure was still firm and erect,
+rose, and advanced to the foot of the throne, where, after prostrating
+himself and kissing the King's feet, he took the sword he
+had carried in his hand, and laying it in his muslin handkerchief,
+offered it to the King. It was Adam Khan, Turcoman, the father
+of Osman, who thus spoke in broken accents,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Say no more, my lord and my King. Spare me, the aged servant
+of thy house, one who was serving Ibrahim Adil Shah when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span>
+the venerable Syud suffered. Say no more, for my honour's sake,
+for I have fought and bled for thee. I speak not for him, my
+unworthy son; but I admit his guilt against you, my lord, and my
+Queen, and against that poor orphan, whose father served under
+me, and died in battle. Yea, my lord, and my Queen, I admit the
+guilt freely, and ye have been witness to its proof. So justice has
+been done before the Lord, and though I suffer, I rejoice. Now,
+therefore, my King, if thou hast given this wretch his life, let us
+go. I have no tie to life, nor children, nor wife, nor any one.
+Let us go, then, to Mecca, where he may pray for pardon to
+the Messenger, who will accept his penitence. The ship from
+Choule is about to sail, and we will depart, and our shame and
+dishonour may be forgiven. But take this poor memorial of the
+service of one who hath been faithful, whom thy Royal mother
+knoweth to be faithful. I leave to thee the estates I hold, but,
+with permission, all my command with the horses and men I give
+to Abbas Khan, nephew of the brave Humeed Khan."</p>
+
+<p>"Peace, father!" said his son; "humble thyself no more.
+One more chance of justice is open to all. Hath this girl any
+champion to undertake her defence? Men's tongues are swayed
+by a breath of opinion, but sharp steel is the true arbiter. Again,
+therefore, I claim her as my wife, let who will be her champion."</p>
+
+<p>Then a number of fiery young men started up; but among
+them all Abbas Khan was the calmest, stateliest, and most remarkable.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>
+"I owe my life to that poor orphan," he said, "and I should
+be unworthy if I refused her aid in her need. Listen, Osman
+Beg; though I have partaken of thy hospitality, thou must accept
+me in the ordeal if thou persist in claiming her."</p>
+
+<p>"I accept!" cried Osman Beg, "On foot or horseback, with
+armour or without, I claim thee, and thee only. The day is yet
+young, the field where the Abyssinian died is open. Come! thou
+art welcome; and if thou refuse, thou art a coward and a liar!"</p>
+
+<p>"Silence!" cried the King, angrily; "an honourable man can
+only fight with one of equal honour. Thou, Osman Beg, art one
+whose life hath been far-famed for treachery; whose honour hath
+yielded before falsehood, and become a thing for honest men to
+spit on. Away! go to the holy Kibleh with thine honoured
+father; haply the Lord may give thee grace to repent. Champion!
+nay, she needeth none; hath not the Lord been her champion
+in preserving her from thee? Hyat Khan, remove him;
+see that he is guarded and escorted with his father to the ship for
+Mecca."</p>
+
+<p>"It is my destiny," murmured Osman Beg, as he retreated.
+"Must I go? But I will not cease to pursue her while I have life;
+and my revenge will only sleep, only sleep."</p>
+
+<p>"And now, sirs, we have detained you long," said the King;
+"but we dismiss ye with our thanks, and grateful to the Lord,
+also, that He hath manifested His justice in the protection of an
+orphan child."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Till the Queen rose, Zóra had been sitting beside her, but her
+mind was in a strange condition. What she had said, how the
+people had clapped their hands and shouted for her; how she had
+escaped from the deadly danger, worse than death, which had
+threatened her; what the King and Queen Chand had said to her,
+of all this she knew very little; but when Meeah, as she loved
+to think of him, rose up, and before all the assembled people
+declared he was her champion, her heart swelled almost to
+bursting, and she could only look at him with wistful eyes, while
+her cheeks burned painfully and her breath came in gasps.
+Meeah! he was true; he had not forgotten the night watch.
+Meeah! he would have risked his life for her honour. Oh that
+she could throw herself at his feet and clasp his knees, and
+say&mdash;&mdash;Ah! what could she have said, but that she loved him,
+that she would die for him, if needs be.</p>
+
+<p>She was anxious to be alone, to pray and thank God
+in her own simple fashion, to send Fatehas to all the saints'
+shrines; and pleading her duty to her grandfather, the good
+Queen, perceiving the girl was well nigh distraught, bid her go,
+and she would send for her presently. And Zóra, leading the old
+man forth, regained their apartments quietly. And when he was
+seated in his old place, and had drunk some cool sherbet, he drew
+her to him, and said, "Child, remember this day; 'tis the end of
+my Turreequt, except the last when the angel calls me; but it is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span>
+the beginning of thine in honour and joy. When that youth spoke,
+my heart leaped towards him; and, if the Lord will, he may lead
+thee to eternal peace."</p>
+
+<p>Zóra could not reply, her heart was too full; and how could she
+mention Meeah? Maria came in soon after, with her brother; and
+while the good Padré stayed with his old friend, Zóra and Maria
+withdrew to Zóra's apartment, and in a burst of softening tears, the
+girl's overcharged spirit was relieved. Never before had Maria
+heard the history of Zóra's abduction and escape, and she was
+amazed at the girl's endurance and bravery. Then Maria took
+her to the Queen Chand, who laid her head on her own bosom,
+and comforted her.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art my daughter, now," she said, "for thou art
+brave and true; and I will be to thee a mother, grateful that
+God hath sent me such a child to love, and to be beloved by.
+Nay, I will not take thee from thy Abba, for without thee he cannot
+live; but I shall see thee daily, and there need be no reserve between
+us." Nor was there from thenceforth.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>Under the adansonian trees the executioner had sat waiting,
+until their broad shadows stretched across the sward and were becoming
+longer. At last a messenger came and said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Get up, O Khan, no one comes to thee to-day, and Hyat Khan
+bids thee go home."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Hai! hai! alas! alas!" said the functionary, with a sigh.
+"And thou wert so sharp, my son;" and he once more drew his
+weapon from its sheath. "He would never have felt it. Well, so
+let the King have mercy; and yet thy time will come again some
+day or other, O my son. Well, thou shalt be ready;" and with a
+sigh he made a deep salaam to the glittering weapon, and, returning
+it to its sheath, covered the sword with his scarf, and walked
+slowly towards the city.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IV.<br />
+
+FREEDOM.</h2>
+
+
+<p>And now there was rest and peace; but how different to that in
+the old fort, to which Zóra's mind often wandered. How different
+grew on her day by day, more and more. Instead of the dreamy,
+uneventful life she used to lead, there was now excitement and
+active employment. Her constant attendance on her grandfather
+never relaxed; and he was perhaps more exacting than before&mdash;partly
+on account of his increasing infirmity, and partly because of
+the strange and new consciousness of increased dignity and importance
+which was growing upon him, and which was foreign to his
+naturally humble temperament. His devotional exercises, too, in
+which he was assisted by some of the priests of the city mosques,
+were much prolonged; and he was often weary and peevish, and
+on such occasions the presence of old Mamoolla and Ahmed only
+provoked him, and Zóra became indispensable. Had he not, also,
+been invited to preach in the Jooma Mosque, where six thousand
+men of all ranks sat with the King to listen to him on the occasion
+of the King's first visit to that noble building, when he went to
+return thanks for the close of the war? He knew that he had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span>
+moved many hearts; for though he lauded patriotism and bravery
+in war, yet he dwelt more strongly and more earnestly on the
+blessings of peace, industry, sobriety, and devotion; and these
+were themes which flowed from his lips spontaneously and with
+fervid eloquence. Many men who listened then, and afterwards,
+thought him inspired; and whether he spoke in the rough Dekhani
+dialect, or in the softer Persian, he was equally impressive. Hundreds
+became his devoted followers, and I fear the burly high
+priest's influence decreased in proportion.</p>
+
+<p>From the high priest issued the hardest doctrines of Islam:
+the most difficult metaphysical arguments that learned commentators
+had ever supplied. The learning and study they displayed
+were wonderful, and immeasurably exceeded that of the old Dervish;
+but they were hard to comprehend, and to the uninitiated
+utterly unintelligible, whereas those of our old friend were sweet
+and consoling, encouraging to good works and love to men, as
+well as to love to God. Hence there arose two factions, as it
+were, in the city, which on any and every occasion were ready to
+divide into opposing portions; and Luteef Shah Wallee was denounced
+as an heretical and misleading preacher, not belonging to
+any saintly family, who neglected to preach damnation to unbelievers,
+but sought to win them by kindness, which was contrary
+to the texts and doctrines of the blessed Korán; and thus, when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>
+he had expected peace, our old friend found strife, which as time
+passed grew more bitter.</p>
+
+<p>But it was pleasant, nevertheless, after such services, to receive
+the visits of his friends. And even some of his contemporaries,
+Ekhlas Khan, the blind old minister, several of the physicians and
+lawyers, some of the local nobility, and men of learning, enrolled
+themselves among his disciples, and sat at his feet, enjoying the
+words which fell from his lips with true zest. And as to the
+common people, there were many likewise, but the majority still
+adhered to the old <i>régime</i>; and the precincts of the Chishtee
+Palace and cemetery, which were in the centre of the city outside
+the walls, were as crowded as usual. The Chishtee priest
+had, too, many subordinate ministers, who gathered in his revenues
+from vows, oblations, and performances of ceremonials in thousands
+of families; and the shrine was richly endowed besides by
+estates and charged on many collections of revenue. But our old
+friend had none of these, and desired none. All he received he
+gave away in charity to the poor at the great mosque, and sent to
+other mosques in the city, and to the almshouse, and the public
+hospitals, and travellers' rest houses. And he had no ambition to
+do more; certainly none to become rich; for the King had enriched
+him far beyond his requirements, and collections from the
+estates were beginning to come in. What was he to do with
+them? He had no wants, for the ordinary allowance at the fort<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>
+was sufficient for food and clothes, and the expense and maintenance
+of a household were unknown both to him and Zóra.</p>
+
+<p>Zóra, too, had her separate duties, apart from those connected
+with her grandfather. Rising early, she frequently joined Queen
+Chand for the first morning prayer, and then assisted her by
+writing fair copies of the drafts she had made over night; and
+when Abba rose, she was informed of it, and was allowed to go to
+assist him. Sometimes she sang to the Queen the few things she
+knew, or did embroidery for her. And the Queen liked Zóra's
+beyond that of all her other maidens, and entrusted her with the
+finishing of a precious and costly piece in seed pearls on velvet,
+which was to be sent as an offering to Mecca, some of the most
+delicate parts of which had been done by herself. Sometimes,
+too, she read aloud, while the Queen worked, from such books as
+she had studied under her grandfather, and learned from him the
+proper rhythm and emphasis. And Zóra's ear was so correct, and
+her cadence so musical, that it was like a sweet song, or a chaunt,
+or a spirited declamation, as the subject required.</p>
+
+<p>Every day, too, while the Queen took her noonday rest, Zóra's
+time was her own; and Maria came to her, and they sat under a
+great fig-tree which flourished in the little garden, and held sweet
+communion with each other, or worked. Zóra, though comparatively
+little time had passed, was not now the shy, simple child
+Maria had loved at Juldroog. She found the girl's character developed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>
+and strengthened by contact with the world without, and by
+the experience, rough and sad as it had been, that she had endured
+in the wild persecution of Osman Beg, and the society of those with
+whom she had come in contact since she had left the fort.
+Over and over again had Maria requested her to tell the story of
+her escape from Osman Beg's treachery and violence; and she
+could follow it all, from the seat on the well-remembered bastion,
+with the grand ravine and cataract before it, to the final
+scene of the trial, of which she had been a spectator from the
+Queen's balcony, and estimate with wonder and admiration,
+and with many a sympathetic tear and sob, the young girl's
+fortitude and endurance. She could estimate, too, Zóra's dread
+that she might still, by some unknown chance, fall into this ruthless
+man's hands; and Maria would soothe and calm her, bidding
+her trust in the Lord, and in the powerful friends that had been
+given to her. The one was a humble Christian, the other a
+Mussulman girl. Yet, in the sympathy and love that united them,
+there was nothing wanting. Sometimes, too, they now spoke of
+"Meeah," for Maria could not but discern, from his behaviour at
+the trial, that the young man loved Zóra fondly, and even passionately;
+and Zóra would listen to the few words Maria said on the
+subject with a fond and even sad interest, hiding her burning face
+in Maria's bosom, with secret hope and yet with trembling dread.
+Her one hope in life lay with him, for Abba was declining in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>
+strength, and he was over-taxing a mind and frame which had been
+so long unexercised, and that she knew must bring with it the inevitable
+consequence of death. Till that time came she declared
+that not even Meeah should separate her from the fondly loved old
+man; and Maria could understand, however great the temptation,
+that her vow would not be broken.</p>
+
+<p>But Abbas Khan himself was not free from embarrassment in
+regard to taking any formal step towards Zóra. Years ago, when
+his uncle was by no means so rich as he was at present, and his
+brother, Abbas Khan's father, had been only a Silladar, or owner
+of a few horses in the Royal Dekhani cavalry, his little son had
+been betrothed to the daughter of a comrade of the same rank as
+himself in the army, of Abyssinian descent, but whose estates
+rendered his daughter, Sukeena, a desirable connection in
+the consideration of many families of Beejapoor, notwithstanding
+the report that Sukeena-bee was very forbidding both in
+person and features. She was, indeed, both lame and deformed;
+and was in addition so ugly, that she was known by a sobriquet
+by no means complimentary. Sukeena's mother was descended
+from a Nubian family, which had again intermarried with
+Abyssinians. But it was not from this cause alone that Sukeena's
+appearance was forbidding; her father was a very plain and somewhat
+humpbacked man; her grandmother, the daughter of one of
+the Abyssinian noblemen, had been only too glad to dispose of a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span>
+singularly ugly daughter to a respectable man, and gave with her a
+dower of property which, as he said, endowed the Lady Fyzun with
+a beauty more precious and more lasting than that of a pretty face.
+From this union had resulted one daughter only, the girl who had
+been betrothed in her early childhood to Abbas Khan.</p>
+
+<p>Neither Humeed Khan, Abbas Khan's uncle, nor his wife, the
+Lady Fatima, had been parties to this early betrothal. When it
+took place they were at a distance; but when the Lady Fatima
+returned to Beejapoor, her nephew's father and mother had both
+died. For a time, the Queen Chand had adopted the orphan boy,
+and he shared in the instruction of the young King; but afterwards
+Abbas Khan had returned to his uncle's house, and taken his
+place in the Royal service. Considering the connection which
+already existed by betrothment, it would have been impossible
+for the Lady Fatima to have avoided the Lady Fyzun and her
+daughter. Both husbands were absent at the war, with the King.
+Sukeena's father, notwithstanding his partial deformity, was, as
+is often seen to be the case, a man of immense strength
+and ever conspicuous bravery, and he had risen to a rank considerably
+higher than it was at the time of the old betrothal. In
+point, therefore, of social condition the families were pretty equal,
+though the Abyssinian lady claimed precedence in consequence
+of her descent from a long line of ministers and generals, who had
+attained rank and power in the days of the Bahmuny dynasty at
+Gulburgah and Beeder.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>From the period of her return to Beejapoor, the Lady Fatima
+had been obliged to offer civilities to the Lady Fyzun, which, of
+course, included her daughter; and the Lady Fyzun was a woman
+not only of excessive pride, but of extremely sharp, disagreeable
+temper, and, moreover, very parsimonious. Her husband, poor
+man, was especially mild and good-natured, and, if he could
+have managed it, would have got away as far as was possible from
+his wife at all times. But at a season like the present, when the
+whole army had returned from a campaign, and there seemed to
+be neither possibility nor probability of the renewal of war, Zyn
+Khan, for that was his name, was obliged to remain at home, and
+to submit to his wife's conduct and remarks with all the patience
+and equanimity he could command. After more than two years of
+respite, his trials recommenced the day of the King's triumphal
+entry.</p>
+
+<p>The Lady Fyzun was, as I have already remarked, very
+economical. The house-steward and the clerks who kept the
+house accounts could never satisfy her as to the expenditure of
+the cook, or the daroghas of the kitchen and stables. She was at
+perpetual war with them. Too much butter, or meat, or onions
+and garlic, or vegetables, were surely used for cooking the
+domestic daily food. The horses ate too much grain and fodder;
+the slaves and eunuchs wore out their clothes too fast. In short,
+these were, and had been, subjects of altercation for years,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span>
+and were by no means worn out. Now the morning of the
+King's arrival was a fast day, though not one of a rigid
+character, and few, especially on an occasion like this, would
+have observed it at all; but Fyzun-bee had no idea of allowing
+laxity of religious observances. She kept the Rumzan and Mohorum
+with a positively fearful exactitude, and starved herself, her
+daughter, and her household to the very verge of endurance. On
+the other hand, on joyful anniversaries, when a liberal addition of
+savoury food was made to the daily allowance by every, even the
+poorest, housewife, Fyzun-bee's feast was of the smallest dimensions
+and humblest character. Sweetmeats were not made in the
+house of good sugar-candy and fresh butter, but ordered from the
+confectioners, who sent, according to order, the coarsest, and but
+little of them. In the pilao, the cook was restricted in the use of
+ghee, spice, and meat; camel and even buffalo flesh was used
+instead of good fat mutton; and the cook, who was really a mistress
+of her art, would, had she not been a slave, have no doubt sought
+a more liberal mistress in sheer vexation.</p>
+
+<p>Zyn Khan had ridden with the King's throng of courtiers and
+officers in the entrance procession. He had attended the durbar,
+and had been thus detained till late in the day; he was, therefore,
+not only extremely tired, but hungry to boot; and though he expected
+no delicacies at home, yet he felt sure that there would be food at
+least, and perhaps the cook might do something special for him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>
+He had left the durbar in company with his friends Humeed Khan
+and Abbas Khan, and at the gate of their mansion had parted
+with them. Then, as they separated, Humeed Khan had said to
+him, good humouredly, "If the fast is observed to-day in thy
+house, come to us, brother; nay, stay now if thou wilt, with a
+hearty welcome."</p>
+
+<p>Now, though only at the gate, the fragrant scent of savoury
+food had already reached him, for it was to be a feast for many of
+the inferior officers and men of Humeed Khan's household troops,
+which would be a warranty that there were better dishes beyond
+that; and Zyn Khan's hunger increased, while his mouth fairly
+watered. But to eat in a stranger's house just after a long absence
+would be a positive affront to his wife, of whom he stood in awe,
+and he passed on to the reception that awaited him. Certainly all
+the servants were at their posts. There were trays of offerings,
+and lighted lamps waved over him; the women servants and
+eunuchs chaunted a discordant welcome; but his nose was regaled
+by no savoury smell; and, on passing the door of the kitchen court,
+he looked in, and beheld the old cook and her two assistant girls
+sitting dolefully on the step of the kitchen itself; and as they got up
+and waved their arms towards him, cracking their knuckles against
+their cheeks, he returned the salute by crying out, "The peace of
+God on you, Máma Leila; I trust you have something good for
+your hungry master."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"On the contrary, my lord," returned the woman, with a
+spiteful accent; "no firewood and no food have been allowed me
+to-day, else thou shouldst have eaten well."</p>
+
+<p>Zyn Khan was really angry. "No firewood and no food have
+been given Leila-bee to-day," he cried, regardless of the approach
+and salutation of his wife and daughter. "No food! and I have
+this day ridden ten coss (twenty miles), and been out in the hot sun
+all the time, and attended the King's durbar, without a morsel to
+eat. And this is my welcome after two years' absence. Fyzun!
+art thou not ashamed, O wife?"</p>
+
+<p>"I ashamed! I, the descendant of Princes and Ministers,
+ashamed of keeping the holy fast, and of the service of Alla,
+instead of thy greedy belly. Touba! Touba! As-tagh-fur-oolla!
+Shame, and God forbid that I should hear such words from
+the father of thy daughter Sukeena! No; there is no food and
+no fire in the house to-day for gluttons; let them meditate on the
+saints, and feed on spiritual food, like true men of Islam. Be
+satisfied, O Khan, that I, thy wife, and thy beloved daughter, are
+in the same condition as thyself, fasting for the love of Alla and
+the saints. Thou canst bathe and refresh thyself, for hot water is
+ready for thee in the bath, and I will see (for the expression of his
+face was far from amiable) and get some confection which may
+stay thy hunger till night."</p>
+
+<p>"Till night!" groaned Zyn Khan; "till night! Is this how<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>
+thy mother teaches thee, Sukeena-bee? I would not be thy husband,
+girl." These were the first words he had spoken to her, and
+as he uttered them he looked over the ungainly, crooked form, the
+sour, ugly features, and the really mean clothing of his daughter.
+In his heart he compared her to the simple, lovely girl he had
+seen with the old saint who had so mysteriously reappeared.
+"Were I Abbas Khan," he thought, "they might cut me in pieces
+ere I would consent to mate with one like Sukeena, while a girl
+like the saint's granddaughter was within possibility of attainment.
+No, it can never be. And what does it matter to Sukeena; her
+money will attract some one."</p>
+
+<p>"What art thou saying, father?" asked his daughter. "Thy
+lips move, but no words come forth."</p>
+
+<p>"I was saying," returned her father, bitterly, "that if thou
+hadst met me with a cheerful face, brought me a pleasant breakfast,
+and behaved thyself like a loving daughter, I should have
+patted thee on the head and become more reconciled to thy ugly
+face. Well! ugly it always was, and that is no fault of thine.
+Nay, do not cry; but two years have made it sour and forbidding,
+and all thy wealth would not reconcile it to constant companionship."</p>
+
+<p>Then he got up suddenly, put the girl aside, and went into his
+bath. I am afraid matters there did not improve the good
+man's temper. The water had been hastily heated lukewarm,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>
+instead of hot; and it had been smoked with the smoke of
+cowdung cakes till, as the poor Khan said, it would take all the
+perfumes of a perfumer's shop to take the evil smell from him.
+He took off his armour, however, and his heavy riding clothes,
+put on a light muslin suit, went out, and sat down in his accustomed
+place.</p>
+
+<p>No one was there, but presently his wife appeared, leading a
+small procession, at the head of which was his daughter bearing a
+silver plate, and several women with others also covered.</p>
+
+<p>"Spread the cloth," said the Lady Fyzun, "and put down the
+dishes. Now, Bismilla! Khan Sahib, eat thy fill, for it is consecrated
+to the Lord," she said with a sniff. "It was about to go
+forth to the shrine of the Chishtee saint, but I have saved some
+for thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Bismilla!" he said, as a servant removed a cover, and he
+expected to find some delicate rice milk or vermicelli, with which
+he would have been content, hungry as he was; but instead, he
+saw three "julaybees," very old and leathery, and, moreover, much
+fly-blown, on the first plate; and on the next, two large coarse
+"luddoos," which smelt rancid, and were covered with dust, a few
+very dry hard dates, and two oranges of the peculiarly sour description
+used by dyers; and on the last, two shrivelled coarse
+plantains, bruised and black.</p>
+
+<p>"Ul-humd-ul-Illa! Praise be to God!" he exclaimed, "that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span>
+my wife and daughter worship the saints, although they need not
+send them stale sweetmeats and sour and rotten fruits. Do not
+deny these delicacies to holy men, lady wife; but for me they are
+much too good, and I must seek plainer food elsewhere," and
+having delivered this speech with a kind of grave mock solemnity,
+he took up his sword, tucked it under his arm, and walked away.</p>
+
+<p>"If you are going to Humeed Khan's house to eat," cried his
+wife, not a whit abashed, "give my humble respects, and say, that
+when it may be quite convenient, I should like the matter of
+Sukeena-bee's marriage to be settled."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, mother!" cried the girl, when her father had departed, "I
+saw Meeah in the procession to-day, and he is as beautiful as
+Yoosuf. If I do not marry him I shall die."</p>
+
+<p>I think it is very possible, if Zyn Khan had had a better
+reception at home, he would have made an attempt to carry this
+point. As it was, he arrived just as his friend Humeed Khan's
+cloth was being spread. Nothing was said but a welcome, and the
+hungry man sat down to a dinner of many savoury courses, which
+he enjoyed heartily, and felt truly grateful for. And after this,
+when the three men were alone, and pleasant fumes of fragrant
+tobacco were being inhaled, they discussed the subject of the marriage
+in a friendly manner.</p>
+
+<p>"The last words my wife said to me were, that I should settle
+something about the marriage of your nephew and my daughter;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span>
+and as we can talk it over in a friendly manner among ourselves,
+perhaps we had better make some arrangement."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Humeed Khan, "you know it is now a very old
+matter, with which neither I nor my wife had anything to do; and
+we have long thought that, as we were not parties to the agreement,
+and refuse to be so, the issue rests with Meeah alone, who,
+of course, can claim your daughter if he chooses, and he is now
+responsible for his own actions. You had better, therefore, ask him,
+Khan Sahib, and I will withdraw while you discuss it."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, no!" cried both, "stay with us; and," added Abbas
+Khan, gravely, "I have fully considered the matter, and have
+come to the conclusion that it would be better for us both that we
+continue to be separate."</p>
+
+<p>"And what is to become of Sukeena, Meeah? Is she never to
+have a husband?"</p>
+
+<p>"She has, or will have, much wealth," replied the young Khan;
+"and, as flies to honey, so, when it is known that she is free, a
+hundred suitors will send in their proposals, and you can take
+your choice. Besides, you are Abyssinians and we are Dekhanies,
+and such marriages never prosper. Have not a hundred bloody
+feuds arisen out of such affairs?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is true," said Zyn Khan; "and there is no saying what
+feud might not arise even at the very marriage itself. All the hot
+bloods of my people declare that as Meeah slew Elias Khan and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span>
+his champion, Yacoot, there is a blood feud between the Dekhanies
+and the Abyssinians which may break out at any time."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course it might," said Humeed Khan; "and of all occasions
+that of a marriage is the most probable. My friend, not
+only for our own sakes, but for that of the State, we ought to
+forbid this matter; and I, for one, shall forbid it, leaving Meeah
+to pursue his own course."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," returned Zyn Khan, "I can guess what that will be.
+Sukeena-bee has not grown more beautiful since I left her, and I
+love you, Meeah, too well, and her too well&mdash;for is she not my only
+child?&mdash;to join you together to hate each other all your lives! The
+old adage, 'Pigeons mate with pigeons, and hawks with hawks,'
+suits you exactly. My dame can look about for one of our own
+clan, who are poor enough, but they have the breeding she likes
+best, and Sukeena will be rich. Now, Humeed Khan, do not be
+offended if I speak bluntly. My lady is fond of money, and so is
+Sukeena. Suppose you offer something for the marriage expenses,
+and I think it will be accepted."</p>
+
+<p>"Good!" cried Humeed Khan, laughing. "I will send five
+thousand rupees gladly."</p>
+
+<p>"And I," added Abbas Khan, "a pair of gold anklets and a
+pearl necklace."</p>
+
+<p>"Enough, O generous friends!" cried Zyn Khan. "There<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>
+may be some difficulty, perhaps; but, after all, Inshalla! a man
+is master in his own household."</p>
+
+<p>But when he returned home, Zyn Khan did not find the matter
+so easy as he had imagined. His daughter declared she
+should die, and would eat no food. Her mother only pointed to
+her as she lay, and said, "Let her die, since thou hast not spirit
+enough to help her." And it was only when the last temptation
+was offered, the money and the jewels, that mother and daughter
+seemed to yield before the persistence, not to say obstinacy, of the
+master of the house.</p>
+
+<p>The affair, however, took nearly a month to arrange, until one
+day the parties concerned attended at the Kazee's office, in the
+great Adalut Palace, and mutual deeds of release having been
+interchanged, Zyn Khan took away with him on his elephant five
+bags of a thousand rupees each, and the beautiful anklets and
+pearls which Abbas Khan had presented. The whole had been
+well managed, without either public scandal or offence to either
+party. There was nothing in it which was against custom or law,
+and Abbas Khan was at last free from a connection which he had
+always dreaded. On the other hand, Sukeena-bee put on her gold
+anklets and walked about, rejoicing in the music of their tiny bells,
+and fastened on the necklace, which was declared free from defect;
+while her mother, for a time very busy among her female friends,
+at last found out a young man descended from an ancient and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span>
+noble Abyssinian family, and the betrothment of the pair quickly
+followed.</p>
+
+<p>"If I had not fasted that day," said the Lady Fyzun, "we
+should not have secured that happy deliverance from low-bred
+Dekhanies."</p>
+
+<p>"If I had not taken the affair out of thy hands, O wife, we
+should have gone on as we were, for Abbas Khan could never
+have been persuaded."</p>
+
+<p>"Ul-humd-ul-Illa!" ejaculated the husband.</p>
+
+<p>"Ul-humd-ul-Illa!" echoed the dame. "Ameen! Ameen!"</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER V.<br />
+
+CHANGES IN SOME POSITIONS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>For some weeks there was no change in the positions of the several
+characters of our history. The Queen Dowager gradually withdrew
+herself from public duties, for she found that her nephew, the
+King, had developed strong talent both for political affairs and internal
+civil administration. Rewards and dignities had been freely
+distributed by him; and the troops, satisfied with his liberally
+granted donations, were serving loyally and steadily throughout the
+kingdom. There were no rebellions, insurrections, or feuds, nor a
+spot on the political horizon, from which there was cause for
+anxiety, except Ahmednugger, whose local affairs were by no
+means in a settled condition; but with these there was no present
+or pressing reason to interfere. With his good aunt, King Ibrahim
+continued on most affectionate terms. Always considered
+by him as a mother, he resorted to her for advice and counsel in
+many affairs, of which she had more experience than himself; and
+as she never displayed the least desire for interference of any
+kind, the entire harmony between them was never disturbed.
+The King's fine taste for architecture had full scope in the decoration<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span>
+of his own mausoleum, and the works attached to it, in
+which Francis d'Almeida and the humble painter often assisted
+him by suggestions; and with these, and other public undertakings,
+occasional hunting parties and short excursions, constant
+durbars and current business, his time was occupied fully and
+usefully.</p>
+
+<p>Beejapoor was then at its greatest. Owing to the presence of
+the principal portions of the army, and the cessation of war, trade
+had increased rapidly, and the general prosperity of the kingdom
+was as assuring as it was gratifying. Congratulatory letters
+arrived in due course from Golconda, Beeder, Penkonda, and
+other kingdoms, accompanied by embassies, which gave rise to
+many superb entertainments; and, in the words of a local historian,
+"the songs of revelry and thanksgiving, which the people
+had not heard for many years, now resounded through the
+land, and weeping was heard no more."</p>
+
+<p>Zóra's usual life had undergone no alteration. The King would
+not hear of her grandfather's proposal to change his residence, or
+to build a house for himself in one of the Royal gardens at Torweh;
+and indeed, to Zóra's great delight, he made no objection to remaining
+where he was, under the Royal roof, partaking of the
+King's hospitality. An additional court, cells, cloisters, and rooms
+behind them had been set in order for him, and in the enclosure
+was a small but elegant mosque or chapel for worship, where<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span>
+the old man could give his lectures to many scholars, both in
+divinity and medicine. He rarely preached in the great Jooma
+mosque now; the doing so was too great an effort for him, and,
+on every occasion, the exhaustion which followed was but too
+evident to all; and Zóra was thankful when, after a more trying
+sermon than usual, the old man put his hand upon her head, and
+said, with a sigh, "Child! I can do no more abroad. I will
+reserve what strength is left to me to teach here."</p>
+
+<p>From that day he went forth no more, except on festival
+anniversaries, when, attended by his faithful Ahmed&mdash;for the
+Queen now objected to Zóra's appearing in public&mdash;he took his
+place among the worshippers. Even the great Kureem-oo-deen
+Chishtee was softened, and paid "the saint" many visits, with
+a display of kindly feeling which was in strong contrast to the
+bitterness he had once shown.</p>
+
+<p>Zóra had, therefore, more leisure, and there were now other
+servants to share Ahmed's and Mamoolla's duties. She remained
+most of her time with the Queen, as has been previously
+explained, who grew more and more attached to her day by
+day. Who, indeed, could resist her cheerful, winning disposition,
+her genial kindliness, and her entire unselfishness and devotion?
+while every little accomplishment she possessed improved by quiet
+exercise and study, under one of the Persian secretaries who, in
+days past, had been the King's, as well as Abbas Khan's,
+instructor.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>She saw little of the Queen, Taj-ool-Nissa. At first, she had
+been a constant visitor and attendant with Maria, but the Queen
+was afraid of Zóra's beauty. She knew that in point of manner
+and of cultivation she was by far inferior to Zóra; and she sent
+her a kindly message, through Maria, that she must not visit her
+except on special occasions, when there were entertainments to
+ladies at which the King could not be present, or when the Dowager
+Chand Beebee came privately to see her. And the Queen was right.
+Though her health had improved vastly under the priest's treatment,
+yet she was still a slight, perhaps insignificant-looking girl&mdash;pretty,
+now that health had given roundness to her form and
+lustre to her large dreamy eyes; yet she could not be compared
+for a moment with Zóra, who, with rest, peace, and entire freedom
+from the anxiety which had hung over her till her innocence was
+proved before all, was fast attaining her full development of
+beauty; and it was impossible to compare the now handsomely
+dressed, well-cared for girl, the beloved companion and attendant
+of her Royal mistress, with the poorly, coarsely clad and uncared-for
+girl of the Fakeer's house at Juldroog. Runga Naik, too, had
+safely transmitted the box of precious articles which had been deposited
+with him, and in them Zóra found many ornaments which
+had belonged to her grandmother and her mother, with some
+garments of cloth of gold, and handsome scarves; but, indeed she
+hardly needed them, for the kind Queen provided her liberally<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span>
+with all she required; and her grandfather was constantly asking
+her why she did not buy clothes and jewels, for were they not now
+rich? But I think the simple, natural tastes of the girl predominated
+over all love of display or of finery, and she had enough
+of the latter already.</p>
+
+<p>The Lady Fatima was perhaps more constantly with the Queen
+than any other lady of the city. They had been intimate friends
+for years, for the Queen's care of Abbas Khan after his parents'
+death, and while the Lady Fatima was unavoidably absent, was a
+strong bond between them. Thus the good lady had many,
+almost daily, opportunities of seeing Zóra, and observing her
+disposition in all respects. Her husband and her nephew had
+enrolled themselves as disciples of the aged Syud, and thus there
+were already strong bonds of mutual attachment growing up
+between the families. How well did Fatima Beebee remember
+Meeah's words in his sleep after the combat; his sweet smile and
+sigh as he uttered "Zóra! Zóra!" in his dream. Now her
+husband had seen Zóra. He returned from the durbar of the trial
+full of Zóra's bravery&mdash;her indomitable spirit, and yet of her
+modesty. "Any other girl," he declared, "would have lost heart,
+would have sat down and wept, would have flinched from the sore
+ordeal to which Zóra had been subjected, and out of which she
+had come forth so triumphantly." Yes, she was satisfied that her
+nephew had yielded to no unworthy passion, and that his love
+was as pure as her utmost hope could desire.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>When the trial was over, she told what she had heard to her
+husband, for Abbas Khan had not dared to tell his uncle, while
+they were in camp, more than of the sad situation of the old Syud,
+who had been so kind to him, and had left all else to chance, or,
+as he more reverently expressed himself, to the will of God; and
+the sudden appearance of the girl by the wayside with her
+grandfather, as the King passed them, had aroused all the feelings
+which had been his companions from the night Zóra had
+watched him till the present. Still, he had said nothing. He
+knew how deeply he was involved in the old engagement of childhood,
+which could not be dissolved rudely or suddenly; but the
+matter should be arranged by the family of Zyn Khan.</p>
+
+<p>After a decent time had passed, and the newly arranged
+marriage of Sukeena Beebee was proclaimed, and when, in fact,
+her marriage day was fixed and invitations to it distributed, there
+was no occasion to delay; and one day, which had been chosen
+by the family astrologer, the Lady Fatima, urged by her husband,
+went to the Queen to ascertain whether Zóra loved Abbas Khan,
+and to ask advice as to how she was to proceed. She did not
+even mention her intention to her nephew; it would be time
+enough to speak to him should all be favourable to her design,
+for she felt certain that his heart had not changed.</p>
+
+<p>Long before the good lady's visit, Queen Chand had discovered
+as much as she needed to know of the condition of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>
+Zóra's heart. She had hardly entered the audience hall on
+the day of the King's entry, and taken her seat, than she
+saw the eyes of Abbas Khan eagerly fixed upon Zóra, and the
+attempts of Zóra to conceal her face; and during the events
+of the succeeding day the impression was still more vivid,
+rising to its fullest height when Abbas Khan accepted the
+traitor Osman Beg's challenge. Then, indeed, the Queen had
+read Zóra's heart completely, for her wistful, earnest gaze, which
+she had no thought to conceal, the flush on her cheek and her
+now trembling form, betrayed emotions which it was impossible to
+hide; and from that moment the girl found a place in the Royal
+heart which filled a long existent yearning. Yet still she never
+spoke on the subject to Zóra herself. She knew there was a
+serious obstacle, and whether it could be smoothed away or not
+seemed very doubtful. But the Queen's mind was more at ease
+after she knew that Abbas Khan's marriage was broken off. She
+could not, by reason of her rank, take any steps herself in what
+she wished; but she was ready at the same time to assist the
+union of her two children, as she called them, by any and every
+means in her power.</p>
+
+<p>The Lady Fatima's visit was, therefore, a joyful one to the
+Queen as soon as she understood its purport; and being a woman
+of practical mind, she did not use any circumlocution. Would
+there be any objection on behalf of Zóra's grandfather, or would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span>
+there be any from the girl herself? Had Her Majesty any other
+arrangement in view for Zóra, or had the King? These formed the
+pith of the good lady's communication. To the latter, Queen
+Chand was enabled to give a decided and favourable answer. Not
+many days before, the King had said to her laughingly, "It is
+time, mother, that Abbas Khan was married and settled. Would
+not Zóra-bee suit him exactly? They are both clever, both
+handsome, and thou wilt have the most beautiful grandchildren in
+Beejapoor. For my own part, though I have held my peace, I have
+been of the same mind ever since Osman Beg's trial; but it is
+thou as Meeah's mother who should make the first move in the
+matter; I can but aid thee by giving it my perfect approval."</p>
+
+<p>So, then, the first point was gained. The second was to ascertain
+whether the parties would be fortunate, and this was decided
+by the most celebrated astrologer in Beejapoor, who discovered
+that Abbas Khan was Fire, and Zóra was Air, and the result would
+be that the utmost degree of love and happiness would reign
+between them; that Zóra would submit herself to her husband,
+and that her husband would treat her with great kindness and
+affection. Such was the decree of the wise man; and then, horoscopes
+being cast, the result was that a favourable prognostic of
+the planets occurred in the course of a few days, and it behoved
+all concerned to make due preparations for the betrothal.</p>
+
+<p>So far the proceedings of the confederates had been eminently<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>
+successful, and with the dear old Syud there was no difficulty. He
+had gradually become impressed with the necessity of confiding
+Zóra to the care of some one whom he could consider worthy of
+her. In the Queen he knew she had obtained a kind and powerful
+friend and even motherly care and interest, but that she should be
+a wife was a higher desire in the old man's mind; but it was
+coupled to an almost selfish wish that she should not leave him
+alone. What should he do without her gentle, loving ministrations?
+How should he find his charms and amulets, or his medicines?
+Who could read to him or write for him? Who could lead him
+about, even in the precincts of their present home? Who, in
+short, could be the companion to him that Zóra was, with her
+intellect unfolding more and more as weeks passed? He knew no
+young man but Abbas Khan&mdash;Meeah, as he always called him&mdash;and
+his love and respect for him were deep and sincere. But
+when Abbas Khan went to him with his uncle, and pleaded hard
+for Zóra, the dear old man grieved bitterly; it seemed as though
+Zóra were to be taken from him immediately, and he moaned in
+bitter grief as he rocked himself to and fro in his seat.</p>
+
+<p>"Does Zóra know of this?" he asked. "Does she desire of her
+own free will to leave me, old and infirm as I am? I will not
+believe it; I cannot think that she has a hard heart&mdash;she who has
+been so compassionate and so devoted all her life." And it was
+long ere the young Khan and his uncle could persuade him that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span>
+she was not to leave him, but that the betrothal would be an
+assurance to him that Zóra's position would be all that he could
+desire after the Lord's message should come to him; and so,
+gradually, he consented, and putting his hands on Meeah's head
+blessed him and Zóra, who was to be his wife.</p>
+
+<p>And Zóra? She knew nothing of the pleasant plot against her.
+She had not known even of Abbas Khan's freedom from his former
+contract, much less of his present intentions; but her love had
+never changed. From the scenes at Juldroog up to the present
+time it had grown stronger. No one mentioned Meeah to her
+except Maria; but why was he ever present in her mind? "Well,"
+She would say to herself, "let it be as the Lord wills!" and so
+waited the issue. Her grandfather and the Queen were too awful
+in her estimation to confide in on a subject like this. She dared
+not mention it to the Lady Fatima; that, indeed, would be like
+asking for Meeah, and would be bold and immodest; and, for
+the present, the girl waited quietly and patiently. But her suspense
+was not to be for long. The day Abbas Khan and his
+uncle came to her grandfather, the Queen, to whom she was
+reading, bid her put down the book and come to her; and, wondering,
+she rose and knelt by her mistress. The suddenness
+of the request had called up blushes to the lovely face, and the
+eyes of the girl were cast down. Had she offended in aught?</p>
+
+<p>"No, child," said the Royal lady; "but I have been thinking<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span>
+it is time thou wert married. Hast thou any preference for any
+one of the youths thou hast seen or heard of? If thou hast, tell
+it to me, thy mother. Lay thy head on my breast, and tell it
+to me. Thou canst trust me, Zóra." And she held out her arms.</p>
+
+<p>The child was too truthful to be a coquette, and she could not
+resist the appeal. Lying in the Queen's arms, and sobbing with
+excitement, she told all, from the night of the watch to the scene
+of the trial, and how she thought Meeah would never leave
+her. "And many have asked Abba to give me away" (and
+she thought of the Rajah's poor secretary with a smile), "even
+the great and rich; but I refused, and Abba did not press me.
+O mother, I love Meeah! I do love him! Is it unmaidenly?
+Is it wrong? Often I have thought it was, and longed to put on
+the green dress and take its vows, but Abba always prevented me.
+Now do as thou wilt with me."</p>
+
+<p>"It is enough, child," returned the Queen, stroking her soft
+round cheek and kissing her forehead. "Enough for thee, and
+for those who love thee; and may the Lord bless thee, my
+darling! I would retire now, and thou wilt go to Abba and
+Maria." And Zóra rose and went to them. Entering her own
+apartment, she found Maria there; and, falling on her neck, told
+her, with many a choking sob, what the Queen had said. Nor
+was her suspense continued. The Lady Fatima had followed her
+husband, and being announced, at once opened the subject of her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span>
+visit. But Zóra could not reply till she had seen her grandfather;
+and as Humeed Khan and his nephew had departed, and
+Abba had taken his noonday sleep, there was no one to interrupt
+them.</p>
+
+<p>I do not think I need follow the scene longer. Under their
+mutual explanations, and there was no needless reticence, Zóra
+confessed her love, and was blessed by her grandfather, whom she
+soothed by the assurance that she would not leave him while he
+lived. As to the Lady Fatima, she filled Zóra's mouth with sugar-candy,
+half smothered her in flowers, rubbed her hands, feet,
+and neck with fragrant paste of sandal-wood; and finally
+cast over Zóra a rich sheet of brocaded gold tissue, and hung
+round her neck a costly necklace, as she whispered, "From
+Meeah." No professional women had been employed, and perhaps
+they were the only disappointed parties in Beejapoor; but
+when the pán leaves and spice were distributed from house to
+house to all the mutual friends of both parties, hearty congratulations
+followed; and even the female gossips of the city&mdash;who, as
+elsewhere, were very numerous&mdash;were satisfied that it was a good
+match.</p>
+
+<p>There are nearly as many ceremonies to complete a Mussulman
+betrothal as there are in a marriage; but I do not think my
+readers, even my lady readers, would care to follow them through
+perhaps two whole chapters, and will rest content in being assured<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>
+that Zóra's happiness and state in life have been secured as far as
+human foresight could provide, and that there were no more
+hearty or more loving wishes for her than those of Sister Maria and
+her brother Francis. We, therefore, can leave our old friends the
+Syud and Zóra, now familiar with new positions and new hopes,
+full of contentment and joyful anticipation to both&mdash;more especially
+to Zóra, whose mingled feelings of love, gratitude, and faith could
+perhaps have been hardly definable.</p>
+
+<p>Among the various letters of congratulation which reached the
+King Ibrahim was one from the Viceroy and Captain General of
+Goa, Dom Matthias de Albuquerque, which&mdash;with a valuable present
+of various kinds of arms, European manufactures, and valuables&mdash;was
+brought by a special ambassador, the Captain Don
+Miguel de Gama, an officer of respectability and consideration,
+well acquainted with the Persian language, and therefore most
+fitting for an ambassador. The ambassador's suite was not
+numerous; but as he rode into the city early one morning in a full
+panoply of bright steel armour, and presented his credentials at
+the public durbar in the same equipment, he created no little
+excitement. The captain, too, was of a noble, commanding
+presence, and had fought well against the Moors in many
+battles; and this specimen of the local chivalry of Goa was in
+every degree a good representative of its renown.</p>
+
+<p>The letter was in Portuguese, and could have been translated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>
+by the ambassador himself, but the King decided that our friend
+Francis d'Almeida should act as secretary and interpreter; and at
+the early durbar of the morning, after the ambassador's arrival,
+the worthy captain, in no degree abashed by the splendour around
+him, marched up the great hall, his armour clanking as he moved,
+and saluting King Ibrahim gracefully, laid his packet of letters at
+the King's feet.</p>
+
+<p>The captain had come direct to the house of the painter, and
+had been comfortably lodged. And how much had Francis and his
+sister to hear of their friends at Goa, of the proceedings of Dom
+Diego, and of the innumerable changes in the local society; but
+withal, there was the certainty that they would have to return to
+Goa, whether in his company or apart, to answer the charges
+which had been preferred against them by Dom Diego in the
+inquisition.</p>
+
+<p>And when the Viceroy's letter was read aloud by the
+priest, after congratulations upon peace and prosperity of
+Beejapoor since the detection and destruction of the conspiracy
+and insurrection of the Prince Ismail, a passage followed
+which related to Francis d'Almeida and his sister, which
+may be quoted:&mdash;"And furthermore, it hath been represented
+to us that a certain priest, Francis d'Almeida, and his sister
+Dońa Maria, were detected in intrigues with the rebels, and
+received from them sundry large sums of money for the supply<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>
+of European troops and cannon, which would have been an act
+beyond the bounds of goodwill and peace between us, and for
+which they have, very justly, been detained by the Government of
+our friend and ally, yet, as subjects of the kingdom of Portugal,
+and as Francis d'Almeida and his sister belong to religious orders
+of the Church of Christ, they should be permitted to answer the
+charges that have been made against them; and we, in the name
+of the King, our master, request that they may be sent to us in
+company with our envoy."</p>
+
+<p>When they returned home, Francis learned from his sister that
+she had heard all from the Queen's balcony. She was weeping,
+but was not cast down. "I knew it would come upon us sooner
+or later. The Church never sleeps, and we cannot delay compliance
+with this order;" for a fresh citation had been delivered to them
+requiring instant obedience. "We must go, brother, even to the
+stake, if it be the Lord's will."</p>
+
+<p>"I fear not, Maria. I have always thought from the first that
+it would have been best to go to Goa; and yet the inscrutable ways
+of Providence who can follow? Should we have discovered Dom
+Diego's letters to Osman Beg or Elias Khan, which on the
+political charge will acquit us? As for the rest, conscious as we
+are of innocence, I fear nothing. Those, too"&mdash;and he pointed to
+the translations he had made in company with the Brahmins of the
+old college in the fort&mdash;"will prove that I have not been lax in my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>
+work, though we have been here. No, sister, let us go. I am to
+attend the night council, and the King's reply to the Viceroy will
+be drafted."</p>
+
+<p>And it was all the good priest could have wished for. The King,
+the Queen Dowager, Kureem-oo-deen Chishtee, Ekhlas Khan,
+the Kazee, and some others, discussed every point of the Portuguese
+letter, in the ambassador's presence (who, divested of his armour,
+and dressed in a suit of black Genoa velvet, looked, as he was
+truly, a courtly gentleman), and every incident that had occurred
+at Beejapoor was detailed. At first the priest of Moodgul had been
+under suspicion; but that had passed away owing to the discovery
+of the treachery of Dom Diego, and he was left to be dealt with by
+the laws of Portugal; but the money he had obtained from Beejapoor
+subjects ought to be restored.</p>
+
+<p>The Queen Dowager and the King's wife, as well as Zóra and
+the good Lady Fatima, were sincerely grieved by the necessity
+of the absence of their friends, and the old Syud, Meeah
+and his uncle, no less so. "I shall see thee no more, O friend,"
+said the Syud, grasping the priest's hand, "Christian and Moslem
+we have lived together in amity, and I am thankful. If God will,
+and thou return hither, we may meet again; if not, the blessing
+of Allah be with thee and thine."</p>
+
+<p>And Maria, though her fortitude and her faith supported her
+in the trial, yet was sorely pained to leave her friends. Taj-ool-Nissa,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span>
+who had become deeply attached to her, and also Zóra, were
+in despair; but Maria had her own sources of comfort which never
+failed her, and a few days after, with the tears and blessings of all,
+she and her brother, well provided with palanquins and tents, and
+under the charge of an officer of the Court, who spoke Portuguese,
+though after a rude fashion, departed from the Royal city in
+peace.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VI.<br />
+
+PROCEEDINGS AT GOA.</h2>
+
+
+<p>It was now the beginning of October, and the rains had ceased;
+all but those occasional slight showers which lend freshness to the
+air, maintain the verdure of the later crops of grain, and furnish
+those magnificent sunsets which form the glory of the month.
+Supplied with comfortable palanquins, and well provided with
+horses from the Royal stables, Maria, her brother, and their friend
+the envoy, often rode together in the cool morning air; and Maria
+enjoyed heartily the healthful exercise to which, in the crowded
+city of Beejapoor, she had long been a stranger.</p>
+
+<p>And thus they sped on from day to day, accompanied by
+old Pedro and his wife, who were overjoyed at quitting the
+great city of the Moors, and beholding once more their
+beautiful and beloved Goa. On the plateau above the Gháts
+the scenery had been tame and monotonous; fine undulating
+plains covered with luxuriant crops of grain and cotton presented
+little for admiration or for interest; but near the
+crest, heavy forests and broken peaks of mountains furnished
+beautiful combinations of wild scenery, and the view over the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span>
+broad districts of the Concan was inexpressibly lovely. Away
+in the west, the sea stretched to the dim horizon, and here and
+there the tiny white speck of a sail could be distinctly seen.
+Nearer, however, a dense white mist filled all the valleys and
+covered the plain, until the sun, just rising, fell upon it, causing it
+to glitter like a sea of molten silver, with occasional rugged peaks
+rising out of it like islands. Then all seemed to break up; and
+while some of the mist clung to the sides of the greater elevations,
+the rest gradually rose into the air and disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>From the last stage the captain envoy left them to give
+notice of their arrival. He would fain have taken the King's
+letter with him, and the presents by which it was accompanied,
+which consisted of vessels inlaid with silver and gold,
+cloths of gold and silver, four fine Dekhan horses, and an
+elephant; but Francis d'Almeida claimed the privilege of
+presenting these himself, especially as they were accompanied
+by Dom Diego's letters, and he was doubtful as to
+what use or misuse might be made of them. He sent,
+however, by the captain a letter to the head of the order
+to which he belonged, and Dońa Maria another to the Lady
+Abbess of the convent of which she was a lay sister; and on their
+arrival in the city, Francis consigned his sister to the care of the
+Abbess, who received her with warm affection, for she had been
+now several years absent, and she felt in a short time at rest and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span>
+at ease among many of her old friends and associates. In like
+manner Francis took up his residence in his old quarters; and it
+seemed to him that nothing had changed there, and that all was
+as peaceful as when he had left it several years before his sister's
+arrival.</p>
+
+<p>But within the religious society of Goa there was not peace.
+There were strivings between the orders, which the Archbishop
+strove to reconcile; and the present Viceroy, Don Matthias de
+Gama, a kind, benevolent man in the main, and an excellent and
+brave soldier, found it difficult at times to control all and keep up
+his own authority. Since Dom Diego's arrival, contention had
+increased. The Archbishop had been appealed to by the Superior
+of the Jesuits, to demand the surrender of Francis d'Almeida and
+his sister as contumacious heretics. Nothing less than their trial
+and execution would, he declared, satisfy the demands of the
+Holy Church, and preserve discipline in the distant Churches
+over which only a very partial supervision could be exercised.
+Dom Diego preached several public sermons in the Church of his
+order, in which the apostasy of Francis, and his sorceries and evil
+consorting with heathens and Moors, were set forth with violent
+eloquence; and these excited his hearers to a powerful degree, so
+that even in the Church they cried out, "Death to the wretch!
+Death to the apostate!"</p>
+
+<p>On the other hand, the Archbishop, who well knew Francis<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>
+d'Almeida's value as a missionary, his power of language in
+addressing the heathen, his knowledge of native dialects, and the
+practical use of his translations and ministerial offices, defended
+him, and there were many others who followed his example. In
+process of these disputes, the Viceroy was appealed to, who
+declared that the case was one of ecclesiastical interest only; and
+though he was bound to assist the Church, yet the parties accused
+were beyond his jurisdiction, residing, or perhaps prisoners, in a
+powerful kingdom, with which Portugal was at peace; and, moreover,
+that in regard to the allegations against the priest and his
+sister, the Church itself was by no means unanimous in opinion.
+He declined, therefore, to take any steps in regard to them. If
+they were contumacious it was no affair of his. The Church could
+excommunicate them if it pleased. At last, however, yielding to
+pressure, the Viceroy had written, as we know. The Viceroy had
+sent a complimentary letter to the King of Beejapoor, despatched
+it by a trustworthy soldier, and awaited the issue with
+considerable interest as to whether the accused persons would in
+reality make submission and appear, or whether, becoming renegades,
+as many had done, they would altogether defy the Church
+and become Moors. But the arrival of Francis and his sister,
+escorted by a Beejapoor officer and a guard of the King's troops,
+was proof to all that no contumacy was intended; and he appointed
+an early Council, at which the Beejapoor letter should be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span>
+read, and necessary consideration made of the whole of the circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>A few days afterwards the Beejapoor envoy and Francis
+d'Almeida received their summons from the Viceroy to attend his
+Council and the Court, and they went together, the envoy being
+attended by his escort, which, in their suits of chain mail and
+rich apparel, made an imposing appearance in the thronged streets
+of the city; and on their arrival at the palace were ushered at
+once into the presence of the Viceroy, who, with his staff about
+him, was seated on the viceregal throne.</p>
+
+<p>An artillery salute was fired in honour of the envoy, who
+was graciously received; and after some general and kind
+inquiries after the health of King Ibrahim, to which he replied
+in indifferent Portuguese, the rest of the conversation was
+carried on through Francis d'Almeida, who acted as interpreter.
+Then the Viceroy, receiving the King's letter, said,
+"As this contains matter for political consideration, we will
+adjourn, Sir Envoy, to our Council Hall, where it shall be
+read before all my councillors of State and dignitaries of the
+Church, who are our advisers." Then, rising and taking the
+envoy's hand, he led him into the adjoining apartment, which was
+the Council Chamber.</p>
+
+<p>It was a fine room, though to the envoy's idea somewhat bare
+of decoration. A large Turkey carpet was laid upon the floor,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>
+and in the centre was a long table covered with red cloth, with
+inkstands and writing paper ready for use. The Viceroy seated
+himself at the head of the table, placed the envoy in a chair on
+his right hand, and the dignitaries of the Church, military and
+naval commanders, all wearing their rich uniforms and decorations,
+took their seats with the civil officers, according to precedence
+and custom. The whole formed a dignified and, indeed, august
+assembly, well befitting the powerful kingdom it represented.</p>
+
+<p>Then the letter of King Ibrahim was read, and the Viceroy remarked
+that it was written in excellent Portuguese, and asked his
+envoy to Beejapoor who wrote it, and the captain said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"In my presence was it written by the priest Francis d'Almeida.
+The King himself dictated the letter in Persian, in my presence,
+and the purport was fully known to me; and the priest and I
+compared the Portuguese version with the Persian, and they corresponded
+exactly. Moreover, your Excellency will observe that the
+original Persian is written below, and signed by the King himself.
+There can be no doubt of the authenticity of both."</p>
+
+<p>"But," continued the Viceroy, "in the latter portion of this
+document grave charges are made against Dom Diego di Fonseca,
+an eminent servant of the Church, who is now the accuser of
+Francis d'Almeida and his sister Maria, and at whose instance,
+and that of the Holy Father of the Inquisition, their presence was
+required in order to answer the charges brought against them, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>
+we ought not to enter into this subject without his presence. As
+it is a political affair entirely, involving the risk of disagreement
+between our Government and that of our friend King Ibrahim the
+Second, we, the representatives of Portugal, have full authority to
+investigate it, leaving the alleged offenders against the Church to
+be dealt with by the Holy Inquisition. Let, therefore, Dom Diego
+be summoned instantly; and till he arrives we call upon Francis
+d'Almeida to give an account of his apparent flight from Moodgul,
+and his evasion of the summons of the Inquisition."</p>
+
+<p>"I was not a free agent, may it please your Excellency and the
+members of this Council," said Francis d'Almeida. "I was preparing
+to leave Moodgul after the citation was publicly read by
+my colleague when I was arrested, by order of the Queen Regent
+of Beejapoor, and forwarded by Dilawar Khan, the Governor of
+Moodgul, to the fort of Juldroog, where we were confined for
+more than a month on charges of having conspired against the
+State in assisting the conspiracy of the Prince Ismail and Eyn-ool-Moolk,
+and obtaining large sums of money for the purpose of
+engaging European soldiers and cannon. Finally, we were sent
+to Beejapoor, where we remained under surveillance until the
+King should return, as the Queen Regent did not consider she
+had authority to try so momentous a question herself. Then
+suddenly, and as by special Providence, certain papers fell into
+the hands of the Queen's Government, by which it appeared that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span>
+my colleague, and not I, had been in correspondence with the
+rebels, partly independently, and partly by means of Osman Beg,
+the Killadar or Governor of the fort of Juldroog, who was arrested,
+tried on the evidence of papers found in his possession, convicted
+of treason, and sentenced to death."</p>
+
+<p>"And he was beheaded, Francis d'Almeida?" asked the
+Viceroy.</p>
+
+<p>"Not so, my lord; his life was spared on the intercession of
+his cousin, Abbas Khan; but he was banished from the kingdom,
+and has taken his departure for Mecca with his father."</p>
+
+<p>Francis d'Almeida's address had continued for some time, for
+he described minutely and concisely all that had occurred, with the
+particulars of which we are fully acquainted.</p>
+
+<p>"And where are the papers you allude to?" asked the Superior
+of the Inquisition tartly. "Who can vouch for their authenticity if
+they are produced?"</p>
+
+<p>"My lord," returned the Beejapoor envoy, "we are not careless
+in regard to papers of importance at Beejapoor. At the
+first discovery of them, after the death of Yacoot, the Abyssinian,
+I, as knowing somewhat of your language, was asked to read
+those in Portuguese; but I could not, and the Padré Sahib was
+directed by the Queen to do so, and to translate them into Persian;
+then her seal was affixed to each one of them, and she added
+her private signature, and all the Ministers signed and sealed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span>
+them. Then the packet was sealed until opened by order of the
+King, and sealed again with his seal, which all men know, and
+which is appended to his letter."</p>
+
+<p>"You were all very careful," said the chief Inquisitor, with a
+sneer, "but where are these letters?"</p>
+
+<p>At this moment Dom Diego was ushered in. He wore the
+religious dress of his order, but he at once threw back his cowl,
+and his eyes and those of Francis d'Almeida met once more. In
+the one was a scowl of bitter hate, and the brows were almost
+knit together; but those of Francis wore their usual mild expression,
+and betrayed no emotion; nay, their look of innocence
+seemed to make a favourable impression upon all present.</p>
+
+<p>After bending his knee to the Archbishop and the Grand
+Inquisitor, Dom Diego drew his fine figure to its full height,
+looked round the room towards all, and then said to the Viceroy,
+"For what purpose am I required here, most illustrious Sir? I
+have not been apprised that matters which are under the cognisance
+of the Holy Inquisition could be transferred to a Council
+like this; and I request that my protest may be entered against
+any interference with what has been already arranged."</p>
+
+<p>"There is no intention, Dom Diego, on our part to interfere
+with the proceedings of the Holy Office. This is a political question,
+which thou wilt know of when thou hast heard the letter of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span>
+the King of Beejapoor. Let it be read to him," he continued, "as
+also the minutes of Francis d'Almeida's statement."</p>
+
+<p>Dom Diego heard all without reply; but it was easy to see that
+his mind was far from tranquil. A nervous tremor appeared to
+be irrepressible; his mouth twitched as if by convulsion, and he
+twisted his hands together in continuous action, which could be
+seen even under his robe.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, my lords," said the Viceroy, rising, "the most
+important part of our sitting is to commence; and I have to beg,
+in the name of justice, that your utmost vigilance may be employed
+to clear up what has been alleged. The papers alluded to
+in the letter are in possession of the envoy from Beejapoor. Let
+him produce them."</p>
+
+<p>"They are here, my lord," returned the envoy, producing two
+small bundles tied up in waxed cloth, which was sealed with the
+King's seal. "First, I ask you to bear me witness that these seals
+are intact; and particularly you, O most illustrious Sir, into whose
+hands I commit the packets."</p>
+
+<p>The Viceroy examined the papers carefully, and said, "I see
+no reason to doubt what has been said. The seals are undisturbed;
+but judge for yourselves, noble sirs." And when the
+packets had passed round, the Viceroy demanded to know whether
+they were to be accepted, and a general reply was given that they
+were.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"These are the letters which were found on the body of
+Yacoot, the Abyssinian. Let them be first examined," said the
+Beejapoor envoy; "and my lords will please to remark that all
+have the Queen's seal, as those first found were examined by her;
+and that there are forty-two documents which, with the exception
+of those required by the Council, should be returned to me, and
+a receipt given to me for the remainder. And now, noble sirs,
+have I your permission to open the first packet?"</p>
+
+<p>"I again protest," cried Dom Diego, rising suddenly, "against
+any examination of those papers here. Let them be given over
+to the custody of the Holy Office, which will examine and authenticate
+them, and produce such as it considers necessary for the
+elucidation of the truth."</p>
+
+<p>But the pretence was too shallow to escape the detection of
+many of the experienced men who heard the protest, and the
+majority at once declared that they should be opened, and publicly
+read and registered.</p>
+
+<p>Then the Viceroy took the first packet and handed it to his
+own interpreter, a fine-looking Mussulman gentleman, who had
+just entered the room, and who spoke not only Arabic and Persian
+fluently, but Portuguese, for he had lived for some years in
+Portugal, acting as interpreter of documents sent by the Indian
+Government. Abdoolla-bin-Ali was a man held by everyone in the
+highest esteem and honour, and his presence carried assurance<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>
+with it to all the Council, and very especially to the Beejapoor
+envoy and Francis d'Almeida, whose personal explanations would
+be needed no longer.</p>
+
+<p>"On the cover is written," said the Moonshee, "'This packet
+contains forty-two documents, eighteen in Portuguese and twenty-four
+in Persian, and bears the King's seal.'" Then he broke the
+seal carefully and unwound the silken cord with which the parcel
+was fastened. There appeared within several other coverings, two
+separate packets, one of which was labelled in Persian, "Eighteen
+Portuguese papers and letters," and bore the Queen's seal, which
+was shown to all.</p>
+
+<p>"I think, my lords," said the Viceroy, "that to prevent doubt
+I had better read these aloud to the Council, and they can
+examine each separately afterwards, if they please;" and, this
+being assented to, he took up the first, which was addressed to
+the most illustrious the Vizier Eyn-ool-Moolk, Bahadoor, and
+dated from Moodgul. As the letter was opened, everyone
+could see the strong bold characters of the handwriting of
+Dom Diego, which were known to all or most present, and a
+general murmur ran through the Council, as if of wonder and
+astonishment; but no one spoke, and, in breathless silence, the
+Viceroy read on.</p>
+
+<p>It was a long letter, and we may be pardoned for not following
+it in detail; but the writer acknowledged the receipt of Eyn-ool-Moolk's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span>
+"letter offering the Padré Dom Diego de Fonseca a
+command in the new Royal army. That if he joined it with a force
+of one thousand Europeans, his pay would be at the rate of one lakh
+of rupees per month, and the same for every thousand more brought
+to the Royal standard." It then proceeded to state, that considering
+the expense of European troops in the field, the pay would
+be insufficient; and that, in case of the force capturing Beejapoor,
+there was no mention of prize shares in the treasure and jewels
+that would become the property of the army. It would be necessary
+also to confer upon the writer the district of Bunkapoor, with
+all its forts and dependencies. That as the cowardly and imbecile
+Government of Goa would never be induced to take part in the
+war, or to send any of its soldiers, the writer must be provided
+with funds to go to Portugal to raise as many men as possible,
+with whom he pledged himself to return at the expiration of a
+year, and disembark them at any port on the coast that might be
+chosen.</p>
+
+<p>In conclusion, the writer professed his high admiration for
+and sympathy with, the movement to substitute the virtuous
+Prince Ismail for the tyrant who now ruled over Beejapoor, and
+ended by praying that the measure might receive the blessing
+and guidance of the Almighty; and at the end was written,</p>
+
+<div class="right">
+"By mine own hand,<br />
+"<span class="smcap">D. Diego di Fonseca</span>."<br />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Are there more like that?" asked the Grand Inquisitor of
+Dom Diego, in a whisper; "if so, thou art lost!"</p>
+
+<p>"Let them read what they will," he answered. "I will satisfy
+my lord presently."</p>
+
+<p>More! yes, there was much more. Every one of the letters
+contained sketches of arrangements to be made, estimates of cost,
+professions of good faith and sincerity. Several of them contained
+receipts for large sums of money, partly in gold, partly in bills;
+and by his own admissions Dom Diego had received upwards
+of three lakhs of rupees in cash, while assurances of payment
+as far as ten lakhs, beside a fourth share of the plunder of Beejapoor,
+was promised and accepted.</p>
+
+<p>Then followed letters to Elias Khan, as the lieutenant-in-chief
+of Eyn-ool-Moolk, which were in a more familiar strain; which
+spoke of revelries they had enjoyed together; of the pleasures they
+would share when they met again; complained that he could not
+absent himself without suspicion, but that he was about to rid
+himself of his coadjutor, whose sister Maria he would bring with
+him, a lovely girl of his own country, who would put to shame
+all the dusky beauties of his friend's harem; and wine from Portugal
+of the choicest kind, which should enliven them. In another,
+the gold sent by the company under Pedro di Diaz, that is, twenty
+thousand "hoons," had arrived safely; with many other details, all
+written in the same bold hand, and signed with the same very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span>
+remarkable signature. As they were read, minutes were made of
+them by the secretary. Every paper was compared as to the seals
+of the Queen Regent and the Beejapoor Ministers, and that every
+precaution had been used to prevent any chance of their being
+tampered with, was a fact which was not without significance in
+the assembly.</p>
+
+<p>And the Persian letters to Elias Khan from Eyn-ool-Moolk,
+with one from the Prince Ismail, bestowing an honorary title as
+commander of five thousand in the Royal army, with an estate of
+twenty villages in the district of Bunkapoor&mdash;all confirmed the
+tenor of the Portuguese letters of Dom Diego; while, with the
+transmission of money through Elias Khan, assurance was given
+that as soon as the Europeans appeared in the field, the whole of
+the Talooq of Bunkapoor would be made over to him as stipulated.
+There were others from Osman Beg to Elias Khan, descriptive of
+private revels at Moodgul, in a house in the town hard by the
+Padré, where wine of the choicest was stored up, and was plentiful,
+and the most beautiful dancing women of the country round
+were assembled. And he wrote of the Padré as being a jovial
+fellow, who winked at everything, and who had shown him at the
+chapel, privately, the beautiful Dońa Maria, whom he was to bring
+away with him when he came with his troops. "She is more
+lovely than anything on the earth's face, and no Houri of Paradise
+could be more beautiful;" and much more to the same effect,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span>
+written in the loose, not to say indecent, style prevailing among
+those like Osman Beg at Beejapoor. Then the letters seemed
+suddenly to come to an abrupt close. After May of that year
+none had passed between the parties; and, indeed, by this time,
+the whole conspiracy had collapsed in the defeat and deaths of
+the principal conspirators. There only remained the exposure
+of the guilt of all by the discovery of the letter on the person of
+the Abyssinian.</p>
+
+<p>The second packet contained, for the most part, letters from
+Eyn-ool-Moolk to Elias Khan; but they gave particulars of the
+agreement with the illustrious and learned Padré D. Diego di
+Fonseca; of the moneys transmitted to be paid to him; and in one,
+the Padré's receipt, in Persian and Portuguese, of the twenty
+thousand hoons, and for other sums, amounting to about two lakhs
+of rupees.</p>
+
+<p>"Hast thou nothing to reply, brother?" said the Inquisitor, in
+an earnest whisper to Dom Diego. "Thou art condemned by
+thine own hand; would it had been cut off and burnt before those
+letters were written."</p>
+
+<p>Diego did not reply. He rose, and those who were watching
+him saw that his lips were white, and his dark complexion had
+assumed an ashy hue, and that he spoke as if he were choked by
+thirst. Yet he drew himself up bravely, and said with an assumed
+air of unconcern and bravado, "I am not on my trial, most illustrious<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span>
+Seńor, else my reply would be sharp and certain. In these
+letters, which purport to be mine, I only see the cunning toils
+with which Francis d'Almeida strove to entangle me, and failed;
+and when they had nothing to fall back upon they fled. Their
+being arrested is a mere mockery. As to the handwriting of the
+letters," and he took up one before the Inquisitor, "they are all
+like this, forgeries. The fair Maria is an accomplished scribe,
+and can copy any style of writing, even that of heathen characters;
+and I do not at all marvel at her excellent imitation of
+mine. But, my lords, as I said, I am not on my trial; and no
+opinion can be given on the subject either till I am, or till that
+shameless priest and his sister are pronounced guilty of heresy
+and conspiracy by the Holy Inquisition, and perish for their
+heresies at the stake."</p>
+
+<p>"Let that be as the good God wills," said the Viceroy, calmly.
+"Meanwhile, these papers are so strong against thee, that we, in
+virtue of our authority, declare thee to be a prisoner, and arrest
+thee in the name of our gracious King. Thou shalt have honourable
+treatment as a gentleman, and thou shalt be lodged in this
+palace, till the time when the trial of Francis d'Almeida and his
+sister comes on. When may it be, Holy Father?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is fixed for Friday," answered the Inquisitor, calmly; "that
+the guilty may be ready for the <i>auto-da-fé</i> on the Sabbath. But
+your Excellency, pardon me, errs in keeping a son of the Church<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span>
+in arrest till then, and I will gladly be security for his appearance
+when needed."</p>
+
+<p>"Impossible," replied Don Matthias de Gama. "Nevertheless
+I will take the votes of the Council." And he did so; but
+none supported the Grand Inquisitor's proposal except one,
+another priest, and Dom Diego was consigned to the care of the
+men-at-arms, who conducted him to an upper chamber luxuriously
+furnished, and told him that his servants would be sent when they
+could be found to attend to his comfort.</p>
+
+<p>What were the thoughts of this man as he heard the door of
+his large airy apartment locked after him and bolted outside.
+All his reliance on the comparative insignificance of Francis d'Almeida
+had given place to a fearful sense of his power with
+those terrible documents in his own handwriting to appeal to.
+Forgeries! who would believe that, with all the evidence of his
+handwriting in the Holy Office, and the Archbishop's records to
+appeal to for comparison? His accusation against Francis and his
+sister had depended for success upon his words only, which he
+believed would overwhelm those of the modest, unassuming priest;
+and in the death of him and of his sister would be future safety.
+But the revelation of his own conduct, of the moneys he had
+obtained, of his treasonable plots, denounced by the King Ibrahim,
+had rendered his malignity abortive. And now the grim trial, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span>
+horrible torture, the death by fire, like that he had witnessed of
+hapless victims writhing in agony at the stake&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>Escape! was it possible? He went to one of the windows and
+looked through the jalousies, for he could not open one of them.
+Impossible! his room was over fifty feet from the ground, and the
+wall was smooth, without a projection; and he turned away with a
+shudder.</p>
+
+<p>Presently his servant came. "Have you seen Pedro di Diaz?"
+he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I have, Seńor," was the reply; "and he is now waiting for
+me at the quay. He wants to know whether he is to stand out to
+sea or remain."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell him," replied Dom Diego, "that he is to leave the ship's
+boat with six of the best of the men in it, and to take the brigantine
+to the mouth of the harbour, without exciting suspicion. I will be
+with him on Friday night; but if I do not come by Sunday, I
+shall be dead."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VII.<br />
+
+THE INQUISITION.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The appointed day arrived. The sudden arrest of Dom Diego,
+his confinement to the Viceregal palace, and the refusal of the
+Grand Inquisitor's security for him, had created a sensation in
+Goa which had only one chance of solution&mdash;the trial by the Inquisition.
+On the other hand, the well-known character of Francis
+d'Almeida, and the devotion of his lovely sister, gave to the case
+an interest such as had been rarely felt, and never exceeded, in
+the city. All had many personal friends, Dom Diego especially
+among the Jesuits, to whose order he belonged; Francis d'Almeida
+among those of his own order, the Dominicans, and among the
+ordinary clergy of the province, headed by the noble Archbishop;
+and in his sweet sister every lady in Goa was interested. Could
+so holy and learned a woman be actually tried on charges of sorcery
+and conspiracy with Moors and heathens? And yet it was to be;
+and many thought that the interference by the Viceroy with the
+acts of the Holy Office was at once presumptuous and wicked.
+From early morning the principal street of the city and the square<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span>
+of the Inquisition had been thronged with eager inquirers, and the
+most conflicting rumours were prevalent; some, that Dom Diego
+had confessed his guilt, and would be made over to the Inquisition,
+to be formally condemned; others, that Francis d'Almeida and his
+sister had made similar confessions, and that all parties had been
+originally bound in one confederation, but had split upon the
+division of money of which they had become possessed. In short,
+the wildest rumours prevailed, particularly as to the sorceries of
+d'Almeida and his sister, which they had learned from heathen
+priests and exercised upon their coadjutor to drive him away from
+the place he had usurped. All these opinions, however, were set
+at rest by the appearance of two processions: one, that of
+soldiers of the Viceroy having Dom Diego in their charge; the
+other of monks and holy nuns, who escorted Francis d'Almeida
+and his beautiful sister. Among the soldiers Dom Diego
+marched firmly and proudly, his tall, martial figure being
+conspicuous from his general bearing, and the haughty manner
+with which he regarded the crowds who gazed upon him;
+the others, from the apparent simplicity of the brother and
+sister, who walked hand in hand, with a calm and submissive
+demeanour which deeply affected many. No one dared to
+speak, but whispered comments passed among the crowd; and
+women, and men too, wept that such servants of God might
+be condemned ere the day passed, not only to torture, but to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span>
+the horrible death by fire in the <i>auto-da-fé</i> of the next Sabbath,
+which promised to be one of unusual interest.</p>
+
+<p>So, passing on, both parties entered the portal of the great
+gloomy building, Dom Diego being the first. And when a short
+colloquy had passed between the officers of the Viceroy's guard
+and those of the Inquisition as to the delivery of the prisoner, he
+was taken on by the familiars. Before the monks and sisters,
+with the two others, had entered the gate, they had recommenced
+a hymn which had been sung at intervals during their progress,
+the sweetness and solemnity of which had had a profound effect;
+and it again arose steadily and sweetly, with a rich and fervent
+melody which penetrated every heart, as knees were bent and hats
+doffed reverently as the processions passed, while the simple
+words caused many a silent prayer to arise to the Throne of
+Grace.</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+When in trouble and in fear,<br />
+To thee we cry, O Mother dear!<br />
+Behold our sorrows, bitter weeping,<br />
+Yet in all trial humbly keeping<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Trust in thee, Maria!</span><br />
+<br />
+Mother of Jesus, lowly born,<br />
+On earth by human sorrow torn;<br />
+Yet in thy glory resting now,<br />
+Heedful of all thy creatures' woe,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Hear our prayer, Maria!</span><br />
+<br />
+Those who have daily died the death<br />
+Of those who suffer slander's breath;<br />
+Those who in dread judgment's hour<br />
+Their simple hearts to thee outpour,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Pity them, O Maria!</span><br />
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span><br />
+Support them in their hour of need,<br />
+To cheer them with thy comfort speed,<br />
+Lest without thee they go astray,<br />
+Mother, with thee all bright their way,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Having no fear, Maria!</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<p>While the chant proceeded, the procession entered the door,
+and its sweet melody was heard faintly as it passed up the
+broad corridor which led to the great hall of the Inquisition.</p>
+
+<p>It was a bare, whitewashed room, with narrow windows near the
+ceiling, which let in the cool air and a small degree of light; but
+when the eye, dazzled by the glare without, had become accustomed
+to the dimness within, everything&mdash;nay, even the emotions
+in every face&mdash;were distinctly visible. There was a separate place
+for the accuser; another for the prisoners; and a third for any
+witnesses that might have to be called. In the centre was a long
+narrow table covered with coarse black serge, with inkstands, pens,
+and paper at intervals; and the Inquisitors sat in tall, straight-backed,
+wooden chairs around, the Grand Inquisitor's position
+being in the centre of the right hand side, in a raised chair, so
+that he could overlook all. There were no guards near Dom Diego
+now; and his cowl being thrown back, his grim, swarthy
+features and bold flashing eyes were distinctly visible. The
+prisoners were directed to stand in their allotted space; and the
+venerable Archbishop, in his robes, with a number of clergy, sat
+on one side, but took no part in the inquiry.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>After the proceedings had been opened by a prayer and a
+solemn chant, the Grand Inquisitor rose from his seat, and
+said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Holy fathers, we have heard with unfeigned sorrow, grief,
+and amazement the scandal to the Church which has arisen under
+the unseemly contentions in the Mission Church at Moodgul,
+where, in the midst of Moors and Pagans, the Lord Christ
+hath graciously hitherto supported our poor measures for making
+known His gospel to those otherwise benighted and damnable
+peoples. In process of years many hundreds have been gathered
+to the foot of the Cross, and hundreds have died in a steady belief
+in the sacraments of the Holy Church, while many live in the
+exercise of a devout Christian faith and good works. Within the
+last few months, however, grievous troubles have arisen, as is
+known to our Father in God the illustrious Archbishop; and on
+the direct accusations of Dom Diego di Fonseca, the local vicar,
+we summoned Francis d'Almeida and his sister Maria to answer
+his charges. This citation was publicly made known to them both
+by being read in the Mission Church; but, instead of obeying it,
+both departed from Moodgul under the escort of Moorish soldiers,
+and went or were conveyed to Beejapoor, where they resided until
+a demand from His Excellency the Viceroy was made for
+them, and they were sent hither.</p>
+
+<p>"Thus, holy fathers, ye have to determine in what manner the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span>
+priest Francis d'Almeida is guilty, as also his sister, of the formal
+charges which I now read. Then you will hear the justification
+of the prisoners; and you will, with prayer to the Almighty, pronounce
+judgment upon them. Diego di Fonseca, in the name
+of the Holy Trinity, I call upon you to swear that what you are
+about to say is true;" and on the formal oath being administered to
+him, he stood erect, and with all the energy and musical tone of
+his fine voice, he spoke to the following effect.</p>
+
+<p>I think, however, that I do right in refusing an attempt to
+detail all. In the outset of his oration, he referred to his services
+in China, in the Spice Islands, in Bengal, among the savage tribes
+of Malays and Moors; of perils by land and sea, and of the many
+human souls he had rescued from everlasting destruction.</p>
+
+<p>"I was a humble follower of St. Francis Xavier," he continued,
+"and strove to follow his example. Then, worn out and
+weary, I came to Goa, and would have returned to Portugal for a
+season, but new work at Moodgul was opened to me, and in my
+zeal I accepted it.</p>
+
+<p>"Holy fathers, when I arrived there I found a mockery of a
+Church. My coadjutor, more a heathen than a Christian, had
+suffered the most ordinary offices of the Church to be utterly
+neglected. He was incessantly employed in the study of Pagan
+languages, mythology, and Scripture, and of Moorish languages,
+and infidel books. To the people he invariably preached in a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span>
+tongue they call Canarese. He read the services of the Church
+in the same tongue, and he desecrated the holy service by using
+it even in the mass. Instead of our own language, his sister taught
+it in the schools, and thus perverted the minds of children, who
+might have been made wise unto salvation.</p>
+
+<p>"It was all horrible! horrible! this perpetual study of books,
+which contain besides damnable theological dissertations; works
+on sorcery, divination, astrology, and all the evil sciences denounced
+by the Church, for which so many have suffered; and I
+warned him on many occasions, for I was willing to save them
+both, to abandon these evil courses and damnable heresies. And at
+first Francis d'Almeida strove to justify himself by declaring that
+he read Hindoo books to understand best how to controvert their
+doctrine; and declared that he was even translating the holy
+gospels and services of the Church into the language of the people,
+that they might understand what they profess to believe. Was
+any heresy ever so complete? Ye, O reverend fathers, know
+how the Scriptures are forbidden to be read except under ghostly
+direction and counsel, and how corruption and unbelief must needs
+arise under such proceedings as those of Francis d'Almeida
+towards his ignorant flock. I found remonstrance of no use; he
+avoided me with disrespect; and in the congregation a party was
+growing up against him which it was impossible for me to
+overcome; I therefore complained to the most reverend the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>
+Archbishop and the Holy Office, and a citation to Francis
+d'Almeida was sent.</p>
+
+<p>"Meanwhile a strange numbness of mind was stealing over
+me. I never saw Dońa Maria without trembling and confusion.
+I could not pray; I could not think. I could not even
+eat; and I knew that her satanic influence was exerted after the
+heathen manner, to lead me to perdition. But from this I was
+mercifully preserved. On the day I delivered the citation, she and
+her brother left their house at night and took refuge with the
+Moorish Governor, who at once sent them to Juldroog, and thence
+they were taken to Beejapoor. I was then free; a great weight
+seemed to be removed from me, and I came hither to lay all before
+the Church and seek ghostly counsel. Fathers, my short statement
+is ended; but of heresy and sorcery of the most devilish
+kind I accuse them both, and demand that in consonance with
+the laws of the Holy Office they suffer death by fire, and that thus
+the Church be purged from their spiritual uncleanness. I could
+extend this address to a vast length, but it would needlessly occupy
+time. The books in Francis d'Almeida's and his sister's handwriting
+will satisfy you of the character of their work, and I have
+brought such as I could find; the rest were concealed before their
+departure."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you any witnesses to the truth of the accusation?"
+asked the Grand Inquisitor.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I have none," he replied, "but God, and one of the deacons
+who accompanied me, who has charge of the books. How was I
+to confide to anyone the misery I endured?"</p>
+
+<p>"Dost thou object to these being produced, Francis d'Almeida?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," he said, mildly. "If they are in my own or my sister's
+writing, they are homilies of the Church, the Vulgate as allowed
+to the people even here in Goa, and some extracts from the Scriptures
+such as are given to children."</p>
+
+<p>"Look at these," said the Archbishop. "Are these the same
+as thou sentest to us for approval?"</p>
+
+<p>D'Almeida opened the books one by one, and looked over the
+contents. "These are the rough drafts in my own handwriting of
+the translations as I made them, and here and there I find a
+small portion of my sister's manuscript. These are the drafts
+from which she made the fair copies, which in her beautiful
+characters and ornamented with initial letters are now at Moodgul,
+in the keeping of one Ramana and other deacons of the mission,
+and have the illustrious Archbishop's imprimatur on them."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said the Prelate and the Grand Inquisitor, "for we had
+them checked by the Fra Don Francisco da Pinto, who was the
+best scholar then in Goa. He is now in Madagascar; but, if I
+remember right, we all signed them."</p>
+
+<p>"They are here, fathers," cried a venerable old man, with long<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span>
+white hair streaming over his shoulders, who, with several others,
+now made their way into the room, and prostrated themselves on
+the floor. "Listen to our cry for justice! When our beloved Padré
+was threatened, and when the pure Seńora Maria was insulted,
+and the Governor of Moodgul sent them away as prisoners, the
+books were given to us, and we hid them; but when the great
+Padré was going to Goa, to accuse our beloved friends, I and
+these with me followed him, and we arrived this morning, O
+holy fathers, that we may be in time yet to speak the truth
+before ye! Day and night we have travelled, and we have had
+no fear save of delay."</p>
+
+<p>"And who are ye?" asked the Grand Inquisitor. "Do ye
+know what ye have risked in intruding here unbidden? What
+do ye know?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know everything," replied the old man who first made his
+way in, speaking through the interpreter, and prostrating himself
+on the floor. "Let me speak! Let me speak for the love of
+God! There are a hundred more ready to say the same thing, and
+the Syud has sent me in time. Oh, my fathers, let us speak!"</p>
+
+<p>"I protest against him" cried Dom Diego, with a hard, shrill
+voice, very different to his usual tone. "I denounce this as a
+conspiracy."</p>
+
+<p>"We are the best judges of that," returned the Grand Inquisitor.
+"You, Diego di Fonseca, have already stated that you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span>
+have no witnesses; and now, by a miracle as it were, one hath
+appeared suddenly, to whom credit may be given, a deacon of the
+Church. You can hear his statement and reply to it if you will.
+Let the Deacon Ramana be sworn and cautioned."</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the old man was sworn, and his first act was to
+lay open the books he had brought and point to them as Maria's
+writing.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you read these writings?" asked the Archbishop. "They
+are, I see, those which were confirmed by us after examination. I
+see my initials on every page."</p>
+
+<p>"Surely, my Prince," replied the deacon. "When the priest is
+absent it is my duty to read such prayers and passages of Scripture
+as have been marked;" and, opening one of the books at
+random, he put on his large spectacles and began to read from
+the fifth chapter of the gospel according to Saint Matthew:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of
+heaven.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.'</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I go on, my Prince? These words are so holy and
+comforting that few of the flock hear them without tears. I trust
+they are understood?"</p>
+
+<p>"They are," replied the Grand Inquisitor; and, turning to
+Dom Diego, in a severe tone he continued, "and if this is the
+sorcery thou hast charged the prisoners with, thou hadst better be
+silent."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And now," continued the old man, "I will speak for our
+blessed Padré, and tell what happened on the day that he took
+refuge at the Governor's. I have no fear of him," and he pointed
+to Dom Diego, "and have no charge to make against him; but
+the Lord and the blessed Virgin give me power to speak, and
+I am not afraid before them or you."</p>
+
+<p>Then he related what he knew of the priest's plot. How he
+had engaged Beydurs and other lawless ruffians to carry off Maria;
+how on that Sunday night many of them had assembled at
+Moodgul, and one of them, being a friend of one of the shepherds,
+had told him what was to be done, and he went with some
+armed men to watch the Padré's church and house; how he heard
+Maria scream as she was alone singing vespers, and, looking in,
+saw her lying on the steps of the altar, and gave the alarm. We
+need not recapitulate all we already know; but the firmness and
+boldness of the narrator carried conviction with it to those
+who heard him. "And not only did I hear and see it all," he
+continued, "but these, my companions, know of it too, and will
+confirm it."</p>
+
+<p>"God of heaven!" cried Dom Diego, casting up his hands, "I
+declare this to be a conspiracy against me, instigated by the
+prisoners! Can it be believed in Thy holy sight? Surely Thou
+wilt blast their tongues ere they utter malignity against Thy
+servant!"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But the Court heeded him not; and the letters of Dom Diego
+were now laid out for all present to see them, and read, one by
+one, in a sonorous voice by the secretary; while the Archbishop
+and the secretary of the Holy Office brought forward large packets
+of documents from various parts of the Indies, of the handwriting
+of which there was no doubt, and which exactly corresponded
+with the Moodgul letters. That in relation to Dońa Maria and
+her seduction caused a profound sensation through the assembly,
+and there were cries of "Let her explain! Let her explain!"
+from many.</p>
+
+<p>"Let her swear what she likes," said the priest. "I only say
+these are forgeries made by herself to cover her own shame."</p>
+
+<p>But this assertion, vague as it was, had no effect upon the
+tribunal. One by one the members compared all the letters with
+former documents. Many of them had maintained correspondence
+with the accused, and after an impressive silence, only broken by
+occasional whispers and communications among the members
+themselves&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know any of the associates of Dom Diego?" asked the
+Grand Inquisitor of the old deacon. "Speak truly and freely,
+but beware of slander or falsehood!" And this being interpreted
+to the old man, he broke forth at once.</p>
+
+<p>"Know them? Yes; I know many. I know Pedro di Diaz,
+who used to come from Elias Khan, before Eyn-ool-Moolk, with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>
+money and letters, and I and many other people have seen him
+drinking with the Padré there. There was another man called
+Bartholomew, who sometimes came with him, and sometimes
+with others. All were rude, violent men. Diaz had the name of
+'Pirate' among them. All of them kept out of our good Padré's
+way; and perhaps he never saw them&mdash;he was too innocent; but
+among ourselves we wondered at the profligacy that was carried
+on; not near the church, but in the bazaar of the town, where the
+great Padré used to come. One day one of the bankers in the
+city said to me, 'Your great Padré is very rich; I have exchanged
+fifty thousand rupees for him for bills on Panjim (Goa), and
+other bankers have also made remittances privately for him.
+'Where does he get this money?' I said I could not tell, but it
+was reported everywhere that the Padré was a soldier in disguise,
+who was going to bring up Feringis and guns against Beejapoor.
+If that was to be kept secret, he had better not have trusted
+Pedro di Diaz, for he used openly to boast of it to many, and it
+became public talk. Does the Padré wish to ask me any questions?
+I will answer them, my princes, as truly as I have sworn
+to do upon the holy books and the holy water."</p>
+
+<p>But Dom Diego made no reply. He had become ghastly pale,
+and his hands trembled.</p>
+
+<p>"What did I or we care about all this?" continued the old
+man, excitedly; "but what we and every Christian man in our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>
+Church did care for was the insult to our poor, kind, blessed, saint
+there, who ministered to our sick, taught our children, and helped
+her brother to write those blessed books. Ah, sirs! though we are
+but simple shepherds, yet our people have fought in many a frontier
+war; we have maintained our faith against Moslem and
+Hindoo, and in the cause of right fear no man. And I tell you,
+my princes, that had not Padré Francis enjoined peace upon us,
+we would have followed up Dom Diego that night, and brought
+him here to make him over to you."</p>
+
+<p>"And why did Francis d'Almeida and his sister leave so suddenly?"
+he was asked.</p>
+
+<p>"The citation to him had been read," replied the old man;
+"and after the service he told me he should have to go, and asked
+me to get him ponies to ride. In the evening, after the Seńora's
+cruel insult, I took them temporarily to the palace of the Governor,
+Dilawar Khan, for I feared the Padré might return with the
+Beydurs and attack the Seńora. Then, after a time, came an
+express from Beejapoor, and Dilawar Khan told them they must
+obey the Queen Chand's orders; and before daylight they were
+sent off to Juldroog in closed palanquins, whether they would or
+no. But for this they would have gone to you, for twenty-five
+well-armed youths of the congregation had volunteered their
+escort. Ah, sirs! it was a night of terror and alarm; and it was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>
+only when the Governor sent and put seals on everything, except
+these books, that we felt safe."</p>
+
+<p>"We had not heard of this alleged insult before, daughter,"
+said the Inquisitor; "and thou must speak to it, however painful,
+on pain of torture, to extort the truth, for this is a point which
+cannot be overlooked."</p>
+
+<p>"My lords and illustrious fathers," said Maria, modestly,
+"if this truth had not transpired through the deacon I would
+have been silent, for I have innocence and my trust in the
+blessed Queen of Heaven to rely on; and whatever shame
+may appear in the narration belongs to him who caused it,
+not to me. We had never been intimate, as servants of the
+Church should be. My brother did not like what he heard,
+things he would not tell me of. I was pained by Dom Diego's
+licentious looks, and even, when in the Church, always sat
+near the children of my school. But one Sabbath evening he
+found me alone, teaching the children a hymn; and when they
+had gone he advanced towards me, and offered me such insult
+as no virtuous woman could endure, pressing his vile intentions
+with proposals to fly. And I sank down and fainted. I
+know not who rescued me, but when I was aroused I was at home
+again, and my brother, seizing his sword, rushed out to seek
+revenge, and was brought back; and I lay at the foot of my cross,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span>
+praying that his hand should be withheld; and that was granted
+mercifully."</p>
+
+<p>Bravely and calmly had Maria upheld her dignity and composure
+up to this period; but now she failed, and burst into
+hysterical sobs and tears, upheld by the abbess of her lay order,
+who had, with other sisters, accompanied her. But presently,
+and while all awaited her recovery, she rose, and holding out her
+pleading hands, cried&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"O fathers of the Church, as her child I come to you; as a
+woman who has been wounded in her honour I plead to you!
+There is not one spot of shame to my own perception upon
+my heart, and she can deliver me if I am true. If not, let the
+flame purge me, and may I be accepted! But leave me not to
+that vile man's machinations in after years."</p>
+
+<p>She was not immediately replied to, and the tribunal took up
+the examination of Francis d'Almeida with new interest. He
+described their happy life at Moodgul, the affection and docility of
+the people, the progress he was making in Canarese with learned
+scholars of the place, his first essays in translation, and which he
+had sent for confirmation; and lastly, the insult to his sister.
+"If I could then and there have proceeded to you, holy fathers,
+I would have come; but a long journey needs several days' preparation,
+and I was without any notice considered a prisoner and
+sent to Beejapoor, where my innocence was proved to the satisfaction<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span>
+of its noble Queen by these letters of my coadjutor, which,
+she and her nephew, the King, have forwarded by their envoy.
+They are before ye, O fathers, and ye will judge whether the
+writing is mine or not."</p>
+
+<p>Just then a messenger, who had been sent for Pedro di Diaz,
+returned and reported that his vessel had fallen down the river in
+the afternoon of the previous day, bound for Choule and Surat,
+and that Bartholomew Pinto, and others, with Diaz, were serving
+on board.</p>
+
+<p>Then the Court was cleared for about an hour, for the day was
+fast declining; and, on the prisoners being again admitted, the
+Inquisitors rose as one man, while their chief cried with a loud
+voice, "Ye, Francis d'Almeida, and Maria de Pereira, we acquit
+and expurge ye from all accusation of heresy, sorcery, contempt,
+and other crimes with which ye have been charged; and ye go
+forth without shame or reproach to continue your labours as ye
+have done among the heathen.</p>
+
+<p>"You, Dom Diego, member of the holy Society of Jesus, are
+found guilty, under your own handwriting, of falsehood and profligacy.
+You have insulted a virtuous and worthy daughter of the
+Church with infamous proposals. You have entered, as appears
+by your agreements, into an unholy and corrupt alliance with
+Moorish rebels to this kingdom; and you, by these papers, have
+acknowledged the receipt of vast sums of money. We condemn<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span>
+you, therefore, unless you make confession previously, to trial by
+the rack; and afterwards, on Sunday next, to death by fire, in
+order that the holy Church may be purged from your iniquity.
+Familiars, lead him forth; till the morrow he will have time to
+repent."</p>
+
+<p>Dom Diego replied nothing. He well knew it was of no avail
+to appeal to those stony hearts which, whether just or unjust,
+never changed. He only bowed his head, muttered something
+that could not be distinguished, and was led into the great corridor
+whence the cells opened.</p>
+
+<p>Can we describe the boundless thankfulness of the two who so
+lately were captives in the hands of that ruthless tribunal! As
+servants of God in their degrees, the brother and sister received
+the public blessings of the Archbishop and Grand Inquisitor; and,
+after that, falling into each other's arms, they wept like children
+before all. Before this, their feelings had been too highly strung
+to fail, but now they were weak with very excitement, and were
+considerately led back to their dwellings, to rest and receive those
+spiritual comforts in which their souls could now seek repose.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>"And thou wilt come at last, Balthasar," said Dom Diego, as
+having arrived at the end of the corridor, he turned into a door
+which was open, and revealed a small bed, with a loaf of bread
+and a jar of water. "Thou wilt not be long." Balthasar was Dom<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span>
+Diego's cousin, who had been with him when he was formerly an
+officer of the Ajuba, and had taken charge of him.</p>
+
+<p>"I will come," he said, "though I risk my life and brave the
+fire. I will come, and bring the rope for thee. If thou art strong
+and brave, as thou used to be, yon miserable window will have
+little terror for thee."</p>
+
+<p>But Dom Diego had a surer plan in his mind than that.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you need not bring a rope," he said; "I can manage
+without it, and it would betray you."</p>
+
+<p>As his cousin entered shortly before midnight, and all the building
+was still, except for the wailings of wretches who sat alone in
+their misery, he closed the door, locking it inside. "Perhaps I
+can help you," he said, cheerfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Dom Diego. "No one can move those iron bars.
+You dare not leave the door open, but you can submit to be
+bound, and I will do it gently. Lie down there. Ha! thou wilt
+not," he said, from between his teeth. "Thou, too, a traitor!"
+And he then threw him down on the bed, and stuffed a large
+portion of his dress into his cousin's mouth. "Dare to stir, and I
+will kill thee. See, here is my old weapon!" and he drew a keen
+poignard from his breast. "Nay, that would be the surest way,"
+and he seized the familiar by the throat.</p>
+
+<p>"Mercy! Mercy! Diego!" gasped Balthasar. "Spare my life!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span>
+Oh, spare my life! Unshriven and unrepented, wouldst thou
+murder me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Be still, then. If thou stir hand or foot, I will slay thee,
+Balthasar, as thou liest there; but be still, and I will not
+harm thee." Then Diego took off his cousin's robe, swathed
+the upper part of his person in the coarse sheet of the bed,
+and tearing his shirt into strips, with them and two handkerchiefs
+tied his legs together, so that they could not be moved.
+"There!" he cried, "that is the way we used to tie up the
+captives whom we carried off for ransom. Rest quietly there, my
+son, till some one finds thee in the morning; and thou must tell
+them they did not make so much of me as they might when I
+was here; they may find it hard to take me now. Addios, brother,
+I know my way out, and have a vow to attend midnight mass in
+the cathedral. How well thy robe fits me; perhaps thou wilt take
+mine in exchange. Addios! and pleasant dreams to thee this
+night, Balthasar. When thou wakest, tell Francis d'Almeida and
+his sister that I go to pursue them. Not till he is dead at my feet,
+and she grovels there in a shame worse than death, will I cease to
+dog them, hide where they may. Forget not!" and taking up the
+small lanthorn, he locked the door behind him, delivering a
+solemn benediction as he entered the corridor.</p>
+
+<p>He knew his way perfectly. In years long before he had been
+one of the familiars, and knew every secret dungeon and torture<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span>
+chamber of the great building, every secret sign and password;
+and he made his way to the gate without opposition. The men on
+guard rallied him on going out so late; but he declared his vow
+of midnight mass, and passed on into the open air, unchallenged
+and unsuspected by his voice, for he had kept his cowl over his
+face, and his height corresponded so exactly with that of his cousin,
+that the detection of the imposture was impossible.</p>
+
+<p>There was no one else in the square before the Ajua but a few
+stragglers, and Diego quietly found himself on the quay. One
+sailor was lying in the stern of the ship's boat, who was at once
+aroused, and slipped over the priest's shoulder a rough sailor's
+dress, and for a few moments was absent seeking his associates.
+One by one they emerged from their hiding place, gained the boat
+unobserved, and lay down in its bottom; and when the last one
+came he loosed the painter, took one of the oars, and sculled off
+leisurely towards the opposite shore. Near that, the men started
+up, took the oars, which were muffled, and rowed with all their
+power, and with a strong ebb tide made rapid way down to the
+sea, passing the forts without observation. The brigantine was
+not at anchor, but cruising to and fro, as if about to enter the
+river with the flood; but Dom Diego was soon on board, and
+before the fresh land wind the beautiful little vessel heeled over to
+the breeze and sped swiftly northwards.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII.<br />
+
+A DEATH, A MARRIAGE, AND A DEPARTURE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>When morning broke there was much confusion in the great
+building. Balthasar, whose duty was to open the doors of the
+cells, was not to be found, nor were the keys hung up in their
+accustomed place. The door of Dom Diego's cell was, however,
+locked and bolted without as usual; but, on listening, a faint
+moaning sound was heard, and after some difficulty the massive
+door was opened, and Balthasar found as he had been left, though
+nearly suffocated. He had contrived to wriggle from the low
+pallet, but to free his hands and to release himself from his
+cousin's bandages had been impossible; nor could he loose the
+gag, for it had been tied securely behind, putting him to great
+pain and distress. Even to the suspicious Inquisitors there did
+not seem to be the least indication of complicity, and after a
+severe and prolonged examination, Balthasar was released. All
+that he could say was that he had been suddenly overpowered by
+his cousin, whose strength far exceeded his own; that he had been
+threatened with death, and even slightly wounded in the breast;
+that, on account of the gag, he could not cry out for aid. And<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span>
+even had he done so, who could have heard him among the
+wailings of other prisoners, and the cries and groans of those
+that were to endure the torture on the day following?</p>
+
+<p>Then, under the information given by the old deacon, the
+transactions of the bankers of Panjim were examined by the civil
+and ecclesiastical authorities in conjunction. But no assets were
+found. They produced letters from Dom Diego remitting large
+sums by bills from Moodgul, and a considerable quantity of gold,
+and directing the whole, except a small portion to be kept for himself,
+to be paid to Pedro di Diaz, whom they knew as a trader to
+the East, and the owner of a remarkably fast-sailing brigantine,
+which he commanded. Some months before he had gone on a
+trading expedition with the Moors, and while some of the remittances
+belonged to him direct, others might have been the property
+of the Padré Sahib. It could only be conjecture, for it was
+no part of their business to inquire into their constituents' affairs;
+and for the rest, their books and vouchers were ample evidence.
+Finally, about four days before, the Captain Di Diaz had
+taken away all his money, partly in bills at sight, on Surat and
+Oman, but by far the greater part was in coin of various
+kinds, the majority being in gold. There was nothing to be
+made out of all this; nothing to afford the least clue to the
+course of the vessel Diaz commanded; or, indeed, that Dom
+Diego was with him, though it was supposed he might be; and he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>
+was never afterwards seen in Goa, nor did it ever transpire
+to the authorities there what had become of him. There was,
+however, long afterwards, a report prevalent that he had become
+a renegade from the Christian faith, and joined the ranks of the
+Mussulman army, and had fallen in some obscure battle.</p>
+
+<p>It was a pleasant duty for the Archbishop to reward Francis
+d'Almeida for all the trials which had arisen out of his association
+with the bad man who had so narrowly escaped a horrible fate.
+But the more the prelate saw of the zealous missionary the more
+he appreciated his singular, and at that period nearly unknown,
+powers of translation, and the evident love and veneration in
+which he was held by his devoted flock. Could there be a greater
+proof of that than in the sturdy old deacon's journey from
+Moodgul to Goa unasked, on the mere supposition that the
+long threatened proceedings against his priest were to take
+place? This more, perhaps, than any other circumstance touched
+the prelate most deeply, and he was not slow to confess it.</p>
+
+<p>In the cathedral a splendid high mass was solemnised for the
+delivery of Francis d'Almeida and his sister from the wicked
+machinations against them. Sermons were preached, setting forth
+their labours for many years, and the translations were exhibited
+on the altar steps to the public at large. The Viceroy bestowed
+a high order upon the priest at a banquet which was held in
+his honour; entertained the Beejapoor envoy very sumptuously;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span>
+and, from the simple communications of Francis d'Almeida,
+grew to have a higher respect for the kingdom than had ever been
+held by any Portuguese before.</p>
+
+<p>Many arrangements about duties and trade generally were
+proposed; in fact, it appeared as though the present opportunity
+would throw open the two kingdoms to each other in a far
+more effectual and friendly manner. As to Dońa Maria, we
+lose sight of her among her old friends, and the crowds of
+religious women who visited her. Many, indeed, volunteered to
+accompany her in her mission work, and teach in her schools;
+but European Portuguese, ignorant of any language but their
+own, could be of little use; and finally, before she left, she made
+choice of two of the sisters of her own convent, who, having
+been born in India, could speak the ordinary language of the
+western country with fluency.</p>
+
+<p>Finally came the grand distinction, so unexpected, that
+Francis was completely overpowered by it. The Archbishop,
+having consulted privately with his council, considered it very
+advisable to extend the mission, and to consolidate its several
+points under one head. At present there were but four churches,
+two under Moodgul, and two under Raichore; but there was a
+good chance of the establishment of one at Beejapoor, and
+perhaps another at Ahmednugger, under the auspices of Queen
+Chand Beebee. It was advisable, therefore, that Francis d'Almeida<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span>
+should be created bishop, with permission to travel and
+preach wherever he thought most advisable.</p>
+
+<p>At first, as we have said, the worthy priest was overwhelmed,
+and requested time for consideration; but it appeared both to him
+and to Maria, and to their best friends, that the honour and the
+responsibility could not be evaded. And again, if he declined it,
+neither of them would be sent to carry out the Archbishop's
+plans. Now, there was no one who knew the people or their
+language, manners, and customs, at all so well; no one who
+could compete with the Mussulmans and Brahmins on their own
+grounds of theology. He was, too, used to the courtly manners
+and modes of life of the Mussulman who ruled the country, and
+was the intimate friend of Queen Chand and her nephew, the
+King. What would not Taj-ool-Nissa do for the physician who
+had aided her recovery, or for the beloved companion who had
+cheered her loneliness? Then, again, there were Meeah and Zóra,
+the old Syud, and their new schools at the painter's, and great
+numbers of other countrymen who had been absent with the
+King's army, and were altogether fallen into neglect. All these
+were new ties which a series of strange events had created, but
+which, nevertheless, were precious and binding. And these, with
+the boundless expanse of country before him, in which he should
+be free to act, caused Francis d'Almeida's heart to swell in grateful
+anticipation. He, therefore, submitted himself to the Archbishop's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span>
+will, with earnest and sincere feelings of gratitude; and
+as soon as the ceremony could be arranged, he was consecrated in
+the cathedral at high mass, before all the ecclesiastical, civil, and
+military authorities of the city, and his patent made out and delivered
+to him. Nor would the Archbishop suffer him, poor as he
+knew Francis was, to pay any of the costs of the elevation, which
+were considerable; not even that of his robes, which were of their
+kind splendid enough.</p>
+
+<p>The Beejapoor envoy was a delighted spectator of all the pomp
+of the Church on the occasion, and the joy with which he greeted
+his former humble companion was very genuine. We are bound
+to say also, that once they were free from the terrors of the
+Inquisition, Maria, like a practical woman as she was, insisted
+upon making a complete inspection of her brother's wardrobe, and
+found it in a very dilapidated and defective condition. The
+patchings and darnings of old Pedro, who nominally united the
+office of tailor to that of cook and valet, were by no means of a
+distinguished order, and were, to say the least of them, in the last
+stage of decay; and in the cold weather of the Dekhan, her
+brother, though enjoying wonderfully good health, was often distressed
+by the cold. Materials, however, and makers of all kinds
+were plentiful at Goa. The ladies of her convent set to with
+vigour to make such portions of both their clothing as they
+could, and the result was so far beyond the good Padré's ordinary<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span>
+ideas of comfort, which were limited, that he could barely be induced
+to cast away the old and to adopt the rich new suits with
+which he was furnished.</p>
+
+<p>They were pressed much to remain for the great Church
+festival of Christmas. But this was impossible; time was precious;
+the Beejapoor envoy and his people were anxious to return, and
+the journey back was commenced. What peril they had endured
+and escaped, what new honour and love they had gained, was
+indeed wonderful to think on, and for which their thanks were due
+to Him whom they served; and their hearts were full of gratitude
+and hope for the future. And the reception they had at
+Beejapoor, when Humeed Khan and his nephew, with a host
+of other friends, one of the King's nobles of the court, ushers
+and others, were sent out to meet them and conduct them into
+the city, was almost overwhelming; and many people ran before
+their litters, crying out that the good Padré had come back,
+and was welcome. As to the children of the schools, they and
+their parents erected a triumphal arch of a humble character
+at Pedro the painter's gate; and, dressed in their best, sang
+a hymn of welcome very prettily, and were introduced to their
+new preceptresses. Pedro had made a great feast for the occasion
+too, and all were very happy; but they were grieved to hear that
+their dear old friend the Syud was rapidly sinking to his rest, and
+that the physicians had no longer hope of his life. Prayers had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span>
+been made for him in every mosque, and supplications sent to all
+other shrines around, particularly to Gulburgah. But these were
+of no avail; the angel of death, the old man said, was already
+nigh, and he should soon receive his last summons. Weary
+nature was exhausted; and though the few last months' excitement
+had caused the lamp of life to flicker up, and even to shine
+brightly for awhile, it was now sinking daily, and must soon be
+extinguished.</p>
+
+<p>They did not delay further than to make a few arrangements.
+The King and the Queen had already sent kind messages, begging
+them to come as soon as possible; and in the afternoon they went
+when the usual palanquins arrived for them. They found Abbas
+Khan, his uncle, and a number of Mussulman priests, sitting in
+the ante-room of the old Syud's apartments, the latter chanting
+passages from the Korán in a low monotonous tone; and while
+Maria passed into Zóra's rooms, Abbas Khan rose, and led the
+bishop, as we must now call him, into the place where the dear old
+man lay. He seemed to be dozing as they entered, but hearing
+the sound of a strange voice, he looked up and asked who had
+come.</p>
+
+<p>"I, your old friend, Huzrut," said the bishop, kneeling down.
+"I have returned to you safe from my journey and its consequences."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, give me light that I may see you once more ere I pass<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span>
+away," he said, eagerly. "Give me light!" and when a corner of
+the curtain was lifted, the old man raised himself, stretched out
+his hands, and fell upon his friend's neck. He seemed to have
+forgotten that he was blind.</p>
+
+<p>"The darkness and the day are all one to me, my son," he
+said, feeling all over Francis' face; "all one now&mdash;so they are
+always to those who are trembling on the brink of eternity. Yet
+I shall see brightly presently, when these scales of death fall from
+my eyes. Fear not for me, dear friend; my time is run, my work
+on earth is finished, and I go to partake of that I have believed in.
+And thou hast escaped that fierce evil priest? Tell me how it was.
+First lay me down, for I have no strength."</p>
+
+<p>"You must not speak," was the reply; "it excites you too
+much;" and d'Almeida placed his fingers on the old man's pulse,
+which he found now weak and fluttering. "Rest awhile, and I
+will tell thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Is he dying?" asked Abbas Khan.</p>
+
+<p>"No," returned the bishop; "he will yet live some days; and
+I will send him or bring him early some cordial I have brought
+with me. Now no one can get at it."</p>
+
+<p>"Now tell me all, Francis; and how thy dear sister, Maria,
+hath fared. Is she well?"</p>
+
+<p>"She is well," returned the bishop; "but I have said you must
+be silent;" and he then related briefly the particulars of the investigation<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>
+of the tribunal. "I could have done nothing," he said;
+"he was more powerful than I; but I had truth with me, and out
+of his own vile letters he was condemned; nor could he make any
+defence. He was sentenced, and would have suffered, but he
+escaped."</p>
+
+<p>"Escaped! Protection of God! he may follow you and
+Maria."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not fear him, Huzrut. The same power that defended
+us at Goa will defend us should we meet hereafter. Meanwhile,
+he fled in a companion's ship to sea, and is believed to have gone
+to Persia, where we have churches. He escaped, too, with all his
+wealth."</p>
+
+<p>"Shookr! shookr! thanks, thanks! and praise to God that our
+poor prayers were heard; prayers in which Zóra joined, as for
+brother and sister. Hast thou no thanks, no congratulations,
+Meeah?"</p>
+
+<p>"I said them at first, Abba, when he told me on the road. But
+see the justice of God! On all that number of vile conspirators
+justice hath descended. And on this priest last of all, though he
+hath life and wealth, yet shame hath fallen upon him among his
+people; while this, our honoured friend, hath been exalted by them
+to high rank, and is now a noble of the Church."</p>
+
+<p>"He is no greater now before me than he used to be, nor
+before God. Is he, too, a Wallee?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Not a saint, Abba," returned Francis, smiling; "but I have
+the overlooking of all the churches from Ahmednugger to Raichore
+and Moodgul, and can reside where I please. Before God I cannot
+change, but before men I have that dignity in the Church
+which it hath pleased my fathers in God to bestow upon me."</p>
+
+<p>The old man smiled happily, and they saw his lips moving
+silently in prayer; but he did not speak, he only held out his
+hands once to Francis, as if to bid him farewell, and turning
+round seemed to sleep easily and comfortably.</p>
+
+<p>Zóra and Maria were together once more, and what could
+exceed their happiness? Zóra's great brown eyes looked wistfully
+at her, like a dog's, as after the first weeping and thankful embrace
+they sat down together. But this did not suffice, and as Maria
+held out her arms once more, Zóra fell into them, looking up
+every now and then with her happy, loving face, though her eyes
+were constantly brimming over, as she heard Maria's history, as
+Abba had heard her brother's. Only about three months had
+passed, yet Zóra's figure and countenance appeared to have expanded
+under the influence of the certainty of Meeah's love. At
+last her own, her very own. "And he loves me, too; for one day I
+was coming from the Queen Mother's apartment alone, and I met
+him on the stairs, and he told me so; and though I could not
+answer him, I remember all he said, and now I can tell it to you,
+Maria. We have never spoken again; and I dare not if I could,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span>
+for it would not be modest in a girl betrothed to do so. Then
+Abba began to fail after you left, and yearned for your brother;
+and we thought he would pass away from us. But he is still
+here, though they tell me he may be called any time; and we
+must let him go. Day and night Meeah watches him, and when he
+is tired he sends me word by a servant, and I go to him. But he
+seldom speaks, only prays; and all he has been saying for several
+days has been: 'It is time they returned. Why do they linger
+away? Have they escaped?' But we could not make out then,
+though we now understand your peril." And then Zóra's tongue
+ran on almost without intermission, until a message came from the
+Queen Mother that they should go up to them, as she and the
+young Queen were both ready to receive them. And they went;
+Maria kissing the feet of both the Royal ladies, and making her
+obeisance, as she used to do. They, too, had to hear of her trial
+and her deliverance; and Zóra said plaintively, "We were sisters
+together from the first, though we belonged to different faiths; and
+God appointed me my trial, when I did not fear Osman Beg, and
+she had her own with the wicked priest we used all to hear so
+much of in Juldroog; and she was not afraid of him. And now
+God hath brought us together again; and we will never separate."</p>
+
+<p>Then the Queen had to hear of Francis d'Almeida's new
+dignity; and it was very clear to Maria that he, perhaps both of
+them, had acquired additional honour in the Royal eyes.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"My King will be glad, indeed, to hear this, for Beejapoor
+hath never had an ambassador from your nation, or any accredited
+person on whom reliance could be placed; and much mischief has
+been the consequence. Now things will be different."</p>
+
+<p>"I know," said Maria, smiling, "that he has been entrusted
+with a whole budget of matters to lay before His Majesty; and he
+will do this to-night, perhaps, at the durbar."</p>
+
+<p>"And," added Zóra, with a merry twinkle in her eye, "bid him,
+mother, to come in his new robes, for Maria says they are magnificent;
+and then he can come and make his obeisance here also to
+you and his old patient."</p>
+
+<p>So, after a while, Maria took her leave, and went home to
+carry out this little plot, and to set out her brother's finery; and,
+after much persuasion, the simple bishop did as he had been
+requested, and went in his grandeur of gold embroidery and purple
+satin, and lace, and biretta instead of a mitre, which, with his staff,
+was not ready when he left Goa. He was, however, sufficiently
+splendid to attract the attention and admiration of all the nobles
+of the durbar; and even the Chishtee priest, who had been so
+uncivil to him at their first meeting, but who had gradually learned
+to respect his character, now welcomed him with sincere congratulations.</p>
+
+<p>It was a pleasant evening for the Bishop. He felt himself to
+be now more on an equality with all the nobles by whom he was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>
+surrounded, and their respect was unmistakeable. He was the
+representative of his nation, too; there was much to be settled
+between his Government and the King's; and in all respects, in
+outward circumstances, he felt he was a very different person at
+the King's Court than the obscure priest and physician that
+had come there at first. The schools were flourishing, and
+Maria felt the help of her new assistants to be very material.
+The Bishop, too, found ample occupation among the Portuguese
+artificers and gunners, and the time was fast approaching
+when he must seek his new flocks at Ahmednugger and elsewhere.
+Would it be safe or prudent to take his sister with him?
+What he heard of the condition of Ahmednugger was not satisfactory.
+The place was not at peace within itself, and many reports
+were abroad. He had a refuge for her already at Beejapoor,
+or he might send her to Moodgul, to the old deacon's charge; but
+the last message of Dom Diego to his cousin, which had been duly
+repeated to him as a warning, though Maria knew not of it, often
+weighed heavily upon him. Dom Diego was free; free to join
+any lawless bands in the country; and he had wealth, too, to
+further any plan he might form. In Beejapoor Maria would be
+safe, under the King's protection; but then the dire separation,
+distressing alike to both, was hardly to be contemplated. Maria
+would not hear of it; whither he would go she would go with
+him, and in her opinion the better plan was to wait till Ahmednugger
+was once more settled.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But all these plans were destined to come to a more rapid
+end than either thought; and the first link of the chain broken,
+was the dear old Syud's death. For several days the new
+medicine which Francis had brought with him appeared to give
+new energy, and they all hoped he might rally; but he was not
+himself deceived. "I have received my warning," he said, "and
+do but wait the angel's coming&mdash;be that when it may." He made
+his will, bequeathing to Zóra all his worldly goods and such of
+his estates as the King might permit. He also made provision
+for the religious ceremonies at his tomb, the site of which
+he had selected when he first came, in the Roza, or garden,
+in the precincts of the great mausoleum of the King, and had
+appointed a poor disciple, who had followed him in his wanderings
+from Gogi, to the charge of it. A small tomb or mausoleum, with
+a vault, had been prepared, and was nearly finished; and the old
+man on one of his best latter days had been gently taken there
+in a palanquin, having a particular desire to see it. To the last he
+preserved his faculties entire; and after hearing portions of the
+Korán read one night, he repeated the two creeds with a firm voice,
+and lay down quietly. But his breath came heavily, and Abbas
+Khan saw that the end was near; and Zóra came to him with
+Maria, who was sitting with her. The physicians and Francis felt
+his pulse, but it was fluttering; and one of the Moollas raising
+him up, poured a little sherbet into his mouth, which he swallowed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span>
+and lay down again, saying, "It is enough," and seemed to sleep;
+nor could those who watched by him tell when the humble, loving
+spirit left its earthly tenement. There was no struggle, or even a
+sigh; and again and again during the day he had said he had no
+pain, and could see the flowers of Paradise and the river flowing
+among them. Finally the chant of the Moollas without ceased,
+and those who perform offices for the dead came in and did their
+ministering. Crowds followed him to his last resting place.
+Nothing that love or respect could suggest was wanting to the end;
+and as the Moollas chanted the peace of God to the thousands
+who had gathered round, they separated sadly, many weeping, and
+with a conviction that a faithful disciple of their faith had gone
+to his rest in Paradise.</p>
+
+<p>For a time, during the forty days of ceremonial and mourning,
+Zóra remained with the Queen Dowager, though apart, so as not to
+cause inconvenience; and for the first few days Maria had not
+left her except at short periods, and to carry on her own duties.
+She had now many friends; and the grief at her loss, which at
+first lay heavy on her, gradually gave place to brighter thoughts.
+Often and humbly did she think on the few months that had
+passed, on the hopelessness which must have been her lot if
+her grandfather had died at Juldroog or during her wanderings.
+Yes, she had been mercifully protected, and was grateful to her
+heart's core; and as she wept out her grief on Maria's breast or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span>
+that of the Queen, who had adopted her, there was ever present
+the secret hope and trust that she had found a true refuge,
+which was not far distant. For as the forty days of ceremonial
+were about to conclude, the Lady Fatima, urged by
+her nephew and husband, again protested against further delay.
+Zóra should have one who had a right to protect her, and in
+whose love a new life would open to her, and she put herself
+unreservedly into her friends' hands. She had pledged her
+faith, and had she needed to do so a hundred times over, or under
+any trial, she would have only been more confirmed in it. Enough
+that the time was come; and with all the pomp that her Royal
+patrons and the wealthy house of her husband could furnish, all
+the dressing, feasting, merry-making, processions, and distributions
+of charity practised on such occasions, the marriage ceremonies
+were at last concluded. Are not the loves of this happy
+pair sung by bards and dancing-women to this day? For the
+poets of the Court poured forth their amatory lays and epithalamiums
+without stint, sure of ample largesse. Many of these
+were set to music, and linger still to charm others, though even
+the traditions of the nobles of Beejapoor have passed away.</p>
+
+<p>And still the good Bishop and Maria remained. Maria pleaded
+that she had promised Zóra to stay with her till the ceremonies
+were completed, and she, with much interest, and not without
+amusement, had helped her through all the events of each day.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span>
+But when all was over, when the bright, radiant, happy girl had
+been carried away in a grand procession, with fireworks, torches,
+and firing of guns, escorted by the whole of her husband's and his
+uncle's household troops&mdash;the play played out, and the curtain
+dropped&mdash;then they turned to their work again.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the Queen's letters from Ahmednugger grew more
+and more uneasy; and she received a petition, which was signed
+by all the principal nobles and officers of the State, asking her to
+come to them and assume the administration during the minority
+of the young and rightful Sovereign, who as yet was little more
+than an infant. This was necessarily a much more serious
+subject for contemplation than the heretofore task of assuaging
+national disquietude, and uniting the power of the State under
+one regency, not her own, which should have the goodwill of the
+people. But this was put before her as a solemn and patriotic duty,
+which could be effected by no one but herself. At her name, they
+wrote in her native city, every well affected person would unite to
+support her; the few malcontents would disappear or fly the kingdom,
+and peace and prosperity would reign once more. Day by
+day, by special messengers, and by every other possible means, the
+frequency of these communications, as well as their urgency,
+increased. They had commenced before Francis and his sister
+had returned from Goa, and were much more frequent and more
+urgent now.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>She had concealed nothing from her nephew, the King, or
+from his long tried and faithful Ministers of State. Every letter,
+every despatch she received, was laid before them; but the last
+general petition seemed to leave no loophole of escape. So
+long as Ahmednugger was disturbed, Beejapoor could not be at
+rest. The frontiers were uneasy, and events took place which
+no precaution could avert, and which might at any time plunge the
+kingdoms into one of those interminable and bloody wars which
+had often nearly brought both to the brink of ruin. The last war
+was finished, peace everywhere prevailed, and under ordinary circumstances,
+there was every prospect of its maintenance; but if
+misrule at Ahmednugger continued, there was no surety. Again,
+the Moghuls of Delhi were gathering in ominous clouds in Malwa
+and Guzerat, without apparent reason; and were they to march
+upon the Dekhan, there was no one to resist them on its frontiers;
+while at Ahmednugger each party seemed ready to sell their
+country to the enemy, so that a temporary local advantage might
+be gained.</p>
+
+<p>It was a perilous time for the whole Dekhan; and the Queen,
+with her habitual fortitude, determined to meet it, as she had done
+every political and public danger of her life. She would devote
+herself to her native State, for her presence was no longer needful
+at Beejapoor, and her Regency had closed in thankful peace.
+Nay, there was no time to be lost, and it was at once known, by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span>
+preparations ordered, that Queen Chand was about to proceed to
+her native place. We need not say that Abbas Khan and Zóra
+were to accompany her. They would take no denial, and Abbas
+Khan, in public durbar, claimed the command of her escort, as a
+point of right and duty. Could he leave his adopted mother, and
+idle away his time in inaction at the capital? Even that he had
+endured since the King's return had been in the last degree irksome.
+We know why the Bishop and his sister desired to go too;
+and even had that reason not existed, Maria must have gone, for
+the Queen had become alarmed, and she viewed with pain a
+revelation the King had made to her that he loved Maria.</p>
+
+<p>As the time drew near for her departure, the Queen Chand had
+received many visits from her nephew the King, and had observed
+his listless manner and his evident anxiety in regard to some
+subject. He did not, however, complain of being ill, and his
+Queen, Taj-ool-Nissa, had, as well as the Queen Dowager, pressed
+him to consult the good Bishop on the subject. To both the
+Queens, the departure of the elder one, on whose counsel in all
+affairs he had so firmly relied, appeared to be the cause; but it
+lay deeper than that.</p>
+
+<p>One evening, just before the march began, the Queen, Taj-ool-Nissa
+and Maria were sitting at the great window alone, and
+Maria was putting the last finishing touches to a drawing of
+flowers for her Royal companion, when she observed the tears<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span>
+well up in her eyes; and, with a sudden impulse, she put the
+drawing aside, and cast herself upon Maria's breast, sobbing
+piteously. It was in vain that Maria asked her to explain the
+cause of her grief, or tried to soothe her with assurances of speedy
+return, the Queen only wept the more passionately.</p>
+
+<p>"He does not love me, Maria," she said, between her sobs, in
+broken words. "My lord the King does not love me. To thee,
+O sister, he has given his heart, and he will die without thee. I
+am but a child, Maria, and have no beauty or talent to charm
+him; but thy loveliness and accomplishments fit thee to become
+his Queen. Oh, do not hesitate, darling sister; consent to be mine
+in reality, and we shall be joined in his love till we die. Maria!"
+she cried, looking up through her tears, and brushing them away,
+"dost thou hear? He dreams of thee; I hear thy name on his
+lips as he sleeps, murmured in love. It is no deception, and I say
+it before God; and I know how essential thou art to his happiness.
+Kiss me, and say thou wilt consent, and I shall be
+happy. A few quiet prayers and some preparation, and thou
+art his wife as well as I."</p>
+
+<p>"It cannot be, it cannot be, my darling!" said Maria, very
+sadly, and kissing the gentle, patient face upturned to her. "I am
+vowed to God's service; I repeated and confirmed those vows at
+Goa, and I go forth, with my brother, to perform them. A little
+while and he will forget me, and thou wilt live with thy child to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span>
+come, happy in his love as thou hast been. Nay, urge me not,"
+she continued, as Taj-ool-Nissa was about to speak again; "by the
+love that is between us urge me not again, but let me depart in
+peace, and with thy blessing, on my way. Keep this, and all I
+have left, in memory of me; and hope, as I do, that we may meet
+again in happiness." Then, placing the picture in the Queen's
+hands, she kissed her fervently, with a silent prayer, and, rising up,
+departed. Yet ere she reached the door, she looked back once
+more. The girl was lying with her face among her cushions,
+weeping bitterly, while the sun's light, falling upon her rich brocaded
+dress, covered her as with a glory of gold.</p>
+
+<div class="center"><br /><br />END OF BOOK IV.</div>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="center"><big><b>BOOK V.</b></big><br /></div>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER I.<br />
+
+A SKETCH OF LOCAL HISTORY.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Out of the disruption of the great Bahmuny dynasty of the
+Dekhan in A.D. 1489, four independent kingdoms arose. The
+first secession was that of Yousaf Adil Khan, who founded the
+Adil Shahy dynasty of Beejapoor in that year; the second, that
+of Nizam-ool-Moolk Bheiry, in the same year, and Berar had even
+preceded them. Golconda followed in 1512, thus completing the
+alienation of the four largest and most important provinces of the
+Bahmuny kingdom, and leaving only a comparatively insignificant
+portion in the hands of the remaining representative of the Bahmunies,
+who lived and reigned at Beeder, and whose successor was
+afterwards set aside by his Minister, Ameer Bereed, who usurped
+the throne, and the great Bahmuny family became extinct.</p>
+
+<p>Nizam-ool-Moolk Bheiry had been Prime Minister of the Bahmuny
+kingdom, and his son, Mullek Ahmud, was Viceroy in the
+large western provinces. After the act of dismemberment had
+been accomplished, Nizam-ool-Moolk Bheiry died, and his son,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span>
+relying on his local power, and possessing the requisite boldness
+and ability, ably maintained his position; and there being no
+capital to the province except the hill fort of Joonair, which was
+inconvenient, as well from position as construction, he founded a
+new city and capital near the village of Bingar, which lay between
+Joonair and Dowlutabad.</p>
+
+<p>Here he built a fine fort and several palaces, laid out
+gardens, and named the place Ahmednugger&mdash;or the fort of
+Ahmud&mdash;which appellation it still bears. Ahmednugger is
+now one of the large military stations of the Dekhan and of
+India, and is deservedly celebrated for its salubrious climate.
+It is, in fact, situated near the crest of one of the great trap
+waves of the Dekhan, which breaks into the valley of the
+Godavery, a few miles distant. The country around is open,
+fertile, and free from jungle; and in the times we write of,
+the position commanded the passes from Khandeish, and
+Guzerat, and Berar, into central Dekhan. It had been most
+judiciously chosen, and, while the kingdom endured, it ruled
+a fair country which stretched from the sea to the confines of
+Berar and Golconda, and was possessed of an ample revenue. Its
+people, too, were the sturdy Mahratta peasantry, who made excellent
+soldiers; and it maintained considerable bodies of Abyssinians,
+as well as Turks, Arabs, Persians, and Central Asians, and their
+descendants of mixed blood, who, as at Beejapoor, were called<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span>
+Dekhanies, and held much power in their hands. In this point
+therefore the two kingdoms were very similar, though local customs
+and parties might not be in all respects precisely so. The Ahmednugger
+State also employed the indigenous Mahratta soldiery to a
+much greater extent than Beejapoor, especially as cavalry, and
+frequently found them of great use in checking the turbulence of
+the foreign levies. They were considered a portion of the regular
+army, and thus the hereditary native chieftains of the Mahratta
+people rose to power, which was afterwards rendered conspicuous
+when the Mahratta people, living upon the ruins of the local Mussulman
+kingdoms, became a nation in themselves.</p>
+
+<p>We do not purpose to write the history of the Nizam
+Shahy kingdom. The Kings were rough, warlike, and quarrelsome
+with their neighbours beyond any others, and were very
+rarely at entire peace with any of them. And while in some of
+these wars the kingdom had narrowly escaped annihilation, yet
+because a balance of power among these kingdoms was necessary
+for mutual existence, no one of them could be annexed by another,
+and for more than a hundred years they had existed in pretty
+much the same condition as that in which they had commenced
+in 1489.</p>
+
+<p>They had of course intermarried, and the families for the most
+part were nearly related; but the principal event of this kind was
+the marriage of Chand Beebee, daughter of Hussein Nizam Shah,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span>
+of Ahmednugger, in 1564, to Ally Adil Shah, of Beejapoor, in
+order to cement the political alliance between the States, on the
+occasion of the crusade against the Hindoo powers of northern
+India. And though the object of that coalition and campaign was
+fully carried out, yet the peace of the two kingdoms was by no
+means assured; and we have already had to trace the cause of
+wars which ended in the death in action of King Ibrahim Nizam
+Shah, the seventh King, in the field of battle near Puraindah.
+After this event the affairs of the unfortunate kingdom fell
+gradually into greater and greater confusion. There was no
+successor of mature age to succeed; and a boy, said to
+have been of Royal birth, was sent for from Dowlutabad and
+placed on the throne under the auspices of the Dekhany party
+and their chieftain. But this was opposed by the foreign faction,
+who claimed that the infant son of the late King should succeed.
+As usual, both parties betook themselves to arms, and many
+lamentable and bloody engagements took place, not only in and
+near the Royal city itself, but also in other parts of the Ahmednugger
+dominions; the result of which was the general appeal to
+the Dowager Queen, Chand Beebee, to come to Ahmednugger,
+assume the Regency, and govern the kingdom with her well-tried
+ability and sagacity on behalf of the minor Prince; and, as we
+know, she had, after many deep considerations, consented to
+do so.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>There was, however, a more pressing, and, to the Queen's
+perception, more dangerous crisis at hand. The Emperor
+Akhbar, of Dehli, who was gradually annexing all smaller
+independent dominions to his own empire, had already shown
+a desire for interference in Dekhan affairs. He had despatched
+a large army under his son the Prince Moorad to Guzerat
+and Malwa, to watch the course of Dekhan events, and to invade
+the country should he find pretext or opportunity for doing
+so; and of this invasion the Queen was in dread. Domestic
+broils and disagreements had before on many occasions been
+adjusted, but the presence of so powerful a force as the Great
+Moghul's army, in the distracted state of local politics, was an evil
+which could not be overrated. Already the leader of the Dekhany
+party was known to have addressed letters to the Prince Moorad,
+imploring his intervention to uphold the claims of the boy whom
+he had placed on the throne; and it was impossible to conceive
+that the astute Prince would neglect the very opportunity he had
+so long waited for. True, afterwards the Dekhany leader perceived
+and bitterly regretted the false step he had taken, more
+especially when the boy whom he supported had been discovered
+to be spurious. But the mischief done was irreparable, and the
+Queen Regent now knew that she should not only have to subdue
+local disaffection, but oppose the progress of the Imperial Prince
+with all the force and all the energy she could command.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span>
+She had undertaken the duty, however, and cast ease and other
+personal considerations unselfishly aside. She had done what she
+could for Beejapoor, and was wanted there no longer, except to
+make part of her nephew's happiness and share in his prosperity.
+And now, if in days of advancing age she was again to be thrown
+into those scenes of war which had accompanied her early life,
+it was, she said, the will of God and her duty; and she bowed to
+both with a submission and fortitude which never deserted her to
+the last.</p>
+
+<p>We trust the foregoing sketch of the period, as far as Ahmednugger
+is concerned, will not be out of place. Without it, indeed,
+the course of this tale would hardly be intelligible.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER II.<br />
+
+A PLEASANT JOURNEY.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The first halt made by the Queen was at Sholapoor, which, formerly
+belonging to Ahmednugger, had been given to Beejapoor
+as part of her dowry on the occasion of her marriage; and
+the Royal lady once more took possession of the small but elegant
+suite of apartments which look out on the lake or tank
+which washes the eastern side of the fort, and was evidently
+intended as part of its defences. Sholapoor, for the most part,
+has even now no pretensions to beauty, and the country around
+it, and that which had been traversed since the Queen left
+Beejapoor, is bare and monotonous; but the immediate vicinity
+of the fort, including the lake, with its island covered by a large
+Banian tree and a Hindoo temple, is undoubtedly pretty; and the
+pleasant sound of the tiny wavelets as they plashed against the
+walls and bastions was refreshing to hear, while the wind which
+played over the water came through the windows which looked
+over the lake very refreshingly. The Queen did not, however,
+tarry here, nor did she take the direct road from Sholapoor by the
+valley of the Seena to Ahmednugger. It was not only hot, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span>
+the country had been wasted by the previous war, and had not
+had time to recover; she, therefore, turned eastward to Nuldroog,
+or Shahdroog, as it had been called by her husband, Ali Adil
+Shah, and which he had improved by new fortifications and a
+noble dam of masonry across the river, a place in which many
+of the happiest hours of her life had been spent while the great
+works were in progress.</p>
+
+<p>Nuldroog, for it has reverted to its own old name, occupies a
+crest or knoll of basalt, which juts from the main plateau into the
+deep valley of the small river Boree. After passing the narrow neck
+which connects it with the plateau, the knoll spreads out with a
+tolerably level surface, the north, east, and south sides being
+for the most part perpendicular; while the neck, through which
+a wide and deep ditch has been cut, is fortified by a heavy wall
+with curtains and bastions. These walls and bastions continue
+all round the crest of the precipice, and the result has been a very
+strong fort of an eminently picturesque character, which might
+not make much defence against modern artillery, but which at the
+time we write of was considered one of the strongholds of the
+country, and usually held a large garrison, especially of cavalry.
+And it was an important military position, too, serving to check
+the forces of Ahmednugger on the one hand and Golconda on
+the other.</p>
+
+<p>King Ali Adil Shah had done much for the place. Besides the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span>
+strengthening of the fortifications, and building near the east end
+a huge cavalier upwards of ninety feet high, ascended by a broad
+flight of easy steps, he had built a dam of stone and mortar of
+great strength and beauty across the river, which held back the
+waters, and created a long, narrow, but deep lake, which gave a
+plentiful supply of water to the town and both ends of the fort.
+Before this the only water procurable had been from the bed of the
+river, which flowed in the bottom of the deep ravine below the
+fort, and which in the hot weather was very scanty and impure.
+The new dam, therefore, gave a new value to the strong fort, and
+water became not only plentiful but easy of access. It is a noble
+work, stretching from one rocky point of the valley to another
+beyond, upwards of a hundred yards in length, and upwards of
+ninety feet in height. Over this the river falls in an unbroken
+sheet when in flood; at other times, the surplus water is carried
+off by a channel formed in the crest of the dam, which falls into
+the large deep pool that has been hollowed out at the foot. By an
+ingenious contrivance, a pretty Gothic apartment has been left in
+the body of the work, over the windows of which the waters in the
+highest floods can pass without entering, as they are diverted from
+the top down a tunnel, and escape at the base. At the northern
+end of the dam is another fort, or <i>tęte-du-pont</i>, formed by the
+fortification of a considerable knoll, which is in itself a strong
+position, and materially assists the other defences.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It was a great delight to the Queen to revisit the place. The
+Governor's house was cleared out for her, and for several
+days the whole fort was made private; and she wandered from
+place to place with her companions and attendants every day,
+pointing out to Maria and Zóra where she had sat for hours together
+with her lord the King, watching the works in progress,
+breathing the pure fresh air, and taking their simple meals on the
+top of a bastion, or on the high cavalier when it was finished,
+where a great canopy used to be pitched. Nor was it possible
+for the two girls not to be interested in the place itself. It was,
+indeed, very beautiful: the lake shimmering in the sun, with the
+black precipices, hung with many-hued creepers, reflected into it;
+while, after it had shot through the arch on the dam, the river
+brawled down the valley till it was hid from view by the projection
+of the hills below. The air here was cool and refreshing, for they
+had risen to a considerable height above Sholapoor: and this
+was another reason why the Queen had chosen the upper route
+instead of the lower. Here and there, from points on the
+table land without the fort, where the Queen took her companions,
+the dim blue plains of Beejapoor could be seen stretching to the
+horizon like a sea, and the fresh cool wind would come to them
+freely and soothingly. These, too, were old haunts of her husband
+and herself; and it seemed often to Maria and Zóra that, in the
+dreamy mood of mind in which she often sat alone, she appeared<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span>
+like one who had a consciousness of seeing these well-remembered
+scenes for the last time, and carrying away every possible recollection
+of them in her loving heart. Often, indeed, she would
+draw one or other, or both of them, to her side, and with her eyes
+brimming with tears, would say, "Look, children! here my lord
+received such a letter, or told me such a thing, and you must not
+forget even a stone of it; but, should I ask you even when my
+eyes are dim in death, you must describe it all to me as you see
+it now in the bright glowing sunlight."</p>
+
+<p>I need not follow minutely the daily march in early cool morning,
+nor the succession of beautiful mango groves in which the
+party rested every day, affording cool shade and refreshing rest.
+They were, indeed, seldom in their tents till nightfall, for
+around the enclosure was a screen of tent walls, which made
+the whole private. The tent pitchers selected the shadiest portions
+of these groves, and usually contrived to enclose a number
+of large leafy trees, beneath which carpets and soft cushions
+were spread; and reading, or the Queen's business, with her
+clever secretary, Zóra, who had gained confidence by experience,
+went on as usual; and embroidery, too, and Maria's paintings,
+except when she retired to her own tents to share her devotions
+with her brother; while overhead the birds chirped, or sang, or
+cooed, and screamed in their glee and freedom.</p>
+
+<p>To Zóra in her new happiness this march was a perpetual<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span>
+elysium. Abbas Khan could not always be with her, for he had
+his own work to do in the regulation of the camp, the obtaining of
+supplies, and the payment for them, and all other current business.
+Sometimes, too, and indeed generally of an evening, the
+large Royal tent was opened; and the Queen received in durbar
+all the officers, zemindars, and chief inhabitants of villages
+around. The Queen had quitted the dominions of Beejapoor soon
+after leaving Nuldroog, and passed into those of Ahmednugger.
+Abbas Khan by no means liked what he heard from all quarters in
+regard to the position of Ahmednugger and the parties there, who
+seemed to be at constant and bloody feud; and he earnestly strove
+with the Queen to induce her to turn back. But she upbraided
+him. "Would she have the world think her a coward? and had
+she not brought Beejapoor through worse troubles than those?"
+So he was silent thenceforth. It was her fate, and whatever was
+to be, would be fulfilled.</p>
+
+<p>The leader of the Dekhany party, Mean Munjoo, who had set
+up the spurious prince, was not at Ahmednugger. He had taken
+the boy with him, and gone beyond Owsa, towards Golconda, to
+urge the necessity of supporting Ahmednugger; and he was
+bitterly repentant that he had invited the Prince Moorad. He
+wrote to the Queen for forgiveness, and declared he would not
+return except with troops from Golconda and Beejapoor, to drive
+the Moghuls back. The Queen, too, wrote to her nephew, King<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span>
+Ibrahim, to send a heavy force of cavalry, in which the Moghuls
+were said to be weak, and to watch affairs from Nuldroog; and
+subsequently as many as twenty-six thousand of the best cavalry
+of Beejapoor, with six thousand from Golconda, assembled there,
+and occupied the crests of the plateau which stretched northwards.</p>
+
+<p>With these precautions taken, which had occasioned several
+days' delay at Patoda, the Queen now marched on, faster than
+before, for it was impossible to overrate the importance of
+her presence at Ahmednugger. But it was the same pleasant
+journey throughout, the same succession of cool, shady groves
+and crisp bracing air. Often would the Queen wile away the
+march with her hunting leopards and falcons with her, and enjoy
+many a gallop over the undulating downs, where Abbas Khan and
+the officers of his small force, and even the good Bishop, would
+ride with her and enjoy the sport. Sometimes, too, Maria, when
+the march was a quiet one, rode with her brother, to the great
+envy of Zóra, who, from an elephant allotted to her, looked after
+them as they cantered past her, longing to be with them. If there
+were anything remarkable to be seen, the Queen would diverge
+from the beaten track, as she did at the temple of Pukrode, and,
+looking over the crest, could follow the line of hills to Ahmednugger
+itself. There she had stayed an extra day to wander about,
+as was her wont, and enjoy the keen air of that elevation, which,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span>
+while it put roses into Maria's cheeks, and made Zóra ruddy,
+tinged even the Queen's pale countenance with pink, and restored
+the bright beauty of her youth. Again from Patoda they made a
+day's excursion to the waterfall of the Incherna and its gloomy
+abrupt ravine; and they would sit for hours on the short smooth
+sward above, and watch the rainbows playing over the pool,
+nearly four hundred feet below them, and those which seemed
+to start out suddenly from the column of water, flash for an instant,
+and disappear. How glorious it all was! Even the heavy state
+cares which weighed upon the Queen seemed to be put aside for
+the time; and the noble lady's cheerful, nay, even playful disposition
+diffused a joy among her little party which they had never felt
+before. To Zóra it was perfect elysium, as she told her husband in
+their quiet hours; she often felt her heart too full for speech. "I
+had hoped, dear lord, to be happy with thee, and to make thee
+happy; but this reality transcends all my expectations, for you
+are all too kind and too indulgent to me."</p>
+
+<p>"No, Zóra; all the love which inspired me as thou watched
+over me that first night doth but heighten by time. When I had
+it not, I hungered and thirsted for it. Now I have it, it groweth
+fresher every day, and more precious to me. Enjoy these happy
+days, therefore, to the full, for the time cometh, I fear me, in
+which there may be weeping and woe."</p>
+
+<p>"Why dost thou think so?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I read much in the mother's sweet face," he returned.
+"When she gazes on these scenes of her old happiness, there is a
+wistful, lingering look in her eyes which seems to say, 'I am
+looking at ye for the last time.' When she rises to depart, it is
+not with a merry remark, as it used to be, but with a sigh and a
+silent tear, which I can read, though you may not be able to do
+so. But it may be only one of those gloomy forebodings which
+torment us sometimes without real foundation, and from which the
+Lord, if He finds us faithful, delivers us happily; and so may it
+be with our beloved mother. There will be lip service enough to
+her when we go; but there are, of all about her, only ourselves
+upon whom she can depend. O wife! when I think on all she
+hath been to me since a child, I could give my life for her, even
+though I were to lose thee, my darling."</p>
+
+<p>"And I would follow thee, my lord. Life would be death
+without thee; for, besides thee and our mother, whom have I in
+all the world to protect me against that bad, terrible man, whose
+last threatening still often seems to ring in my ears?"</p>
+
+<p>A few days more, and through a pass in the Manikdown
+Hills, they reached the considerable town of Ashtee, and thence
+Bhatoree, a pretty village lying at the foot of the mountain, which
+is crowned by the noble mausoleum of Sulabut Khan. There
+was a comfortable summer palace there, now much decayed, but
+still habitable, which was then perfect, and the Queen found<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span>
+it ready for her reception. Groves of mango trees around
+afforded ample shelter for her followers and escort; and the
+situation was so beautiful that many from Beejapoor, who had
+expected to find only a savage wilderness of mountains, were now
+charmed with the prospects before them. One more march, and
+the Royal city would be gained in safety.</p>
+
+<p>Here, too, all the officers and functionaries of State, with
+their followers and troops, came to pay their respects and offer
+their "mezzins" to the Royal lady. And though some had never
+seen her, yet there were many who remembered her marriage; and
+by none was the glorious campaign of 1564 forgotten, and all&mdash;old
+or new&mdash;were charmed with her grace and dignity, the wisdom
+of her counsels, and, as far as she could decide them, her own
+intentions; and she assured all that she should leave them no
+more until God willed to take her, and exhorted them to be
+faithful and true. So as soon as the palace in the citadel could be
+prepared for her, the Queen made a triumphal march into the city
+and fort.</p>
+
+<p>Outwardly Ahmednugger presents no imposing appearance like
+Beejapoor. There are no lofty palaces towering over the walls,
+no tall minarets or domed mosques like those she had left behind
+her; but the city had an aspect of comfort and peace, and the
+gardens of the Furhat Mahal, the Bihishtee Bagh, or Garden of
+Paradise, were inviting and pleasant to view, and though comparatively<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span>
+low, the Royal palace in the fort was full of comfort.
+The faithful Mullek Umber, governor of Dowlutabad, had sent
+from his new capital, Kirkee, large baskets full of oranges and delicious
+grapes, writing that in the course of a few days he would
+come himself; and there was no person whom the Queen more
+earnestly desired to see, or in whom she reposed higher confidence.
+Mullek Umber was, indeed, a remarkable man. From the condition
+of an Abyssinian eunuch he had raised himself to the rank of a
+viceroy of the kingdom, and governor of one of the largest provinces
+of the Ahmednugger dominions. He had&mdash;following the
+example of the Emperor Akhbar&mdash;surveyed and assessed all the
+lands in every village of the country, and reduced the whole to a
+system which operated most beneficially to the State as well as to
+the people. To this day the original settlements exist in many a
+village record, and are proof of the skill and patience with which
+they were executed, requiring little alteration to suit modern
+demands. A humane, devout man, as well as charitable and just,
+but not one to be drawn into the intrigues and dissensions of
+a Court. Whatever happened there, he preserved a dignified
+neutrality; too strong in his local position, and in the devotion of
+his numerous troops, to be meddled with by anyone. He had infinite
+respect for Queen Chand. He had followed the events of
+her career with profound interest, and he could see that except
+through her the affairs of the State had little chance of settlement<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span>
+or indeed of salvation from ruin; and he watched with much
+anxiety what the result of Queen Chand's first acts would
+be, though his counsel, when asked, was given freely and
+honourably.</p>
+
+<p>For the first week or more events at Ahmednugger were
+without excitement, and nothing occurred to disturb their even
+current. The Queen and her companions made excursions to the
+Royal palaces and gardens without the fort; and even to one at
+some little distance, in a ravine of the eastern range of hills, built
+near a pretty cascade, which is well known to all present inhabitants
+of the English cantonment as the "Happy Valley." There
+the broad plain of the Godavery lay out before them; and even the
+grim rock fort of Dowlutabad, and the tall white minaret of the
+Emperor Mahomed Toghluk, were distinctly visible on a clear day.
+Maria and her brother were already longing to proceed thither,
+and visit the Portuguese who had settled there, many of whom
+were vine-dressers and orange cultivators; and the Queen
+promised that when Mullek Umber should arrive she would
+despatch them with him. Meanwhile, among the gunners and
+artificers of the local army the Bishop and Maria had found many
+fellow-Christians; and as no feeling of bigotry appeared to exist
+against them, they promised themselves much success in their
+mission work; while some of the Aurungabad Christians came
+over to partake of the sacraments of the Church, and were
+heartily welcomed.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Thus passed many weeks. The Queen had received answers
+to all her despatches. The Dekhany leader had not returned, but
+remained with the Golconda troops, who were to take up their
+position at Owsa, while those of Beejapoor occupied Nuldroog.
+Although some pretenders to support the party of the spurious
+new King were known to exist, yet for the most part the succession
+in the right direct line, by causing the child Prince Bahadur to
+be crowned, and appointing the Queen Chand formally to be
+Regent during the boy's minority, as she had been at Beejapoor,
+was the desire of the majority. And of this course the sage
+Mullek Umber entirely approved. There was no doubt of the
+purity of the boy's descent, who, with his mother, had been confined
+in the fort of Chawund; and when he arrived he was welcomed
+with joy, and on a given day was crowned King in the great
+audience hall of the fort, with every demonstration of satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>There is no doubt, however, that this bloodless revolution
+gave secret umbrage to many, and some severe measures had to
+be taken. Ansar Khan, the governor of the fort, was detected in
+active correspondence with the Prince Moorad, representing the
+Queen as an abandoned woman; the boy she had adopted as the
+son of a minion of her own; and that the people, though they dare
+not complain, were in the last state of discontent; and Ansar
+Khan being arraigned before the chiefs and nobles, was convicted
+and suffered death. Secure in her position, the Queen wrote to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span>
+the Prince Moorad, recapitulating the past, quoting the recantation
+of the Dekhany leader who had invited him. As a noble and an
+honoured guest of the son of the great Emperor, whom it behoved
+to protect an infant minor&mdash;he would be welcome, most welcome,
+and a friendly embassy and escort would be sent to meet him; but
+if hostile intentions still filled his mind, and force were resorted to,
+she was well supported by her neighbours, and had made every
+preparation to repel what she could not avert by conciliation.</p>
+
+<p>But the cloud afar off only thickened, and became more and
+more threatening week by week, and the Queen strained every
+nerve to preserve the fort to the utmost, and prepare for what
+could not be much longer averted.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER III.<br />
+
+THE PROGRESS OF THE SIEGE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The rainy season had ceased, and operations could now be undertaken
+without danger of interruption from the weather. For some
+months past the Prince Moorad Mirza had watched the progress
+of events at Ahmednugger with the keenest interest; and had the
+Dekhany leaders been united in regard to the election of the first
+King, it is probable he would not have sought to disturb it, but
+would have made his own terms with them. But their withdrawal
+from their position, the spirited movement of the Queen Dowager
+in the coronation of Bahadur, the infant King, and the rallying
+about her of parties who had before been disunited, promised a
+very formidable coalition for defence. And when, in addition to
+local unity, it became certain that the very formidable cavalry of
+Beejapoor and Golconda had taken the field to cover Ahmednugger,
+the Prince saw it was time, if he was to strike in at all, to
+do so at once, before the eastern and southern forces could
+arrive at their purposed destination. He had with him thirty
+thousand of the flower of the Moghul cavalry, a large body of
+Rajpoot infantry and artillery, and several of the most celebrated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span>
+generals of his father's army led different portions of the troops;
+and the prospect of a campaign in a new country, and with the
+celebrated cavaliers of the Dekhan, infused the highest spirits
+into all classes.</p>
+
+<p>Two men had joined the Prince, in whom he had now much
+confidence. Not long before, as he was hunting, a cavalier, well
+appointed, and attended by a small body of spearmen, rode up to
+him, and offered his services for the Dekhan campaign. He and
+his family had been, he said, in the service of Beejapoor for some
+generations; but enemies had prevailed against him, and he had
+left a service in which he could not stay with honour. He knew
+the whole country of the Dekhan, and most of the leaders of
+parties, Dekhanies and foreigners, and could direct the Prince to
+means of success to which he would, with his own people only,
+remain a stranger.</p>
+
+<p>This brief colloquy had been followed by a private interview,
+in which Osman Beg&mdash;for it was the man whom we
+have already seen degraded and dismissed from Beejapoor&mdash;laid
+before the Prince and some of his most esteemed
+councillors the condition of the whole of the Dekhan, that
+of its armies and parties, and the position of the Queen
+Dowager at Ahmednugger, which he did not undervalue. He
+told them that they should not despise the power of a woman
+like her, whom no danger could appal, nor ordinary resistance<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span>
+overcome; and that in the Dekhan there was no commander to
+equal her in the field; while the people loved her, and would,
+most of them, support her to the last. The great object, therefore,
+should be to shut her up in Ahmednugger before she could
+withdraw the infant King to the protection of Beejapoor, which
+had ample means for defence.</p>
+
+<p>"And what, sir, may be your motive for offering your services
+to me?" asked the Prince, doubtingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Revenge," returned the other. "Ask me not for what; that
+may appear in time even to thee. And, for the rest, accept this
+poor sword, or reject it, as seems best to your Highness. To serve
+in the army of the King of kings, under his famous son, has long
+been a dream of mine, wherever that service might lead me.
+And now that it turns upon my enemies, can I refuse? If my
+star is not fortunate to gain a place under your Highness, I will
+seek my fortune elsewhere. I am a soldier, and know no occupation
+other than my sword gives me."</p>
+
+<p>"Such men are among the necessities of war," said the Prince
+to Khan Khanan, his commander-in-chief, when they were alone.
+"What think you of him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I see deceit and treachery in his face," was the reply. "But
+what can that signify to us? He has some scheme of private
+revenge to carry out, and he will be faithful to that if not to us.
+Give him a command, for he has undoubted knowledge of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span>
+country which no one else possesses, and in this he will be of
+use."</p>
+
+<p>So Osman Beg was attached to the division of Khan Jehan,
+and accompanied the army in the capacity of guide and director
+of the marches towards Ahmednugger.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Dom Diego had not been idle. Acting under the
+advice of his banker at Surat, he had written a petition to the
+Prince, representing himself as a soldier of fortune, recently arrived
+from Europe, who had knowledge of the attack and defence of
+fortified places, and the direction of artillery in the field; and,
+anxious for employment, offered his services to the Royal army.
+While at Surat he had heard from his cousin at Goa of the
+appointment of Francis d'Almeida as Bishop of Ahmednugger,
+and subsequently, that he and his sister had accompanied Queen
+Chand to her destination. What better opportunity could be
+afforded for carrying off Maria than the turmoil of a siege and
+assault. He had seen much service as a soldier in the East.
+Personally he was brave, and in his own land had studied for the
+profession of artillery and fortifications. There was no doubt as
+to his probable usefulness. European adventurers had often rendered
+very essential service to the Royal armies; but the best of
+them were at Dehli, and should the applicant be what he described
+himself, his presence against one of the most celebrated forts of
+the Dekhan, improved, it was said, by the Portuguese, would be
+invaluable.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>A few days after this, Dom Diego, accompanied by Pedro di
+Diaz and a party of his sailors accustomed to the use of large
+guns, arrived in the Royal camp, and was heartily welcomed.
+The fine martial figure of the new comer made a favourable
+impression upon the Prince; and the complete suit of mail in
+which he made his entry into camp, seated on a noble Kattiwar
+charger, was remarkable and imposing. As before, Pedro di
+Diaz was his interpreter, but he found the Prince to possess a
+considerable knowledge of Portuguese, which he had learned
+at his father's, the Emperor's Court; and Dom Diego, after a
+short interview, found himself not only much more at his ease
+than he had expected to be, but appointed to a lucrative post, as
+inspector and regulator of the artillery.</p>
+
+<p>As he was leaving the Prince's tent, an officer, apparently of
+the Royal army, came up to him and said, "I ought to know that
+face. Hast thou forgotten the mission of Moodgul and the plan
+of Eyn-ool-Moolk?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; thou art Osman Beg," was the reply, "and I have not
+forgotten. But thou here, my friend? Methought the fair Zóra,
+whom thou used to tell me about, would have more charms for thee
+than war?"</p>
+
+<p>"What has brought thee, O friend," returned the other, "has
+brought me, strange as it is. There are two women in Ahmednugger
+whom we would have. Nay, deny it not; and we may<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span>
+easily take them when there is none to defend them. Your Maria
+is there; and what matter if you appear as a soldier to gain her?"</p>
+
+<p>"Thou hast guessed shrewdly, friend," was the reply; "it is
+even so. I find my life dull without her, and such devotion as I
+offer to her may be accepted at last. And if not&mdash;well, we shall
+see. I have no relish for priestly offices, and war and its excitement
+suit me much better. Will the Queen fight?"</p>
+
+<p>"As far as a woman can, she undoubtedly will fight. Men may
+feel fear, but she does not even in the face of imminent danger.
+If the people with her are only true to her, you will see that the
+result will flutter some of these silken love-birds of Dehli. Our
+Dekhan ways are rough, but the men of Ahmednugger are
+roughest of all; and some of thy countrymen made the fort what
+it is."</p>
+
+<p>"Then it will require one of them to open the casket. Who
+knows where to find the key? And if my old knowledge has not
+departed from me, I may be able to do what force cannot do, or
+these wretched guns which the Prince thinks so much of."</p>
+
+<p>"And the guns of Ahmednugger foundries have ever been
+famous since the days of Chuleby Roomy Khan, the Turk, and
+many have been bought from your countrymen. I would advise
+caution, Seńor; and may Alla send us a good deliverance!
+When the time comes, we may be able to help each other; till
+then we may meet seldom, or not at all, for my place will be the
+advanced division."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And mine with the main body and the Prince, where you will
+always find me, Osman Beg, at your service. If you will keep
+your own counsel, I can keep mine; and though we care for what
+we hope to win, there are many here who would laugh at us if
+they knew our desires; and, from what I hear, the Prince sets his
+face against any abduction of the enemy's women."</p>
+
+<p>"I, at least, can demand my wife, after the custom of our law,"
+said Osman Beg, with a swagger.</p>
+
+<p>"When she is the wife of another? Ha! ha!" returned the
+priest, with a sneering laugh. "You are not particular, perhaps,
+though I am. But we need not interfere with each other; and so,
+farewell!"</p>
+
+<p>While the great army was in slow but certain progress towards
+the goal of its desire, we must return for a brief while to the personages
+in this tale whom we left there. Since the coronation of
+the boy King, Bahadur, there had been no violent disturbance of
+the public peace; and though some of the leaders of parties still
+held aloof, watching the course of events, others had frankly
+joined the Queen and declared for her policy. The fort was now
+full of men, and one of the best soldiers of the State, Nihung
+Khan, who had been confined at Dowlutabad for several years,
+was released by Mullek Umber, and sent, with six thousand good
+cavalry, to keep the frontier, and, if necessary, to join the
+Queen. The Queen herself, with calm fortitude, collected<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span>
+provisions till the fort granaries were quite full. Every piece
+of ordnance was thoroughly inspected, and made fit for service.
+Shot, powder, entrenching tools, and gabions were prepared;
+nor, in consultation with her artillery officers, was
+any measure left incomplete for defence. All walls, huts, and
+some houses which had encroached upon the esplanade were
+levelled, and nothing existed to obstruct the fire of the place.
+She was fearful of exciting jealousy in the minds of her troops,
+and did not therefore appoint Abbas Khan to the command of the
+fort, as she wished to do; but he was her indefatigable assistant
+in every department; nor was there a day in which the Royal lady
+did not visit works in progress, or go out on visits of inspection to
+points where it was suggested trenches might be made, or other
+hindrances to the enemy's advance contrived.</p>
+
+<p>There continued, however, one permanent source of disquietude
+and anxiety to her, which was the inactivity of the
+Beejapoor and Golconda forces, for as yet they had made no
+forward movement; and as the weather was now open, they ought
+to have taken up the positions she had suggested. Once, indeed,
+when she wrote to Soheil Khan, the Beejapoor officer in command,
+that the Moghul cavalry were about to make a movement to turn
+the flank of the general defences of the kingdom, twelve thousand
+cavalry were despatched from Nuldroog, by way of Bheer, to hold
+them in check; but the movement proved futile, the Beejapoor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span>
+force was defeated and routed by six thousand Moghuls, under
+Khan Jehan Lody, one of the best generals of the army, and the
+Beejapoor troops fled back from the Godavery in confusion, to tell
+tales of Moghul prowess, which considerably added to the existing
+alarm. In truth, Osman Beg had rendered essential service in
+this movement. By a rapid march he had turned the flank of the
+forces which covered Dowlutabad; he had prevented the junction
+of Nihung Khan's troops with those of Beejapoor; and by the
+defeat of the latter, the rear of Ahmednugger, the fertile plain of
+the Godavery, and several easy passes up to the very precincts of
+the fort, were left in almost perfect tranquillity to the invaders.
+Thenceforth the Queen knew she had no one from whom she could
+expect aid, but she did not relax her preparations or her vigilance.
+She knew her nephew could not leave Beejapoor, for without one
+or other of them the capital could not be trusted; and Soheil
+Khan, the general who had been sent with the cavalry, though a
+brave man, was by no means an enterprising officer, or one on
+whom she could depend in an emergency. Oh! that it had been
+Humeed Khan, or anyone of the devoted friends who had ever
+supported her, then there would have been neither doubt nor hesitation.
+Soheil Khan was a calm, reflective man, and it was on this
+account, perhaps, that he had been sent. He could perceive
+clearly enough that if Beejapoor took any open part in the war,
+the Moghuls, when Ahmednugger fell, would infallibly declare war<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span>
+against it, and that, under all considerations, would be the safest
+policy.</p>
+
+<p>At first, our friends the Bishop and his sister had thought that
+peace would not be broken. The Queen seemed so firm in her
+position, the fort was so strong, and the enemy so distant, that
+Francis d'Almeida did not like to defer taking up the charge he was
+responsible for to his Church; and, taking advantage of the arrival
+of Mullek Umber, they travelled in his suite on his return; but they
+found only comparatively very few Christians at Dowlutabad, who
+were cultivators of grapes and oranges, and a few at the new city
+of Kirkee, which was then being built&mdash;who were gunners and
+soldiers. Many years before, a lay monk had settled among them
+from Goa, and had contrived to keep the little flock together; but
+both Francis and Maria saw that it could not readily increase,
+and that it would be a waste of time to remain there longer than
+would be necessary to establish the foundations of what might
+arise hereafter; and when a small chapel in the city of Kirkee was
+completed under Mullek Umber's assistance, who, it was believed,
+had greater reverence for his old faith than was consistent with
+his profession of Islam, they took their departure, and arrived at
+Ahmednugger shortly before the irruption of the Moghuls and the
+defeat of the Beejapoor forces had closed the valley of the
+Godavery to general travellers.</p>
+
+<p>The Queen was rejoiced at her friends' arrival. If for a brief<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span>
+time she had doubted whether the comparative quiet and security
+of Dowlutabad would not prove more attractive to them than the
+imminent risk of war which menaced her, their arrival dispelled
+all such thoughts, and she estimated at its full worth the devotion
+and good faith of the Bishop and his sister. They had not only
+returned to their flock, but were prepared to render such assistance
+as their peaceful calling enabled them to do very usefully
+and practically. As there was no apparent chance of being relieved
+by Beejapoor, and an attack by the Moghul army appeared
+more and more imminent every day, from the reports of progress
+by the enemy, the worthy Bishop set himself to organise
+something in the form of a hospital, in which Maria, from former
+experience at Goa, was able to render her brother very essential
+service. A large magazine was cleared out, and fitted as well as
+circumstances would allow for the purpose. Bandages, splints, and
+such other necessaries as could be obtained, were stored in it; and
+while the result was watched curiously by the garrison, yet it gave
+assurance in no small degree that the wounded would be cared for,
+and not left to chance, as was too often the case.</p>
+
+<p>We need not, perhaps, follow the daily routine of lives which had
+no change, nor any alleviation of anxiety common to all. The Queen
+held her accustomed durbars, and received reports; she visited
+the posts as often as was possible, especially at night, to guard
+against surprise; and with the danger growing nearer and nearer,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span>
+appeared to display increasing fortitude and resignation, and this
+demeanour had incited in her garrison the highest spirit of devotion
+and loyalty. Maria and Zóra, her indefatigable assistants, had
+their hands full of work of their own; but at times of comparative
+leisure they met together, read to or conversed with their Royal
+mistress, or often in the still evenings sat with her on the terrace
+roof of the palace, looking over the wide country, and watching the
+bodies of troops marching to their posts, or exercising in the open
+space in the centre of the fort, till the evening watches were set,
+and all at last was at rest.</p>
+
+<p>If Nihung Khan and his Abyssinians could but arrive, the
+accession of strength would prove an additional security. But
+day after day passed, and he came not. There were no means of
+communicating with him, while messenger after messenger was
+captured or cut off by the force of Khan Jehan Lody, which
+seemed to be as ubiquitous as it was vigilant. But the Queen did
+not abandon hope, she knew Nihung Khan to be wary and vigilant,
+and should he confine himself to the duty of harassing the besiegers
+and cutting off their supplies, important services would be rendered.</p>
+
+<p>And at last no doubt remained. On December 12, according
+to the local history, the leading troops of the Moghuls advanced
+within sight of the fortress. All the morning their kettledrums
+and trumpets had been heard in the distance, and by a little after<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span>
+noon the crowd of officers, of cavalry, with the Prince's royal
+canopy in the centre, borne upon a lofty elephant, appeared in the
+vicinity of the Hushti Bihisht Gardens, which had been the scene
+of many a pleasant day's festival for the Queen and her companions.
+It was in vain that Abbas Khan, and spirited young
+leaders like himself, pressed her to allow them to make a sally
+and endeavour to throw the enemy into confusion; the Queen
+positively forbade the attempt. If Nihung Khan did appear, they
+might advance to assist him; but any reverse now would make
+her situation more desperate, and render the defence of the
+fort&mdash;in which she, perhaps, placed too much confidence&mdash;out of
+the question altogether.</p>
+
+<p>Early next morning they watched the great army form in line&mdash;a
+magnificent though terrible spectacle&mdash;and the Royal Prince,
+accompanied by some officers, rode round the fort, out of reach
+of shots, pointing out to the leaders of each division the ground it
+was to occupy. One officer, who acted more boldly than the rest,
+advanced near enough to be within reach of shot, but escaped
+unhurt. As they all watched him from the roof of the palace,
+Abbas Khan felt sure he was a European; but the Royal army
+contained many such adventurers, and the Bishop, though he could
+not distinguish the features, felt a conviction that it could be no
+other than Dom Diego. He, however, kept his own counsel, and
+said nothing to his sister.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>During that day and part of the next the investiture of the
+fort was completed on three sides&mdash;north, west, and south; but
+the east side was not closed. Now Nihung Khan, whose advance
+had been so eagerly looked for, had made a rapid march to Beejapoor,
+and had represented to the King Ibrahim the extreme
+danger of the Queen's position. He had succeeded in obtaining
+some cavalry, which with his own levy made up about seven
+thousand men; and with this he had hoped to arrive before the
+fort was invested, but if not, to cut his way through the enemy's
+lines. He had also, when within twelve miles of the fort, sent out
+spies, who not only reported to him that the east side was as yet
+unoccupied, but contrived to inform the Queen that he was at
+hand, and would, God willing, be with her next day; and we may
+imagine with what intense anxiety he was expected.</p>
+
+<p>The Queen had arisen before daylight, and was watching with
+Zóra from their usual place, when they heard suddenly a great
+but distant clamour arise to the eastward of the fort, which continued
+for some time. At last a body of horsemen, some few
+hundreds only in number, emerged from under cover of some
+hedges, and at headlong speed crossed the esplanade. It was
+Nihung Khan, who had marched during the night with his whole
+body, but found that, instead of an open passage to the fort, he
+became engaged with the Khan Khanan's powerful division of the
+Royal army. He himself, with his immediate body-guard, had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span>
+cut his way through the enemy to join his Royal mistress, leaving
+the main body, which had retreated, to retire upon the Beejapoor
+forces. Welcome as a gallant soldier like Nihung Khan was,
+even with a comparative handful of men, yet, on the other hand,
+there was no longer any doubt that the investiture of the fort was
+complete, and that the siege had commenced.</p>
+
+<p>The enemy's operations were conducted with skill and military
+science. No other measures would have been available against
+such a place as Ahmednugger. Dom Diego, after several feints,
+established his head-quarters and trenches on the south-west side
+of the fort, and thence continued his approaches by regular parallels
+to the crest of the glacis, or as near as possible to the point,
+whence, eventually, the breaching batteries were established; but
+the defenders' artillery was infinitely superior to his own, and
+the operations had been slow and difficult. Not only did the
+artillerists of the fort maintain their ancient reputation, but the
+practice of the Arabs in the garrison was very fatal. With their
+excellent matchlocks nothing could show itself in the Moghul
+trenches without being hit, and the real terror they inspired
+was very great. Then the garrison became more and more confident,
+and their courage rose in proportion. Day and night the
+Queen herself patrolled the fort, watching the terrible game with a
+kind of fascination. Nor could her ordinary companions be restrained
+from sharing the danger with her; while, at night, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span>
+well-known slight figures, passing from post to post, were greeted
+with many a fervent blessing and prayer for their safety. And
+who shall tell of the gentle ministrations of Maria and her brother;
+the care and skill with which wounds were dressed; the soothing
+and thirst-assuaging drinks that were composed and ministered?
+Sometimes the worthy Bishop would accompany Meeah in his
+rounds, or sit with him at his post, offering a hint here, a suggestion
+there, as far as his small military skill enabled him to do;
+and when the point of attack was finally established, his directions
+as to the flanking fire to be maintained, in case any breach was
+made, were eminently useful. "Priests," he said one day,
+laughing, "need not be soldiers; yet in my country many
+a Bishop has been obliged to fight for the cause of his Church,
+and why not I for my little flock?" Thus, in the semi-circular
+bastion at the angle, which was large and roomy, and held a
+number of guns, he succeeded in placing two of the best pieces
+in the fort; and for the defence and the cover of the gunners
+he used large gabions filled with earth, which afforded complete
+protection. It was in vain that Dom Diego directed his guns
+upon this and other large bastions defended in the same
+manner. The nearer he approached, the more deadly was the
+defenders' fire. His trenches were raked by it, and by no means
+could it be silenced. Nor were the Ahmednugger gunners forgetful
+of the legend of the employment of bags of the heavy square<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span>
+copper money of the country, and occasionally a shower of it was
+sent hurtling through the air with a screaming noise which inspired
+more terror, perhaps, than it did actual mischief, except at
+very close quarters.</p>
+
+<p>In truth, Dom Diego's position was not an enviable one. The
+Prince had looked to him to discover some easy manner in which
+the fort might be at once assaulted and taken by storm. Any
+sacrifice of men he would have considered of no consequence;
+but the admirable construction of Ahmednugger forbade any
+attempt at escalade with hope of success. Its lofty walls, its
+deep and extremely broad ditch, the height of the counterscarp
+and defences for musketry were unapproachable. The Moghul
+artillery, too, was none of the best, and was too light for siege
+purposes; very little effect had been produced upon the lower
+part of the fort. Here and there a few stones had been broken
+and displaced, but the facing only covered and marked the
+real strength which was in the earth, solidified by age, of which
+the rampart was composed. Day after day guns melted at the
+vent or at the muzzle, and became useless, and no progress was
+made.</p>
+
+<p>On the part of the commanders of the Royal army, two anxieties
+of a very serious character were ever present. Provisions were
+getting very scarce, scarce enough to reduce the ordinary rations
+of the men and horses. For although the Beejapoor troops did<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span>
+not advance to the capital, they had command of the most fertile
+districts, from which grain and forage could be derived; and the
+circle grew narrower. This, however, was kept a profound secret,
+and the operations were continued as usual.</p>
+
+<p>The beginning of February had now arrived, and progress in
+the siege was as dilatory as ever; and at a council of war the
+whole chances of success were discussed calmly. Should the
+Beejapoor troops advance, the siege must be raised; and in
+regard to the siege itself all seemed to depend upon the success of
+mining, which Dom Diego had counselled from the first, but which
+the native excavators declared to be impossible on account of the
+firm, stony nature of the soil. If mines could be carried under
+even one of the central bastions, and a breach made, there would,
+it was considered, be no doubt of success.</p>
+
+<p>Just then the Queen wrote in the most urgent terms she could
+to the Beejapoor officers. If they advanced at once, and operated
+against the rear of the Moghul lines, nothing could save the enemy
+from defeat, and most likely destruction, for their cattle were already
+dying of starvation; the fort was still intact, and there had been
+but few casualties; in short, that victory was within their grasp if
+they would but take it. These letters were intercepted by Osman
+Beg, who took them to the Prince, who added a few lines of his
+own in a chivalrous spirit, to the effect that he had marched from
+Dehli on purpose to cross swords with the cavaliers of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span>
+Dekhan, and was waiting for them, and trusted they would not
+delay the opportunity he had so long desired.</p>
+
+<p>But no result followed on these letters, and the Queen almost
+began to despair of the good faith of Beejapoor. Why should
+they allow such an opportunity to escape? Again and again did
+Abbas Khan and Nihung Khan press her to allow them to depart
+secretly and make their way through the hills; but the Royal lady
+felt that the danger to the fort must draw to a head, and whether
+the Moghuls raised the siege and departed, or whether the crisis
+of an assault arrived, their presence was alike indispensable.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IV.<br />
+
+THE ASSAULT.</h2>
+
+
+<p>For several days the fire of the besiegers had much slackened,
+and the spirits of the besieged rose in proportion to the highest
+pitch. Were the Moghuls in reality preparing to abandon the
+attack and retire? It might be so, indeed, for a considerable body
+of Beejapoor cavalry had at last moved forwards and taken post in
+the Manikdown Hills, from whence their operations against the
+Moghul supplies and distant outposts were beginning to be seriously
+felt; but they were by no means strong enough to effect any
+considerable diversion, and, up to the night of Feb. 20, affairs
+continued in the same position. But the inactivity of the enemy
+appeared unaccountable to the Queen and her council. Upon
+what could they be relying? The allied armies were at Bheer,
+and by a sudden and energetic march might be with her in three
+days; but it was impossible for the Queen to communicate with
+her friends, every egress from the fort being so vigilantly watched
+night and day. But the suspense only lasted till the night of the
+day we have named, when, as all were watching on the walls, a
+loud manly voice was heard from the opposite side of the ditch,
+which cried out&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"O ye brave friends and brothers in the faith, no longer make
+a vain resistance. Ye have fought well for your honour, and may
+save the shedding of more blood. Under the five bastions
+whereon ye stand five mines have been silently driven. They are
+loaded and ready, and they will be fired to admit the army of the
+King of kings. Beware, then, for I have warned ye; and your
+fate cannot be averted but by surrender."</p>
+
+<p>Then, amidst the profoundest silence, the voice ceased. No
+figure was seen, for it was a profoundly dark night, and some,
+overcome with awe, cried, "It is a warning from the Lord; it is
+the voice of an angel; who shall resist it?" and a great fear fell
+upon all. But the strange incident only seemed to inspire the
+heroic Queen with new courage, and mounting a slight elevation of
+the parapet, her clear, sweet voice was heard above all murmurs.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we who are unhurt, and have victory in our grasp if we
+persevere, give up our swords, and like frightened women betake
+ourselves to the feet of the invader and beg for our lives? Shall
+we, with arms in our hands, cease to use them to protect all dear
+to us. Your women and children, O my sons, will hardly thank
+ye for abandoning them to the brutal violence of the Moghul
+soldiers. Behold! I am but a woman, and a weak one; but I
+leave not this spot with my life; and, come what may, I rely upon
+the most just Lord to deliver us and ye all from this tyranny.
+Away, bring up the miners; we know the places, so there is no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span>
+doubt. Bring tools, and set to work. I would rather tear up the
+earth with my weak fingers, than suffer this danger to exist while
+we have the time and the means to avert it."</p>
+
+<p>Then arose a hoarse cry of "We will not desert thee, O Mother.
+We will die if it be God's will, but we will not yield. Fear not
+then, but see what we do."</p>
+
+<p>At first there was some little confusion, but gangs were speedily
+organised, and with a hearty good will they set to work, led by
+the Queen, who, with a pickaxe in her hand, descended into the
+shaft, and, with those dearest to her about her, worked like the
+rest; going from shaft to shaft, distributing draughts of cool water
+and sherbet to those who suffered thirst. It was impossible to
+exceed the enthusiasm which her heroism inspired.</p>
+
+<p>Nihung Khan, Abbas Khan, and even the pacific Bishop, excited
+by the turmoil, ran from place to place and encouraged all. Nor
+was the result disappointing. While they were thus employed,
+another voice called to them from the bottom of the wall to surrender,
+for that at daylight the mines would be sprung. But the
+warning passed unheeded; two mines had been laid bare, and
+the charges of powder removed after sharp contests under ground;
+and the Queen was in the act of distributing rewards for the removal
+of the charge of a third, when, with a fearful report and
+crash, a fourth mine, as yet undiscovered, was sprung just as
+day dawned on the scene, and a few yards of the wall fell.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>When the first mine had been struck by the counterminers,
+and the persons driven out of it had gained the trenches, the
+alarm was at once given in the camp, and the Prince Moorad
+hurried to the spot at a moment of extreme peril to the Moghul
+army, for the first mines had occupied the better part of a month.
+But the skill of the counterminers was so evident from the
+rapidity with which they had discovered and disarmed them during
+the night, that it seemed hopeless to continue the work, as well
+on account of the nature of the ground as because provisions
+were on the point of exhaustion. His adviser, Dom Diego, had
+not foreseen such a catastrophe as failure. He had visited the
+mines the evening before while they were being charged; he had
+watched the skill with which the native miners laid the charges
+and tamped them; and the result would, he thought, inevitably be
+that three at least of the mines must destroy the bastions under
+which they were placed, and furnish three practicable breaches
+for the stormers, who would be composed of the flower of the
+Royal army. But these plans had failed. All that remained was
+one small mine under a part of the curtain, which had been intended
+to enlarge another of the main mines. It might make
+a practicable breach, but it would be a narrow one, and it might
+possibly fail altogether.</p>
+
+<p>The Prince and Dom Diego stood together on one of the
+parapets of the temple looking over the fort, the interior of which,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span>
+as the day was breaking, could be seen distinctly, with the thousands
+of men like ants hurrying to and fro, carrying earth in
+baskets, in cloths, and as best they could, from the countermines.
+Parties of them were collecting, and even breaking the surface of
+the ground near the small mine we have mentioned. Dom Diego
+pointed out the place to the Prince.</p>
+
+<p>"There is our last resource, for the other mines are not
+charged; and they would be useless if they were. Shall I fire it?
+We shall at least see what sort of a heap it makes; and I, for one,
+am ready to lead any party your Highness may appoint to storm
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well said, sir," exclaimed the Prince, "and like a gallant
+soldier. When thou art within thou wilt have the treasury and
+Royal jewels to help thyself from, and I hear they are both rich."</p>
+
+<p>"My treasure is of another kind," replied Diego, "and I do
+not intend to neglect it. Shall the mine be fired?"</p>
+
+<p>"Bismilla!" cried the Prince. "Lose no time."</p>
+
+<p>"I have laid the train," said Pedro di Diaz, who came up at
+the instant; "but the chamber is not half charged, not enough
+tamped, but it will do something."</p>
+
+<p>"Then fire it in the devil's name," cried Dom Diego. "I will
+watch."</p>
+
+<p>A few moments more, and two thin columns of smoke issued
+from the fort wall, and from that part of the counterscarp which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span>
+was opposite. These places heaved slightly upwards, and earth
+and stones arose with a muffled sound, casting into the air the
+bodies of a number of men who had been walking on the fort
+wall. The effect of these explosions was a clear road into
+the ditch from the counterscarps, and an apparently practicable
+though steep breach in the rampart of the fort.</p>
+
+<p>"It is done!" cried Dom Diego, with a wave of his plumed
+hat to the Prince. "If your Highness will send for the stormers
+I will lead them at once, if they will follow me."</p>
+
+<p>In the fort, as the smoke and dust of the explosion cleared
+away, some of the garrison seemed to have given up hope, and
+were girding their loins for flight; but the Queen was equal to the
+emergency. While she called to those about her to remember
+their oath to her, to rally their men, for the gates were closed, and
+there was no egress for flight, she cried, "And whither would ye
+fly, O sons and brothers? To the plain yonder, to perish by the
+swords of your enemies? Nay, for your honour's sake, desert me
+not now; and to the latest day of the Dekhan your deeds shall be
+sung by bards and minstrels. See, we women blench not from
+the storm; and she who brings my armour and my sword, a holy
+Syud's daughter, will die here with me, and her husband, my
+children both, rather than yield while we have life." Then, as
+Zóra, clad in the old green dress of the Turreequt, approached,
+the Queen withdrew for an instant, and putting on her morion and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span>
+a suit of light chain mail, with gauntlets, and waving a naked sword,
+came forward among them, crying the old battle cry of her
+husband. Over her face, as it was becoming light, she had cast a
+transparent veil, but every feature was visible, glowing with a rapt
+enthusiasm and confidence.</p>
+
+<p>"To the breach, my friends, with me!" she cried. "Who
+will follow my veil? Behold it will lead you to honour, if to death;
+never to infamy. If we die, we shall sip the nectar of Paradise
+ere night."</p>
+
+<p>No one attempted to resist this appeal. With passionate cries
+of devotion, with tears and sobs, the leaders and men, with her
+beloved Abbas Khan, pressed forward to do their best in her
+defence. The rough veteran, Nihung Khan, with tears flowing
+down his cheeks, besought her to retire to a place of safety, but
+she cried the more that she would remain; and in her own Battle
+of the Veil it behoved her to lead, and no other.</p>
+
+<p>But it was yet some time before the Moghuls advanced to
+storm, and the delay enabled the besiegers to make some defence
+for the breach available. A double row of gabions was placed
+over the crest, and filled with earth; the best marksmen among the
+Arabs and the garrison were posted on the wall above its sides;
+wall pieces were brought from other parts of the fort; rocket-men
+plied their rockets on the crest of the glacis opposite, through
+which a road had been sloped from above. Behind the gabions,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span>
+and sheltered by them, dense bodies of spearmen stood in serried
+ranks. In short, no precaution that Abbas Khan and his companions
+could bethink themselves of was neglected. Even the
+Bishop, who the whole night through had been at work, ran
+from his post on the large bastion to see that all was in proper
+order, and his few directions were practical and useful.</p>
+
+<p>Every preparation had been made that could be contrived.
+Every gun that the fortifications allowed of had been trained on
+the breach and the enemy's road thither. The garrison had been
+divided into bodies, so as to relieve each other as quickly as
+possible without crowding; and though the enemy fired occasionally
+from the trenches against the breach and the parapets of
+walls, the precautions which had been taken of covering the men
+with gabions and sandbags almost entirely prevented casualties.
+As to the breach itself, though the enemy fired continually at it,
+they produced no effect, as their shot, knocking up a cloud of dust,
+only sank into the earth harmlessly. Presently, also, Abbas Khan
+and some of the boldest Arabs contrived to let down some gabions
+below the crest of the breach, where they established themselves,
+thus affording increased matchlock fire of a fatal character, besides
+opposing an additional obstacle to the stormers.</p>
+
+<p>"He is sending us his best soldiers, mother," said Abbas
+Khan, settling his turban more firmly on his head, as he prepared
+to descend to his post; "but fear not, none will come near thee."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Rather let one blow of thy good sword release me, son," she
+said. "'Twould be but kindness, if God will."</p>
+
+<p>He made no reply; but the tears welled up in his eyes as he
+left her and his beloved wife together, and heard their cries of
+"Deen! Deen!" as he entered his perilous position.</p>
+
+<p>Still they waited and no advance was made; and the Queen
+was not unmindful of the necessity of furnishing food for the men
+who had watched with her all night. Since very early, before
+daylight, the cooks had been busy preparing pilaos and boiled
+meats, which now began to arrive in huge cauldrons, and was
+distributed to the men by companies; and all sat down and ate
+their plattersful, or gathered round huge dishes, and ate their fill;
+but no one moved from his appointed station; while the Queen
+and her attendants, disdaining more delicate viands prepared for
+them, partook of the general mess of camels' meat and rice,
+plentifully seasoned with pepper and onions, and which was by no
+means to be despised by hungry folk. Indeed, for the time, the
+area of the fort in the vicinity of the breach was a place of
+feasting. Elephants moved to and fro with large water-skins,
+and men bearing jars of cool sherbet gave freely to those that
+needed it; and, taking example from the Queen's forethought,
+every private house in the fort sent its quota of food or of drink.</p>
+
+<p>So noon came, and the voice of the muezzin chaunted the
+call to prayer from different quarters of the fort, as if no deadly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span>
+strife were imminent, and the Moslems spread scarves or waist-bands
+where they stood or sat. The Queen had not stirred since
+the morning from the place she had taken up near the gabions;
+and the only protection she would allow the people to make for
+her and Zóra against the sun was a few cloths tied to spears.
+Once Maria had come to see her from her own post, the hospital,
+but there was no time for much speaking; and, committing them
+to the care of God, she returned to her post with her brother, the
+masses of rough soldiery making way for her with the most profound
+respect. One look with her brother she took from the great
+flanking bastion along the side of the fort attacked, and it gave
+her an assurance she could hardly have expected.</p>
+
+<p>The whole side of the fort was uninjured, except near the
+breach, where there had been much pelting by the enemy's shot,
+but no fracture. The <i>débris</i> of the mine had spread out as far as
+the bottom of the ditch, and partly lay on its level floor; but it
+seemed, even to her, a perilous place for people to ascend. Some
+part of the counterscarp had apparently been dug down or blown
+in, and it was evidently the way by which the enemy would
+approach. All along the wall, every gun that could be aimed was
+directed upon the breach, and the two beautiful bastions which
+formed the Queen's post.</p>
+
+<p>One reason for delay was the indecision in the Moghul camp.
+Many experienced veterans declared that it was waste of life only<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span>
+to attempt to storm Ahmednugger by such a breach as had been
+made. Reproachful epithets were freely banded about, and it
+seemed a question whether any attack would be made that day.
+But Dom Diego's savage temper would brook no control. "I
+will take the place with the five Europeans I have," he cried,
+"and cowards can follow at their leisure; as if breaches in fort
+walls were to be made like beaten highways for dainty fops to
+strut upon." Dom Diego was, in truth, weary of the idleness of
+the Moghul officers. There was not a true soldier among them,
+and he often thought failure imminent; but Maria was there,
+and while it was possible to win her, even a soldier's death would
+be better than the hell of tumultuous feeling which raged within
+him.</p>
+
+<p>At last the signal for assault was given from the enemy's camp.
+First, the huge imperial kettledrums sounded a march in their
+deep booming notes, and a general discharge of all their artillery
+in the trenches followed; while, in the bastion of the fort, the Portuguese
+and Hindoo native gunners stood or lounged among their
+piles of shot and bags of copper coin. Many of them were
+known to Maria; their wives were helping her in her own work,
+and all saluted her reverently and affectionately as she left them
+with a prayer that the Lord would protect them all.</p>
+
+<p>All through the Moghul trenches the silence was almost
+oppressive. The muezzin's call to prayer was proclaimed like<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span>
+that in the fort; and, for a brief space, only a distant hum from
+the town and camp could be heard. As Maria stood on the steps
+of the great bastion, she could hear flies buzzing about her, the
+birds chirruping in the trees near her, and even the lowing and
+bleating of the cattle and sheep which were grazing in the broad
+ditch on the sheltered side of the fortress. The sun shone through
+the thunderous air with a fierce hot glare over all, and the plain
+and glacis were quivering in the trembling light. The wind had
+fallen, and the stillness and heat were so oppressive that she was
+glad to gain the cool shelter of the large vaulted building.
+Many fresh guns that had been brought to bear upon the breach
+aroused the echoes even of the distant hills; but the shot had little
+effect upon the extemporised defences of the breach, or upon the
+parapets anywhere; and the Queen and Zóra, looking through a
+loophole that commanded the breach, saw, with a thrill of delight,
+that Abbas Khan in his perilous post was safe.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, on the crest of one of the trenches beyond, a tall,
+powerful figure, dressed in European costume, stood forth, waving
+a naked sword, which flashed in the sun; while with the other
+hand he removed a plumed morion from his head, and made a
+courteous salute to the fort. He wore a bright corselet of steel,
+with gauntlets, and a buff coat and boots, richly embroidered. In
+his left hand he carried a stout stick, but no shield or other
+defence whatever. For an instant there was a shout of "Shabash!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span>
+Shabash Feringi!" and, instantly, a crowd of men scrambled over
+the trenches, and, as he pointed to the breach, followed him. And
+these, some hundreds in number, Europeans and native volunteers,
+formed the forlorn hope. Again, others came on in denser array:
+Arabs, Pathans, Afghans, Rajpoots, dressed in yellow tunics; and
+other tribes, many singing their war song, others shouting their
+national war cries, armed with matchlocks, sword, shield, and
+spear, flashing in the afternoon sun, which poured its hot rays on
+all. It was now somewhat past four in the afternoon, and the
+sultry heat of the day had become almost sickening, when a slight
+breeze from the west waved the banners of the advancing host,
+and slightly displaced the cloud of dust which had arisen over
+them. It was a glorious, awe-inspiring spectacle truly; but the
+defenders blenched not from it; every man grasped his weapon
+more firmly, and stood at his post prepared for the worst, should it
+come. On the far side of the ditch, along the crest of the counterscarp
+and covered way, clouds of skirmishers spread themselves,
+pouring their shot upon the defences; but the fire had little effect,
+and gradually slackened.</p>
+
+<p>Scrambling down the road prepared for them by the mine, and
+without order, large bodies of stormers now poured across the
+ditch, the tall figure of the European bounding before them all to
+the very foot of the breach, when suddenly one of the large guns
+on each of the flanking bastions sent its deadly discharge of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span>
+round shot and copper hail among the crowds beneath with
+fearful effect. Hundreds fell, writhing; while from every bastion
+rockets, fire-balls, and musketry smote them as they lay or
+straggled onwards. There was no chance of retreat, for the
+masses in the rear, which came on in a continuous stream, were
+not checked, and any of the foremost who faltered, or turned to
+fly, were thrown down and trampled into the dust. Again and
+again did Dom Diego attempt the breach, but the earth was so
+loose that footing could hardly be maintained; and the grim
+serried ranks which covered the crest of the breach gave little
+hope that could he and those with him reach the bristling ranks
+of broad spears beyond, they could force an entrance, while Abbas
+Khan and his body of Arabs plied them with shot, few of which
+missed their mark.</p>
+
+<p>But still none of the stormers turned; on the contrary,
+thousands of men charged down the counterscarp, to be met with
+the same volleys from the great guns, which proved so deadly and
+so effective. Once Dom Diego and some hundreds of men,
+collected hastily, made a rush up the breach, and interchanged
+blows with its defenders; and Abbas Khan, struck with his devoted
+bravery, called to him to take quarter, and come to his
+post; but the humane effort was rejected with an oath, and he fell
+back among the struggling masses to seek volunteers for a task
+which was beyond the power of man.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Can we, even in imagination, realise in any degree that
+fearful maddening scene&mdash;the discharges of the great guns at
+intervals carrying destruction to hundreds at every shot, assisted
+by the rockets, the musketry, and the fire-balls from the
+walls? Even these were little in comparison with the frantic
+struggles of the masses as they were urged on by the Prince in
+person and his generals&mdash;the shouts, the screams, and cries of
+wounded and dying men, the fierce thirst which consumed all!
+The ditch, from the first almost covered by the dead and dying,
+was now rising under the heaps beneath, which every moment
+augmented. There was no escape and no progress; the masses
+contrived to descend, ignorant of what was before them; and as
+it was industriously circulated by the Prince and his advisers that
+the breach had been stormed and the fort was being plundered
+all rushed on to gain a share of the riches it was supposed to
+contain&mdash;only to be met by the withering fire which destroyed
+them, and the horrible heaps of carnage grew higher and higher
+as the evening wore on.</p>
+
+<p>As to Queen Chand, we read in the old chronicles how&mdash;fearless
+among the storm of shot, dauntless among the horrid cries
+and shrieks which filled the air&mdash;she was seen everywhere, distributing
+rewards, giving water to the wounded and thirsty, and
+encouraging all. Nor was the green figure beside her less active
+or less useful. Sometimes they were at the breach, down which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span>
+they looked, with a fascination which could not be repressed, upon
+the masses of struggling forms beneath them. But still Zóra saw
+her brave lord safe; and he even smiled and waved them back, as
+the Queen, mounting the parapet of the gabions, spoke a few
+words of encouragement to their defenders. All saw her as she
+defended the breach in person; and the flutter of the "standard
+of the veil," which she still wore over her bright morion, was
+watched by many an one of the enemy's officers, and even by the
+Prince himself, with unqualified admiration of her heroism.</p>
+
+<p>At last night began to fall, and here and there a star peeped
+out from the pure ether through the thick, heated vapour from the
+combatants which filled the air; and the baffled Moghuls, leaving
+their heaps of slain as they were, retired beyond the crest of the
+counterscarp into their own lines. They had lost thousands, for
+the ditch was a mass of carcasses which no one could reckon;
+they had lost arms, standards, officers, and, above all, reputation.
+That the hosts of the King of kings should have been repulsed
+from a Dekhan fortress commanded by a woman was a result
+which none had anticipated, much less the haughty Imperial
+Prince who had urged on his devoted troops to destruction. Gradually,
+those that remained of the invaders retreated up the slope,
+harassed to the last by the rain of copper hail with which they
+had been tormented; and the Queen and Zóra, with some of the
+bravest of the women and eunuchs, watched the last retreating<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span>
+figures which staggered up the slope beyond; or a man here and
+there extricating himself from the horrible masses like one rising
+from the dead, followed them alone, or sank down and perished
+with the rest. And then, as if seeing each other for the first time
+during the fearful day, they cast themselves upon each other's
+necks and wept for joy. Then, too, Abbas Khan came up from
+his post bearing in his hand a standard he had taken from an
+Afghan, who was almost the only man who had reached the little
+fort. "He was a brave fellow, mother, and would take no quarter,
+and there was little time for thought; but he died like a brave
+man under my weapon, and departed to Paradise. O Mother!
+what can we render to the Lord for these mercies? for ye are
+unharmed, both of ye."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said the Queen, with her eyes overflowing, "thousands
+and thousands lie yonder dead and dying; but we are safe, and
+have lost but few; and the good Padré and Maria tend those who
+suffer."</p>
+
+<p>"If I may, I will go and see Maria," said Zóra, timidly.
+What would she not have given to fall into her husband's arms
+and weep out her thankfulness, but that was not the time or
+place.</p>
+
+<p>"Go, child," said the Queen. "Go! greet her from me, and
+say all is safe and well; but do not let her see that," and she
+pointed to the ditch, "it might appal her tender nature." And<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span>
+Zóra went, attended by Yasin Khan and some others to fulfil her
+tender mission, and gain relief for her overcharged mind.</p>
+
+<p>"And now," said the Queen to Abbas Khan and those near
+him, "let us leave nothing undone. The breach has, indeed, been
+saved; but it must be made sure. I, for one, will not leave it till
+it is built up against any chance of surprise, or even of attack.
+Do not talk to me of sleep or rest. My best sleep would be here
+beside the workers. My best rest can only come with security.
+Ye will see what endurance this weak body hath when danger is
+present. It is an old employment of mine repairing breaches;
+but at Beejapoor I worked three days and nights without sleep
+and here, with so many men, all should be ready by daylight; and
+then when the Moghuls see their labour has been in vain, they
+may leave us in peace. See and get Zóra some food and rest,"
+she whispered to Abbas Khan, "she will need it."</p>
+
+<p>"Not while thou art here, O Mother," was the reply. "She
+is young and strong, and can bear it better than thou. But why
+remain? Canst thou not trust Nihung Khan and myself to do all?"</p>
+
+<p>"No!" she replied, firmly; "it is my work and I will do it.
+Nor shall Zóra leave me; she will be better for seeing Maria. But
+my turn has not yet come. Hark! there is a cry from the heap
+of dead. 'For the love of God! for the love of God! water!' it
+cries. Does no one hear? It is some Feringi."</p>
+
+<p>"It may be the cavalier who led the assault," said Abbas Khan.
+"I saw him sink down, but he may have survived."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"A gallant fellow," said the Queen. "I, too, watched him. Go,
+one of ye, for the Padré Sahib; tell him to come with his bandages
+and medicine. Quick! quick!"</p>
+
+<p>Abbas Khan, and some men with blankets, descended the
+breach to the foot, but among the dead on the slope they could
+find no one living. They dare not take a torch for fear of drawing
+upon them fire from the counterscarp. They listened, and at last
+the faint cry of "Aqua! Aqua!" was repeated, but in a fainter
+tone.</p>
+
+<p>"He is here," cried one of the men, "lying under others, and
+he is warm. I see his face now; it is the Feringi."</p>
+
+<p>The Queen was right. Her quick ears had heard a low cry in
+a strange accent, which had escaped all others around her. It was
+from Dom Diego, who, as we know, had led the forlorn hope.
+When the mines had been sprung, he would have advanced at
+once under the cover of the smoke and dust which hung over the
+wall and ditch, but he found to his vexation that the men were not
+ready. The hour was not propitious, and the Court astrologer
+could not discover a fitting time till the afternoon. No one would
+follow him till the signal was given from the Royal pavilion. And
+though Dom Diego cursed the delay, he had no alternative but to
+await the general order, which came at length.</p>
+
+<p>Dom Diego had done his part bravely. He had led three
+separate assaults of the breach, but was as yet unwounded. Nor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span>
+was his example lost on the brave men who, as one party was
+beaten back, or sank down to make a fresh portion of the horrible
+bridge, still formed afresh, and, reinforced by others crowding on
+from behind, were led only to perish in their turn. At last,
+in one of the desperate rushes up the breach, Dom Diego fell
+from a matchlock shot, but for a moment only. He rose to
+his feet, and strove to rally those with him, when his leg was
+shattered by a round shot, and in the discharge of copper hail
+which came with it, his left arm was broken, and he fell insensible
+among the heap of dying and dead, and was trampled down with
+the rest. Presently, however, his consciousness returned; but it
+only revealed to him more certainly the hopelessness of his situation.
+Extrication from the mass of dead and dying was
+impossible, and he must die&mdash;unshriven, and without hope. We
+dare not follow his thoughts nor his cries, now defiant, now
+despairing, nor the struggles of a Christian soul which, believing
+in the hell which seemed opening before him, saw no hope of
+repentance or forgiveness. At first it was beyond his power to
+move; but several men above him in their death agonies had
+loosened the pile he lay under, and with his right arm he had
+been able to push aside the dead who most oppressed him,
+and thus he gained space to breathe. It was, however, but a prolongation
+of his misery, for he felt that his leg was shattered, and
+even to crawl, could he be freed, would be impossible. He could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span>
+see the forms of men on the ramparts and in the breach
+moving about, and even hear them as they spoke one to another;
+but his cries for help and for water had grown fainter and fainter
+till the Queen's ear had distinguished them.</p>
+
+<p>Then Abbas Khan, and the rest who had gone down the
+breach, lifted away the dead from above him and raised him up,
+placing him in a blanket, and carried him up into the fort. At the
+top they laid him down at the foot of the Bishop, who anxiously
+looked at the face of the sufferer, who was now insensible.</p>
+
+<p>"Merciful God!" he cried, lifting up his hands to heaven;
+"it is Dom Diego, and he still lives! Bring him to the rest of the
+wounded. Quick, quick!" he continued, to Abbas Khan, "or he
+may die without help."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER V.<br />
+
+DIEGO'S DEATH AND THE BISHOP'S EMBASSY.</h2>
+
+
+<p>They carried the wounded man gently in the blanket as he lay. It
+was impossible to attempt a palanquin, as the motion would have
+caused him additional agony. But he was now more sensible than
+at first. He had drunk greedily from a cup of the Queen's own
+cool sherbet, which she had kindly sent him; water had been
+plenteously sprinkled on his face and hands by the Bishop; his
+pulse had somewhat rallied, and he was even endeavouring to
+speak, but was forbidden. "Maria! forgive!" were the only words
+he could utter. Thus they took him on, nor was it far to the
+place. There were lamps lighted inside, and wounded men lying
+on mattresses on the floor; and some, which were the worst cases,
+upon small truckle beds; and on one of these they placed the
+dying man, supporting him by pillows. There were several
+Portuguese soldiers there also, who were tending wounded comrades,
+and all gathered round to assist. Then they carefully unfastened
+the morion and steel corselet, took off the heavy boots,
+and the coat of buff leather soaked in blood; and the Bishop
+supplied some soft underlinen from his own stock with which to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span>
+dress the wounds. But this seemed hopeless, for several were
+fatal in their nature, and the loss of blood had been enormous.
+Maria had been busy at the other end of the wide, long room, and
+had not seen the new comer; but her brother sent word to her not
+to come till he sent for her, as the sight would be too shocking.
+All that she had heard was that the sufferer was a Portuguese
+officer, and she knew there were some such men in the Prince's
+army.</p>
+
+<p>D'Almeida's cordial, which had been administered at once, had
+revived the sinking man in some degree, and for the first time he
+opened his eyes and stared vacantly about him. Some of the men
+were bathing his wounds, and this, and the removal of his armour
+and heavy clothes, had somewhat restored him. Francis d'Almeida
+was bandaging one of the wounds, which was bleeding afresh, and
+Dom Diego recognised him, and, with a wan smile, put away his
+hand and said faintly,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"It is of no use, brother Francis, I bleed within me, and I am
+dying. Hear my confession, which I will make to thee truly as long
+as I can speak; and then let me die."</p>
+
+<p>"It is, indeed, needful, my poor brother," said the Bishop,
+gently, "for no man living could help thee now, and a brief time
+must close all thy earthly sufferings. Take this cordial, and it will
+revive thee. Is there aught that should be written?"</p>
+
+<p>"Something," he said; "that my wealth may be secured to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span>
+Church. But write quickly, or I faint. Can masses be said for
+my soul, that I may be forgiven? The writing should be in
+Persian, for the banker at Surat to read."</p>
+
+<p>Who could write Persian there except himself? But the Bishop
+had seen Zóra with his sister, and he sent word to her to come to
+him, but not to bring Maria. And she came. A sheet had
+been spread over the sufferer, and his ghastly wounds were not
+apparent.</p>
+
+<p>Writing materials were at hand, and seating herself by the bed-side,
+the girl looked up with a scared face, and asked what she was
+to write, while Francis interpreted the words as they dropped
+slowly from his patient's mouth.</p>
+
+<p>"Write," he said, "to Hemchund Premchund, banker of Surat,
+'I am dying, my friend, and I will that all my effects in your charge
+be made over to the illustrious Archbishop of Goa, or whoever he
+may depute to receive them. Pedro di Diaz is dead, and all there
+is belongs to me. The ship is to be sold, and the crew paid their
+wages. Five thousand rupees are to be remitted to my brother,
+Francis d'Almeida, of this place, for the use of his Church. I am
+in my full senses, and have this written in Persian that thou mayest
+comprehend. Be faithful, and discharge thy trust honestly.'"</p>
+
+<p>Zóra's rapid pen soon traced these words, and it was put into
+Dom Diego's hand by the Bishop. "It is complete," he said;
+"sign it."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>For an instant the dying man rallied, passed his hands across
+his eyes, and then, taking the pen, wrote in his bold hand,</p>
+
+<div class="right">
+"<span class="smcap">D. Diego di Fonseca, S.J.</span><br />
+"My own writing.<br />
+</div>
+
+<p>"Written at Ahmednugger by Zóra, the wife of Abbas Khan.</p>
+
+<p>
+"Witness, Francis d'Almeida, Bishop of Ahmednugger, &amp;c.<br />
+Before us, 3rd Rujub, A.H. 1004, 22nd February, 1596."<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"That will do, my brave child," said the Bishop, patting Zóra
+on the head. "Go back to Maria, and tell her I will send for her
+soon." And Zóra rose, ran quickly to Maria, and delivered her
+message.</p>
+
+<p>"Who can he be?" she asked. "Didst thou see his face?"</p>
+
+<p>"I dared not look," Zóra said; "he was too terrible to look on;
+and thou wilt soon be told. But the Padré Sahib seemed to know
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"Blessed Mother of God!" exclaimed Maria, sitting down
+hastily; "it cannot be Diego. What could have brought him here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Diego! Yes, that was the name thy brother called him. But
+why dost thou ask?"</p>
+
+<p>"He was my malignant enemy, sister."</p>
+
+<p>"And Alla hath delivered thee from him. And thou wilt forgive
+him, Maria, even as I forgave mine."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," she replied, slowly, "I will indeed forgive him. See,
+my brother hath put on his vestment; he is holding up the cross,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span>
+and the men about are kneeling, and the dying man is confessing
+his sins. Look!"</p>
+
+<p>It was as she said. And the ghostly confession was proceeding,
+one of the men holding a cup of cordial to the sufferer's
+lips as he made motions for it&mdash;a broken tale of sin and
+crime, which we dare not attempt to record. Yet it came forth
+from the dry, parched lips hardly without a break till its close.
+Francis d'Almeida had not missed a word; though, from his
+extreme weakness, Dom Diego had sometimes spoken in low,
+broken whispers, gasping for breath.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no more to tell," he said, faintly, at its close. "As I
+shall answer in the judgment, no more. I have hidden nothing;
+but, with the absolution of the Church, I pray thee let thy sister
+say, while I can hear and see, 'I forgive thee, Diego,' and I shall
+then die happy."</p>
+
+<p>Then Francis sent for his sister, and whispered, "It is he.
+Dost thou forgive him, Maria?"</p>
+
+<p>"Freely and truly," she said, firmly, "as I may be forgiven."</p>
+
+<p>Dom Diego could not speak now, but he could hear the words
+which fell from the woman he had loved so madly and with so
+sinful a purpose. He tried to raise his hands, but they fell back
+on the sheet helplessly and his large bright eyes were glazing
+fast, and becoming dim. "Maria! Maria! forgive&mdash;pardon!"
+they heard him say in a whisper scarcely audible. And while<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span>
+the Bishop was holding up the cross before him, and preparing
+to recite the <i>Beaticum</i>, she could not resist the impulse,
+but took the cold hand of the dying man, and said, "I forgive;
+fear not." Then a soft smile of peace and resignation seemed to
+pass over his features. "Forgiven," he murmured; and as the
+words of "Depart, Christian soul, in the name of God the Father
+Almighty who created thee," were spoken, the spirit passed away
+with a slight shivering convulsion, and the body lay still in death;
+and the Bishop and his sister, their sweet voices mingling,
+chanted the Litany for the dead, which seemed to linger amidst
+the small domes and grooves of the high roof, echoed, as it were,
+by angels.</p>
+
+<p>Zóra had stood by spellbound. She had never seen a Christian
+die; and Maria, who had taught her many hymns, had never
+chanted to her the Litany for the dead. "Come away," she
+whispered, when silence fell on all; "come away, and weep in my
+arms as I have done in thine. Yea, art thou not my sister? and
+he knew that he was forgiven, and died happy. Surely it was the
+Lord's doing, and his fate brought him to thy feet. Come away."
+And Maria, weeping passionately, suffered the girl to lead her to
+the chamber she had fitted up, and saw her cast herself at the
+foot of her cross and pray fervently.</p>
+
+<p>Yes, it had been a vast relief to Zóra to go, as her husband and
+the Queen told her to do, to Maria, and endeavour to keep out the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span>
+impression which the horrid sights she had seen and the fearful
+bridge of human carcasses had caused. All day long the girl had
+never left her Royal mistress's side, and the green dress of the
+Syud's child had shared the honour of the day with the armour
+of the Queen and the "standard of the veil." But she hardly in
+truth knew what she had done; and when, after her prayer, Maria
+rose calm and at peace, and, taking Zóra to her heart, told her
+what the wounded who were brought in said of the slight lad who
+gave cups of water to wounded men, helped them into litters, and
+still cried his boyish war cry, Zóra hid her blushing face in her
+sister's breast, and said, "It was not I, Maria; some other,
+perhaps." But Maria said she need not deny it, for that Abbas
+Khan would tell her more, and be proud of her to the end of his
+life. Then Maria bade her return to the Queen; and she departed,
+saying, "If he will let me come to-morrow, and the Mother
+does not want me, I will help thee to tend these poor fellows."</p>
+
+<p>Zóra found the Queen where she had left her, but she was
+more at rest. Her attendants had brought her a small carpet and
+a pillow, but she had not laid aside her morion and shirt of mail,
+and she was sitting close to the breach, where the relays of masons
+were working by the now bright starlight; and the broken wall
+was rising rapidly course by course. Fortunately the old wall had
+not been shaken to its foundation, and on clearing away the
+rubbish the firm portion was soon struck. All through the night<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span>
+the work proceeded steadily; and as day broke about twelve feet
+in height of the wall had been filled in, and the breach was secure
+against all chances of sudden attack and surprise. The trenches
+were not even manned by the enemy; and as day dawned messengers
+came from the Prince Moorad with a flag of truce, congratulating
+the Queen on the heroic defence she had made, and informing
+her that she would hereafter be addressed by the Emperor
+as Chand Sooltana, the Queen Chand, instead of, as before, the
+Beebee, or Lady Chand, and begging her permission for the dead
+to be removed without molestation. And this was granted at once
+without hesitation. It had, indeed, become necessary to do
+so, for a sickening stench had already begun to arise from the
+festering mass, which would have become insupportable had the
+operation been delayed. But it was a heavy labour. Large gangs
+of men came by relays; and it was not till the day after, though
+they worked unremittingly, that the ghastly contents of the ditch
+were cleared away.</p>
+
+<p>At last, as day was breaking, and a cold fresh wind arose
+refreshingly from the north, the Queen was persuaded to retire
+and take rest. What she had gone through, both in body and in
+mind, during the last two days and nights of the siege and assault,
+was almost superhuman; but the heroic spirit had never quailed,
+and she appeared to have no sense of fatigue or want. There was
+no exultation in her manner, but to Nihung Khan, to Abbas Khan,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span>
+and the crowd of officers who poured forth their congratulations,
+she simply said, "I thank the Lord, on whom I depended, and who,
+by the bravery of ye all, has given us the victory. Be ye as humbly
+grateful as I am." Zóra helped her to lay aside her armour,
+bathed her, and clad her in cool garments, and led her to her
+little King, who was awake, and asking for her. Then as the boy
+stretched out his arms to her, and she took him, and he stroked
+her face, with a child's compassionate fondness, the emotion which
+had been so long pent up in her loving heart burst forth with a
+violence which terrified those about her. But Zóra laid her down,
+and soothed her as she would have done an ailing child, till she
+fell into a deep sleep. There was no tumult of shouting, and
+cannon, and musketry to arouse her, and peace seemed to have
+fallen gently upon all.</p>
+
+<p>But for a while only, for the Queen was soon in her accustomed
+seat in the hall of audience, doing her usual work; and she
+again wrote to the Beejapoor commanders, informing them of the
+repulse of the attack, the safety of the fort, and the perilous position
+of the Moghuls. She urged and entreated her friends to
+advance at once, when she should be able to make a sally to
+meet them; and she sent these letters by bold, careful messengers,
+who, dropping from the fort wall, mingled with the crowds who
+were removing the dead from the trench, and gained the Moghul
+lines. Here, however, they were intercepted, and taken to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span>
+Prince, who read the letters, adding what he had done on a former
+occasion, and inviting the reinforcements to hasten to their destination,
+as he was most anxious to meet them. "The sooner the
+better." And they did march at last.</p>
+
+<p>But so slowly. The impetuous Queen, who knew they were
+near enough to be with them in three days at most, would fain
+have had them arrive even sooner, and would have helped them
+to drive the enemy ignominiously from their position. But they
+scarcely moved at all; certainly not with the desire of crossing
+swords with their enemies, and it still seemed as if they overrated
+the power of the Moghul cavalry.</p>
+
+<p>And perhaps they were right, for the cavalry much outnumbered
+the whole of the Beejapoor forces in advance, and there had
+been few casualties comparatively out of the thirty thousand horse
+with which the Prince had left Guzerat. The effect of the nearer
+approach of the southern forces told, however, seriously on the
+Moghul camp, which was more straitened than ever for provisions.
+Prince Moorad would have welcomed heartily any attack
+by the Beejapoor forces; he could have beaten them easily in the
+field, and the scope of his action would have been enlarged. He
+might have gained possession of the upper valley of the Seena,
+now teeming with plenty&mdash;nay, he might have pushed on to
+Purenda, and established an advanced post there; but it is most
+probable that the Beejapoor commander had foreseen this, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span>
+preferred guarding the approaches to a weak point, rather than
+obeying the Queen's hasty summons to attack. The Mussulman
+historians of the period blame the Beejapoor troops heavily for not
+attacking the Moghuls the day after the assault, or during the
+assault itself; and their sympathies are entirely with the Queen,
+who chafed sorely at their delay. But the probability is that their
+officers were better generals than the Queen, and could see where
+hidden danger existed clearly enough to avoid it. When she wrote
+her despatches, however, the morning after the assault, she was
+in the highest degree sanguine; and when she received her officers
+at the afternoon durbar there was not a sign of fatigue or care
+upon her cheerful countenance.</p>
+
+<p>Among others was the Bishop, who, with Maria, had come up
+to see her before the durbar should commence; and they told her
+of the death of Dom Diego, in whose gallant advance she had been
+so deeply interested. Of course the Queen remembered the tale,
+as she had heard it before her friends went to Goa; but she could
+hardly be brought to believe that the man who had been mortally
+wounded in the assault was the same person, until the general
+outlines of his confession had been related to her. Then, indeed,
+she took Maria into her arms and congratulated her on
+her escape. Surely God had specially preserved Maria's honour
+and her own, and Maria's gratitude had not been lack of
+expression.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And now," said the Bishop, "I must acquit myself of my
+duty to the dead and to the Church and State I serve. I cannot
+go to Surat myself; but the Prince, who has the reputation of
+being frank and honourable, may be induced to interest himself
+for my Government, with whom he is on friendly terms, and
+receive my explanation of these affairs. I would, therefore, solicit
+a note to him from your Majesty, and be the bearer of it while the
+truce lasts."</p>
+
+<p>"It is dangerous, Padré Sahib," returned the Queen, musing.
+"My own opinion is that he would extort the money, which you
+say is very considerable, from the banker, and appropriate it to his
+own use; or that his people, who are notoriously corrupt, would
+make away with it. But let not this rest on my opinion alone;
+let us send for Abbas Khan and Nihung Khan, on whose
+ability and discretion you can depend, and hear what they advise."
+And they were sent for. Both were hard by, still working at the
+breach, and they came directly; and the Bishop related to them
+the facts we already know.</p>
+
+<p>They did not apprehend any personal danger to the Bishop in
+his proposed visit to the Prince Moorad, but they were decidedly
+unanimous in advising that he should not be told of Dom Diego's
+hoard of wealth. The Imperial Government, they said, is, by long
+established law and usage, heir to all the property of persons who
+die or are killed in their service, particularly if they are foreigners;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span>
+and the issue would be that this treasure would be lost for the purpose
+for which it is designed. There would be no hope of saving it.</p>
+
+<p>"But suppose," said Nihung Khan, whose opinion, being the
+elder, carried the most weight, "that you ask the Prince for the
+horses, arms, and moneys of the deceased now in camp. That will
+only be a fair demand. If granted, it may open your way to a
+disclosure of the remainder at another audience. But you will see,
+Seńor Padré," he continued, laughing, "that that will be refused
+on the grounds I have mentioned. And it is better you should
+be prepared for the truth, though it may be told in fair words
+which will give you no offence."</p>
+
+<p>"I dare say you are right, Khan," returned the Bishop. "Dom
+Diego was buried early, with the rites of the Church, and I am at
+liberty. There is no time to be lost; and if I go at all, I
+would beg that the flag of truce be prepared, and that a palanquin
+be got ready for me."</p>
+
+<p>Maria was very anxious, and now could not restrain her
+feelings. "Go not, Francis," she cried; "go not among those
+savage men. Why not wait a few days, and when they are gone
+thou canst write to the authorities at Goa, and send the letter
+to King Ibrahim, who will forward it, when the necessary
+steps can be taken, through the bankers of Goa, to obtain the
+effects of brother Diego from Surat without giving any power to the
+Moghul Government to interfere."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Thou art the wisest counsellor among us, Maria," said the
+Queen, smiling kindly on her, "and I will send thy brother's
+despatch to King Ibrahim myself; there will be no doubt he will
+do what is needful. Bankers are always true, and I see no difficulty
+whatever. Go, Padré Sahib; my mirdhas shall attend thee
+with honour, and it may be that the Prince will make political
+disclosures to thee which may be of importance. Go, prepare
+thyself, and lose no time, for the day is yet ample for thy purpose."</p>
+
+<p>So the good Bishop set out. No armed men were sent with
+him, but only four silver mace-bearers, as a sign that he was a
+Royal ambassador. They were stopped at the first picket near the
+west end of the trenches, and thence passed on cautiously through
+the busy camp to Furhut Mahal, where the Prince had taken up
+his residence, to which a bridge of rough pontoons, or boats,
+had been thrown across the moat. He had to wait at the head of
+the bridge till permission was given to advance, and, attended and
+preceded by the mirdhas, he was ushered into the entrance hall,
+and thence, following the officer on duty, he ascended the steps
+which led to the upper storey where, for the sake of its coolness, the
+Prince had taken up his quarters.</p>
+
+<p>The Prince Moorad, a fair young man of pleasing appearance,
+but plainly dressed in white muslin, was seated on a pile of
+cushions, accompanied by three elderly officers, who were evidently
+of high rank. He partly rose as the Bishop bowed low before him,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span>
+returned the salute, and bidding him be seated, said, "You speak
+Persian, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Imperfectly," was the reply; "but I am used to speak it to
+my Queen and in the Court at Beejapoor. I can write it also as
+I speak it."</p>
+
+<p>"Good," said the Prince; "then tell me why you have come.
+Are you the ambassador of the Sultana?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have the honour to bear a note from her," and he withdrew
+it from the sash of his robe, "which will explain the object of my
+intrusion upon your Highness. Will you be pleased to read it?"</p>
+
+<p>The Prince took the envelope. After having examined the
+seal, he carefully opened it and read the contents.</p>
+
+<p>"This only states that thou art a Bishop of the Christian
+Church at Goa; and, as such, thou art welcome. Wilt thou
+proceed to tell thy business? Is it secret or political?"</p>
+
+<p>"Neither, my Prince," was the reply; "but personal only as
+regards the effects of one Dom Diego di Fonseca, who was a priest
+of the Christian Church, and who died of wounds received in the
+assault yesterday."</p>
+
+<p>"Dead!" cried those present. "Dead! and thou knowest
+this of a certainty?"</p>
+
+<p>"I dressed his wounds during the night, my lords; but it was
+hopeless; and I buried him this morning before the sun rose.</p>
+
+<p>"He was a gallant soldier, if a Nazarene priest," said one of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span>
+the elder officers. "Peace be with his memory, and the peace of
+God rest upon him."</p>
+
+<p>"Ameen!" murmured the others. "With a hundred like him
+we had won the fort."</p>
+
+<p>"And thy business, Seńor Padré?" asked the Prince.</p>
+
+<p>"The effects of the deceased; his horses, arms, pay. These
+are for masses, which he willed should be said; and to give peace
+to his soul, it is necessary they should be performed."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said the Prince, smiling; "the Padrés do that at Agra,
+where the Asylum of the World has built them a church. It is
+called mass. But what effects had he, Seńor Padré?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know not, your Highness; but, he said, though only a
+humble priest, he had attained rank. He had not speech to tell
+me what he had, and was too weak to be questioned."</p>
+
+<p>"It is against the law, your Highness," observed one of the
+secretaries present, "to surrender the effects of one who has died in
+the State service; but it is competent to you to give any gift in
+recognition of his death as a gallant soldier, and that will be more
+acceptable to the good Padré than horses, arms, tents, or elephants,
+all of which have been appropriated to the Government use."</p>
+
+<p>"I demand nothing," said the Bishop; "but whatever His
+Highness's generosity may dictate I will take thankfully, be it the
+smallest sum."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay! the son of Akbar Padshah knows how to be generous,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span>
+said the man who had just spoken. "Permit your slave to send
+for two hundred mohurs, which will be equal to the value of the
+Christian's effects;" and, writing a few lines on a slip of paper, the
+Prince's seal was affixed to it, and calling an attendant it was sent
+to the treasury.</p>
+
+<p>Most profuse were the Bishop's thanks for, in his estimation,
+the princely liberality with which he had been treated; and for an
+instant he thought he had better have brought Dom Diego's document;
+but the other course, suggested by Maria, was most feasible,
+and freed him from all responsibility.</p>
+
+<p>"And now," said the Prince, "as thou art a discreet and well-spoken
+person, and accustomed, no doubt, to the political affairs of
+Courts, we have a proposition to send, through thee, to the heroic
+Chand Sooltana, whose fame is spread over Hind, to which we
+invite her serious consideration." Then he paused for awhile, and
+resumed&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Although," he continued, "by the fortune of war we have
+suffered a repulse from the fort with heavy loss, which has deprived
+us of many brave comrades and soldiers, yet the might of
+this army is unimpaired; and I am prepared to resume the siege
+as soon as the present truce is expired. The Sooltana, we know, is
+relying upon succour from Beejapoor; but we have read her
+letters, written only this morning, and forwarded them to their
+destination. But she will see that it is impossible for the friends<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span>
+she expects to arrive in time to save her. They do not exceed six
+thousand horse, without artillery; and we have with us thirty thousand
+of the Imperial cavalry. But we are without cause of war with
+Beejapoor; and those who watch us we have respected, as they
+have respected us. If we attack the fort again, which we have
+determined to do if our proposal is refused, the consequences will
+be deplorable; for our soldiers, remembering the events of yesterday,
+will allow none to escape from it, and all must inevitably
+perish, including the Queen herself and the boy King. The consequences,
+therefore, rest with her alone; and as a humane and
+merciful woman she will not provoke them by a false estimate of
+her own power.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen, therefore, Seńor Padré; and you, a man of God and of
+peace, will not refuse to exert your powers of persuasion with her,
+too. My generals and myself, that is the Khan Khanan and Khan
+Jehan Lody&mdash;and he introduced them&mdash;have this morning, with the
+aid of my learned secretary, drawn up the draft of a treaty between
+the kingdom of Ahmednugger and the Imperial Government of
+Hind, which, if executed, will not only perpetuate the mutual good
+will of both States, but cement their attachment to each other as
+long as the Sun and Moon shall endure. This is it," he continued,
+taking a roll of paper from the secretary's hand; "and I will
+briefly explain its purport to you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"We demand no expenses of the war. All the treasures and
+jewels of Ahmednugger remain in the young King's possession.</p>
+
+<p>"Our Royal army will quit its present position, and retire
+to its own territories, on guarantee by the Queen of no molestation,
+and orders for grain and forage to be paid for on delivery.</p>
+
+<p>"In return we demand cession of the province of Berar, which
+Ahmednugger cannot defend, and which is a scene of disorder and
+rapine, and a cause of suffering to the country at large. It is
+not an ancient possession of Ahmednugger, whose proper hereditary
+dominions are guaranteed, it is a province retaken by
+treachery from Duria Imad Shah, who asked for aid against an
+usurping Minister, was imprisoned, and foully murdered. No one
+can deny this, Seńor Padré, for it is as notorious as the Sun at
+noonday, and has long cried for justice at the hands of the Asylum
+of the World, my father.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, Seńor Padré, you have permission to depart. Take
+these in memory of the son of Akbar Padshah, who presents them
+to you;" and, taking a small rosary of pearls from his neck, he
+hung them round that of the Bishop, while a mirdha in attendance
+threw a light Cashmere shawl over his shoulders. "And my good
+wishes for your success with the Sultana, to whom I forward by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span>
+you my sincere admiration and respects. The sum on account
+of the Christian cavalier you will find in your palanquin."</p>
+
+<p>Then the Bishop rose, and took leave. "I will do my best to
+stay further carnage, O Prince," he said, "but the question must
+rest with Her Majesty the Queen and her advisers." Then he
+was conducted to his palanquin, and passed out of the camp as
+he had come.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VI.<br />
+
+PEACE FOR AWHILE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>It was yet day when Francis d'Almeida again reached the fort;
+and, after giving an account to Maria of the result of his embassy,
+and the liberal conduct of the Prince Moorad, he looked round his
+patients, and sent word to the Queen that he had been entrusted
+by the Prince with a political message which he could deliver to
+no one but herself; and, if she were at leisure, he would come to
+her presence directly, and would prefer seeing her alone at first.
+The result of the Bishop's mission had been what the Queen expected,
+and she did not hesitate to request his attendance as
+quickly as possible.</p>
+
+<p>"I have only Zóra with me," said the Queen, when the Bishop
+was ushered into her presence. "There has been much to dictate,
+and I always feel more confidence with her, and more at my ease
+than with the men. But what news hast thou brought, Seńor
+Padré? and how didst thou succeed in regard to the effects of the
+cavalier?"</p>
+
+<p>"They would not give them to me," he replied, "as I was told
+they would not; but the Prince gave me a heavy purse of gold<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span>
+instead, which is amply sufficient&mdash;nay, a munificent gift; but
+methinks," continued the good man, simply, "if I had told him
+of the rest, it would have been confiscated. I had better obtain
+it through the banker with whom it is in deposit. But that is a
+minor matter altogether; I have much more important news to
+communicate to your Majesty, which relates to peace."</p>
+
+<p>"Ha!" cried the Queen, clapping her hands; "so they are
+tired of war after the game they have played, and its consequences."</p>
+
+<p>"No; your Majesty must not be deceived nor deceive yourself,"
+returned the Bishop. "They are determined to renew the
+war, to reopen the siege, and to continue it until the fort is taken,
+and every one in it put to the sword. This is what the soldiers
+demand, and cry out for almost to mutiny."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said the Queen, sadly; "we might perish, all of us, but
+never yield; there the Prince is right. But what terms of peace
+does the Prince offer?"</p>
+
+<p>"He gave me this memorandum, which hath his own seal," was
+the reply. "Perhaps you had better read it yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Let Zóra read it, Seńor. I have not patience to think of it.
+Remember how unprovoked this war was, and how I strove to
+avert it. But read, Zóra, and let us hear the worst."</p>
+
+<p>Except for an expression of impatience now and again with her
+hands, the Royal lady heard the document to the end. "Some of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span>
+it is fair, and some unfair," she said at length. "It is true we
+have no hope of aid from Beejapoor. When its troops might have
+struck in and made the Prince's position untenable, they kept aloof,
+and abandoned me to my fate. Oh, that Abbas Khan had led
+them! or why not the King himself? Has he forgotten the many
+times this poor life has been imperilled for him and his? But
+now," she continued, bitterly, "a new building, a new ornament to
+his palace, a new falcon or hunting leopard, has more attraction
+for him than his mother who made him what he is. Let it pass,
+it is my fate; and we have&mdash;thanks be to Thee, just and merciful
+Alla!&mdash;been able to defend ourselves hitherto, and may defy the
+worst, even death."</p>
+
+<p>"If it were thine own only, noble Queen," said the Bishop, respectfully,
+"it might be welcome to thee amid all the factions,
+intrigues, and perils thou hast to endure; but, remember, thou
+art accountable to God for the lives of all who are entrusted to
+thee as His viceregent, and there are thousands here who look to
+thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Death!" she cried, excitedly; "did I not court it in the
+assault? Can anyone say that I blenched from it, or hid myself
+in my zenana?"</p>
+
+<p>"No one, lady," returned the Bishop. "On the contrary,
+thine enemies do thee ample justice, and were even full of praise
+of thy heroism; and they would not have it subjected to the last<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span>
+trial in death. Consider, honoured lady, how many lives may be
+saved if terms can be made. But forgive me if I have spoken too
+freely on this matter."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, but only as a peaceful minister of the Lord," she returned,
+gracefully. "As to the cession of Berar, I for one would
+not oppose it. Its annexation was the act of a madman. He who
+murdered his own father cruelly, to whom massacre was familiar,
+and who destroyed the Royal family of Berar, was hardly
+accountable for his actions upon earth; and I for one would cheerfully
+resign all pretension to Berar, which from the first hath
+carried the consequences of its sin-laden possession with it. The
+country never belonged to this kingdom, and its retention only
+embroils us with other parties, and it also lies too distant to be
+defended as it needs with these troubles to meet at home."</p>
+
+<p>"And were Berar ceded, your Majesty will observe that the
+King Bahadur will be guaranteed his throne, and there will be no
+interference with any part of his ancient dominions&mdash;which is
+worthy of especial consideration."</p>
+
+<p>"It would be if I could trust those that make it; but my soul
+tells me that the lion has only tasted blood, and would have more.
+Nevertheless, I will lay all before my council in durbar this
+evening, and will not delay an answer."</p>
+
+<p>The evening durbar was numerously attended; all the principal
+officers and Ministers were present, and brought forward their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span>
+recommendations for rewards to those who had distinguished
+themselves by acts of valour; and these having been granted, the
+general assembly was dissolved, and those only remained whom
+the Queen specified.</p>
+
+<p>"First, my lords," said the Queen, "I desire to know from you
+all, unreservedly, in what condition you find the fort to be after the
+siege, up to the present time. My reasons for the question are
+urgent, and I will state them presently."</p>
+
+<p>Then every department was reviewed. Except at the breach
+where the mine had been sprung, the fortifications were uninjured,
+as there had been no attack on three sides; but the mine, though
+but little of the wall had fallen, had shaken it for a considerable
+distance on each side, cracks were opening in it in various places,
+and it would require to be taken down and built from the foundation
+ere it could bear any fresh cannonade, even from smaller
+guns than had been employed; "and," added the engineer (for so
+we may call him), "any chance shot might strike a weak part and
+bring down masses of the masonry, which would render the fort
+defenceless on the side that has been attacked. I and the chief
+builders have examined the whole, and that is our decided
+opinion."</p>
+
+<p>Many others followed. The powder and shot were much
+expended, and most of the new powder had been used. The old
+was not sound, and must be renewed, and shot was needed, but
+all the guns were in good condition.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The already long-continued siege had caused the expenditure
+of much provisions. About two weeks' supply remained, which
+might be extended for some days more, but there was no possibility
+of receiving any from without, as the enemy guarded the
+approaches to the fort so closely, and had already intercepted
+several large convoys of grain and ghee.</p>
+
+<p>In fine, the general result of the report was unsatisfactory. If
+half the garrison could be dispensed with, provisions might hold
+out; but the condition of the wall was a peril which could not be
+remedied, and in regard to it there was not one dissentient voice.
+Then the Queen produced the draft she had received from Prince
+Moorad. "If," she said, "our condition for defence had been
+what I hoped it would be, I would have destroyed this paper, and
+allowed affairs to go on as they have begun; but as it is, ye, my
+lords, should know of it, and bear me witness that I have concealed
+nothing from you. Had my unworthy people of Beejapoor
+behaved as I expected they would, we should not have been
+reduced to these straits; but as they are, they are of no use to us,
+and the few that watch the Manikdown Hills are too weak to
+advance against thirty thousand Moghuls."</p>
+
+<p>"It is true," said Nihung Khan, with a sigh; "they are too
+weak to effect more than they are doing now, straitening the
+supplies of the Moghul army. Yet that cannot be depended upon,
+since the King of Khandesh, it is well known, is now sending up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span>
+large convoys from his dominions by the northern passes, which
+we cannot prevent, and with them come some heavy guns. All
+these will arrive in the course of a few days at furthest, and the
+Prince does not exaggerate his resources to prolong the siege.
+And how could we repair the wall to meet it?"</p>
+
+<p>"They are clever men, these Moghul engineers," said the
+engineer officer who had before spoken. "We found, this morning,
+as we examined the counterscarp, that five other places had
+been mined to be blown in. There was not time apparently to
+complete or load the mines, else we should have been attacked in
+several points at once. They depended upon the effect of the five
+mines, which, but for the humane man who proclaimed them,
+would have been fired at once, and the side of the fort blown
+completely open; and they can do the same again."</p>
+
+<p>These ominous words fell with terrible effect on the ears of all
+that heard them. The question was no longer one of opinion, it
+was one of necessity. Was the fort tenable at all?</p>
+
+<p>"Let your servant," said Abbas Khan, "go to Soheil Khan, who
+commands the forces at Shahdroog. If he could be persuaded to
+march to our aid, all these proud Moghuls might be chased from
+the field."</p>
+
+<p>"But that would involve a delay of nearly a month, even if he
+marched at once," said the Queen.</p>
+
+<p>"And in the condition of the wall, I could not guarantee it to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span>
+stand under fire for two days," said the engineer. "I have no
+thought of life, as I say this; but I think on the helpless women
+and children, and the men who must perish before a ruthless
+assault which the Prince suggests, and which we, were we in the
+place of the Moghuls, should make. Remember that though the
+fort is hard of access, yet it is impossible of egress. No one can
+escape from it."</p>
+
+<p>The Queen then laid before all assembled the question of Berar.
+For her own part, she desired not to retain it. Ever since the
+kingdom had possessed it, misfortune and war had come with it,
+as was known to all. It need never have been taken; and cruel
+murder had been necessary to its retention.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the subject was debated for some hours with animation.
+The Bishop was called and asked whether he had been directed
+to carry any message to the Prince Moorad from the Queen; but
+his account of the object of his mission and its results, and his
+assurance that the draft of the treaty must have been prepared
+beforehand, as the Prince's seal was only affixed in his presence,
+assured all that the proposal was spontaneous; and after a further
+brief consultation, it was accepted, with some slight modification,
+and despatched by the hands of Abbas Khan and Nihung Khan
+the next day. And no further objections being made, the treaties
+were mutually exchanged the day following, when a great portion
+of the Moghul army had already marched.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>What a relief their departure was to all! How quiet the fort was
+now! No discharge of cannon night and day; no danger from
+missiles; no distress for water, which had before become serious,
+and for which there was no remedy. The people of the city, who
+for the most part had all retired to the villages at some distance,
+flocked back, opened their shops and secret stores of grain, and all
+was once more as it had been; while the public rejoicings at the
+victory of the assault and the departure of their bitter enemies
+were splendid, and attended by munificent distributions of charity
+in every portion of the kingdom.</p>
+
+<p>The Queen's first care was for the wall, which was found, as the
+engineer officer of the fort had declared, in a perilous condition, and
+was taken down with difficulty, and not without risk to life. It was
+rebuilt, wherever necessary, from the very foundation. All the
+mined galleries of the Moghuls were traced, and inspected by the
+Queen in person, who could the more perfectly understand, with
+gratitude for the escape, the danger that the fort and all within
+it had escaped. In the guarantee of the dominions of the kingdom,
+too, she felt an increased assurance for the future; and could
+she only avert the misery arising from domestic faction, a terror
+always present, she might expect a peaceful minority, and the respect
+and sympathy of all surrounding kingdoms. Of the Moghuls she
+had no dread then. The man who had originally written to the
+Prince Moorad to invite his interference was detained at Beejapoor,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span>
+and evinced no disposition for fresh intrigue. She therefore caused
+the young King Bahadur to be crowned again, and his further residence
+at the fort of Chawund was no longer necessary, the Queen
+herself taking charge of him.</p>
+
+<p>It was wonderful to see, too, how rapidly and surely the internal
+administration was reformed&mdash;in fact, re-created. The revenue
+survey and assessments that Mullek Umber's great genius had
+suggested were carried on as fast as possible, to the satisfaction of
+the people, and the revenues were collected without unequal
+pressure, and were ample for all expenses of the State, affording,
+indeed, a large surplus. Outwardly, therefore, and to all appearance,
+the kingdom was at peace.</p>
+
+<p>Nor was there any change in the circumstances of the persons
+whose affairs have supplied the events of this tale. The Bishop
+and his sister, as the country became quiet, were able to make
+excursions to Aurungabad, always a source of gratification. And
+once the Bishop, taking advantage of the return of some cavalry
+to Beejapoor, visited his flock there, and was satisfied at its progress.
+He found the Queen Taj-ool-Nissa the mother of a fine
+boy; and as she put it into his arms, she besought his blessing on
+the child, which he gave solemnly. All his old friends welcomed
+him; and even the bitter priest had many a kind word for the man
+who, as all believed, had fought valiantly on the side of the truth
+of Islam in the battle of the "Standard of the Veil," for so the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span>
+defence of the fort against the Moghuls had become known
+among the people of the country.</p>
+
+<p>With the King he had many earnest private conversations in
+regard to the future, which to his view was full of apprehension
+and danger. "It was not that I would not, but that I dare not
+provoke a war with Prince Moorad which would set the whole of the
+Dekhan in a flame. One by one the kingdoms of the north&mdash;Guzerat,
+Malwa, and Khandesh&mdash;have fallen. The Queen-Mother does
+not see her danger; but the Nizam Shahis and all that belonged
+to them have ever been treacherous, and she may yet rue the hour
+in which she trusted them. But I know&mdash;we all know&mdash;her
+heroism and self-devotion, and she will die at her post rather than
+abandon it. And yet, Padré Sahib, if she could be persuaded to
+leave Ahmednugger and come to us she would be received with
+all our old affection and loyalty."</p>
+
+<p>"I will do what I can," was the invariable reply to many such
+conversations; "but your Majesty knows her inflexible and
+honourable nature, and nothing less than being driven from her
+position would induce her to abandon it." I think, however, that
+had it not been for what had transpired in regard to his sister,
+that the Bishop would have been well content to have settled
+finally at Beejapoor, visiting Moodgul and a new mission at
+Cheetapoor, among the distillers and saga makers, which his
+zealous coadjutor had organised; but there was no mention of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span>
+sister, nor any invitation from the Queen Taj-ool-Nissa, and it was
+evident that for some time to come Beejapoor was no place
+for her.</p>
+
+<p>Of Osman Beg the Bishop could hear nothing. His father
+had returned from Mecca, and, at first, resided on a small property
+which he had retained; but he had died, and his possessions had
+lapsed to the State. Osman Beg had, it was supposed, joined
+the Moghul army, but where he was serving in its wide empire
+no one seemed to know or care.</p>
+
+<p>There was no change whatever in the situation of Abbas Khan
+and Zóra. He continued to hold the command of the fort and the
+troops within it, and so long as the Queen lived, or remained
+there, he determined to abide with her. He was not ambitious
+of employment in civil or political affairs, and he had an instinctive
+dislike and mistrust of all the hereditary offices of the Ahmednugger
+State; of those constant petty and vexatious intrigues
+against each other which seemed to him, though peace from without
+appeared more and more confirmed, to be dangerous in their
+machinations, and which must, ere long, burst into open contention.
+Except this, nothing occurred to disturb the serenity of
+their lives. Their little excursions to villages round about, such as
+Bhatoree and others, to the Royal gardens, and to the pretty little
+country palace, which is known now by the name of "The Happy
+Valley," all served to pass the time pleasantly; and the Queen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span>
+Regent had ever work for Zóra to do in the drafts of private correspondence
+which she carried on. Zóra, too, was now the mother
+of a fine boy, and the pride of her husband and herself in the
+thriving, crowing, little fellow cannot, I think, be exaggerated.
+They were lovers in the truest sense of the word, cheering and
+supporting each other: she, a companion to him, whose bravery
+and work had been amply tried; he, to her, the same as she had
+watched over first in the fearful night at Juldroog, which had had
+so deep an influence over their lives. But the political events of
+the time were more and more threatening, and were not to be
+averted either by former treaty or by the wisdom or heroic perseverance
+of the Queen; and the details of the local historian,
+Ferishta, form a melancholy record of the last struggles of the unhappy
+and distracted kingdom. Without entering too much into
+historical details they may be briefly sketched, so as to render
+Queen Chand's position intelligible.</p>
+
+<p>Retaining Nihung Khan as commander of the forces, as he
+lacked administrative ability, she had appointed Mahomed Khan,
+an hereditary officer of much experience, to the general direction
+of affairs, and for a time all went prosperously. But the
+ambition of Mahomed Khan was not proof against the temptation
+to increase his power, and he confined Nihung Khan, aspiring
+himself to become Regent, and to deprive the Queen of all
+authority whatever. This the Royal lady resisted, and wrote<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span>
+urgently to her nephew, King Ibrahim, to send her such a force
+as would keep the rebellious Minister in check. To no one better
+than Abbas Khan, whose friendship for Nihung Khan was sincere,
+could she entrust this delicate negotiation. The King would
+hear from him the true state and danger of affairs at
+Ahmednugger; nor would he, she knew, be slow to urge, or
+lack eloquence in urging, the necessity of interposing to prevent
+further pretext for intervention by the Moghuls, which was
+the point most especially to be dreaded. We need not describe
+particulars of this journey to Beejapoor, nor of the political discussions
+there; nor yet of Abbas Khan's happy meeting with his
+uncle and aunt, and many old friends; but he was successful in
+the object of his mission. Soheil Khan was despatched with a
+sufficient force, which arrived at Ahmednugger in safety; but the
+Beejapoor troops found that their entry was opposed by the
+usurper, but the garrison, being faithful, seized him and made
+him over to the Queen. Meanwhile, however, Mahomed Khan had
+despatched letters to Khan Khanan, the Moghul general then in
+Berar, praying for assistance, as he was holding the country in
+trust for the Emperor of Dehli. Had this been discovered at the
+time, it is hardly possible that the usurper would have escaped
+with his life; but he was spared, Nihung Khan was released and
+appointed to the chief authority, and the Queen's power being<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span>
+reestablished, the troops from Beejapoor were dismissed with
+handsome presents and grateful thanks.</p>
+
+<p>The Moghuls, however, as Soheil Khan learned on his way
+back, had occupied districts much to the south of Berar, and he
+wrote to the King of Beejapoor for instructions. The King
+ordered him to stand fast on the Godavery river, and sent a large
+reinforcement aided by troops from Golconda. These allied troops
+advanced against the Moghuls; but after a bloody general engagement,
+which lasted for two days, victory remained with the
+Moghuls. Now the Queen Chand had sent to the assistance of
+the Beejapoor troops a number of her own for defence against
+aggression, and it is possible this was considered a cause for the
+new war which had commenced so inauspiciously.</p>
+
+<p>Strange as it may appear, Nihung Khan, regardless of danger
+from without, now endeavoured to destroy the power of his benefactress.
+Indeed, he had attained so much local power that,
+inflated by pride, he sent a force to invest the town of Beer,
+which is situated to the south of the river Godavery, and
+to which the aggressions of the Moghuls had extended. He
+also made an attempt to invade Berar, but both these movements
+being unsupported, failed of effect, and he returned to
+Ahmednugger.</p>
+
+<p>These continued disturbances naturally attracted the attention
+of the Emperor Akbar. His son, the Prince Moorad, had died<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span>
+during their continuance, not long, indeed, after the victory over
+the combined forces of Beejapoor; and the Emperor, now determined
+to prosecute the war in person, marched to the south,
+captured the important fortress of Asseergurh, and directed his
+second son, Prince Daniel Mirza, with Khan Khanan, his chief
+general, to undertake operations against the fort and kingdom
+of Ahmednugger.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VII.<br />
+
+THE SECOND SIEGE OPENS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The political events sketched in the last chapter occupied upwards
+of two years, and bring down the action of this tale and the
+Queen's life to the close of 1598, or commencement of 1599.
+Nihung Khan, foiled in his ill-considered attack on Berar, in
+which he had been entirely unsupported by the allies of Ahmednugger,
+and out-man&oelig;uvred besides by the General Khan
+Khanan, burned all his heavy baggage on the borders of Berar,
+at the head of the pass he was unable to descend, and fled back
+to Ahmednugger. Here he vainly tried to make terms with the
+Queen and regain his old place. But she refused to admit one to
+her councils who, though a man of high renown, was fatally rash
+and untrustworthy; and having no other place of refuge, he fled
+the country and was seen no more. After their bloody defeat in
+the Godavery, the Beejapoor and Golconda troops made no further
+attempt to check the advancing enemy; and that defeat had, there
+is no doubt, already decided the fate of the Ahmednugger kingdom;
+and as the monsoon of 1598 broke up, the Emperor Akbar ordered
+the forces under his son Daniel and Khan Khanan to advance<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span>
+without delay. With Queen Chand no commander of note remained
+in the field. All the troops on which she could have
+relied to check the enemy's advance were broken and much
+separated, and to bring them together would be a work of labour
+for which there was no time, and neither Beejapoor nor Golconda
+were in the humour to risk further collisions with the Imperial
+army by an advance. What troops it was possible to collect and
+organise, Abbas Khan, ever steady and faithful, collected about
+the city, and the fort was put in as complete order as possible,
+and provisioned liberally for six months.</p>
+
+<p>To the command of the garrison Humeed Khan was appointed,
+originally a Beejapoor eunuch attached to the Queen's palace
+for many years. She had brought him with her on the last
+occasion; and, as he had been well educated and displayed
+soldier-like qualities, he had been employed in the field, and had
+on all occasions distinguished himself by valour and sagacity.
+In the first siege of the fort he had been selected both by Nihung
+Khan and Abbas Khan for command of a large portion of the
+garrison; and his valour on the repulse of the attack and in the
+general defence was as valuable as it was remarkable. Nor with
+these antecedents was it at all strange that he should be selected
+for the post he now held, with the approval of all, for he was
+popular with the soldiery; and had succeeded in uniting all in a
+determination to stand by the young King to the last, and defend
+their fortress to the utmost.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>But it was seen and observed by all that a tone and manner of
+despondency possessed the Queen which was new to her character.
+Her only solace seemed to be the boy Bahadur, who, now about five
+years old, returned her affection with tenderness and a child's,
+loving consideration; and as she often strained him passionately to
+her breast, would cry, "Weep not, O grandmother; when I am a
+man I will make all bad men thy slaves; and we will be so happy,
+and no tears shall come again." Yes, the little fellow seemed to
+be a great solace and comfort to her. Not that she put Zóra
+aside, or Maria, for they were her daily companions as before; but
+she made no new friends, and the old ones she felt had their own
+vocations and cares in life, which occupied and interested them
+more than those of, as she said, a worn-out old woman.</p>
+
+<p>Yet it was not so. Never at any period of their lives had
+Maria or Zóra loved her more devotedly or fondly; and the
+patience and submission with which she endured all her vexatious
+troubles, and the heroism and cheerful trust with which
+she now prepared to meet new perils, gave her additional interest
+in their eyes. To all others she preserved her old calm demeanour.
+She held her durbars as usual. Every point of the
+administration was reviewed and checked as of old; Zóra had
+her appointed private tasks allotted to her, and, with Abbas Khan
+and his officers, every question regarding the completeness for
+defence and organisation of the defenders was discussed with her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span>
+usual wisdom. But in the quiet hours, when business did not
+occupy her, it was plainly visible that anxiety very often cast her
+down, almost beyond the power of raising herself again. At such
+times, if they asked her why she wept, she could not tell them,
+except that it seemed to her she was being drawn away from earth
+and all she most loved, and so the Lord was preparing her for
+Paradise; and as the present was her true Paradise, it grieved her
+to change it, and so she wept. Before her was a mystery; here
+there was no mystery, only the homage of loving hearts. They
+are wrong, she used to tell them, who prayed for death as a release
+from trouble and suffering. Rather let all live on that life
+may be purified, and the spirit exalted, till God sees fit to take it,
+as He will when He has purified and chastened it. And thus, she
+said to all, she was being prepared, and they were to rejoice when
+she wept rather than sorrow.</p>
+
+<p>How thoughtful was she for them all! She was evidently most
+anxious for Maria. "Thou art more tender of heart," she would
+say, "than we tough Moslems. Thy faith is more tender; and
+the scenes thou hast endured with us here are not fit either for
+thee or thy brother, and ye must leave me till the peril be past.
+If it pass, and we have peaceful lives before us till my boy grows
+up, thou and thy brother shall roam where ye will, and preach as
+ye will; for who does not love and honour ye?"</p>
+
+<p>It was a bitter parting; but the Queen sent Maria and her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span>
+brother away. A body of men came from Dowlutabad, sent by
+Mullek Umber to escort treasure for the pay of the troops with
+the Queen; and the Queen sent the Bishop and his sister with
+them to her faithful friend. It was the only opportunity there
+might be for many weeks; and if peace ensued, they could at any
+time return again in a few days. And Maria had been absent before,
+and had returned safely; so Zóra was comforted, but not
+the Queen.</p>
+
+<p>The evening before the small force marched, Maria and the
+Queen were alone together, and the Royal lady, taking Maria's head
+on her breast, said gently, "Thou hast been a true and loving
+daughter to me, child. All the women of my country are feeble
+and impetuous; but from the first even unto the last thou
+hast been the same. Thou hast borne with a weak old woman's
+waywardness; thou hast put sweet loving thoughts into my heart,
+and told me truths which well up, and teach me mercy. And oh,
+Maria! though I have never mentioned it to thee, how can I thank
+thee for thy conduct at Beejapoor; so gentle, yet so firm. Thou
+dost not know, thou never canst know, how he pleaded with me
+for thee, or what he offered me for thee. And he, too, is loving,
+and would have been kind and faithful to thee; and at first I grieved
+that it could not be. But thou wast right. The Lord vouchsafed
+wisdom to thee, and thou art blessed with that thought, O, my
+daughter; for when ye meet, all will have passed away in peace.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span>
+He is the father of children now, and is happy; though he hath
+not forgotten her who was a joy to him. I would often fain have
+spoken to thee about that eventful passage in thy young life; but
+these are my last words to thee, and thou wilt not forget them."</p>
+
+<p>"Never, never! my more than mother," she returned, sobbing
+bitterly. "And may the Lord grant that we meet again in peace."
+She would have said more, for her heart was full of gratitude; but
+the Queen said gently,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"It may not be, daughter. My message is coming nearer to
+me; nearer, nearer, day by day, and I am content. Go now, and
+leave me, with but one embrace&mdash;the last. I shall think of thee in
+safety, till the angel summons me. Lo!" and she stretched her
+hand on high, while a smile of triumph spread over her features,
+and her still lustrous eye glowed brightly, "Lo! he is near me,
+even now."</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>We have already said there was no force in the field which
+could pretend to check the advance of the powerful army which was
+now approaching by safe and easy stages. The siege train was
+especially powerful and its equipment complete, and the Emperor
+had sent a large body of the famous miners of the northern provinces,
+who in their peculiar vocation were unsurpassed in skill and
+daring. Khan Khanan, who knew the ground perfectly, had determined
+to risk as few of his own troops' lives as possible, and he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span>
+had already seen proved how comparatively easy and how certain
+it would be to destroy the fort with gunpowder.</p>
+
+<p>Osman Beg was in his place as general leader and director
+of the marches, and he had gained the confidence of the commander-in-chief
+with singular adroitness and plausibility. All
+these intervening years the mad craving of his heart for Zóra
+had never diminished, nay, it had fed on its own imaginings.
+What would she not be now in the full possession of her
+matured beauty? How different to the poor Fakeer's daughter
+of Juldroog, whom he had so madly loved. No one, he believed,
+knew that he belonged to the Moghul forces at all. His
+name was a common one among the bodies of Turcomans who
+served in the Imperial army, and in the first siege he had kept
+himself aloof from the camp and the siege operations. Dom Diego
+had asked him to command a portion of the storming party, and
+even taunted him with cowardice when he refused; but Osman
+Beg had laughed at the possibility of taking the fort as the priest
+imagined, and he heard of his death without surprise and without
+regret. "Mine shall be a sure game," he thought; "one in which
+the risk will be small and the reward certain. Then I shall gloat
+myself with revenge, and my virtuous cousin shall die at my feet or
+be hurled into the air to feed the vultures. Let but our position
+become securely taken up before the fort, and I will see what
+Moghul gold may not effect within."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The last march was made. The people of the city and its environs,
+warned by previous experience, had deserted their homes
+for some days, and nothing was left in the streets but starving,
+homeless dogs, who howled piteously night and day. There was
+nothing on the plain but the grim old fort and its defences, which
+the Moghul commander could see were in much more complete
+order than they had previously been. The wide esplanade was
+cleared of every vestige of cover; trees all around had been cut
+down; the defences of the parapets had been newly topped with
+clay; loopholes had been narrowed, and embrasures protected by
+sandbags and gabions. Even the covered way at the crest of the
+counterscarp had been cleared out and fitted for musketeers, and
+larger guns than before mounted in many places on the broad
+rampart and the bastions. The work had been that of months,
+and Abbas Khan was not one who would trust to others to see it
+performed. He and the Queen had passed their days on the ramparts,
+and during working hours the red umbrella of the Queen
+could be seen by the whole garrison, moving from point to point;
+while at night she went the accustomed rounds in her turn, with
+other officers, generally accompanied by Humeed Khan. So far
+as human means and the science of the time could ensure security,
+Ahmednugger was safe.</p>
+
+<p>And the Moghul commander felt that it was so, and that all
+the skill of his own engineers would be needed to meet the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span>
+preparations. After the first reconnaissance, in which he lost many
+men from the combined fire of the fort and the garrison of the
+covered way, the trenches were carried on by sap as before. But
+the defenders of the covered way, led by brave and enterprising
+officers, attacked the trenches at night, cut off the workmen, and
+vexed the whole operation until it made very slow progress in
+comparison with what it had done on the first occasion. These
+skirmishes, too, cost the defenders little in comparison with the
+terror they inflicted. The hardy Mahratta Mawalees, from the
+western ghauts, who afterwards became so famous under Sivagee,
+fell on the enemy with their national shouts of "Hur! Hur!
+Mahadeo!" sword in hand, and seemed insensible to danger.
+Showers of arrows were shot into the trenches, and if pursued
+by the Moghuls, the lightly equipped Mahrattas ran back into
+their galleries, and crossed into the ditch and fort by the sally ports
+which had been opened. As yet no attempt had been made
+upon the defences of the fort, and the garrison grew more confident
+even than before. The siege did not progress, and the young
+Prince Daniel and Khan Khanan grew impatient, for they well
+knew if there were the least sign of failure the Beejapoor and
+Golconda armies would be again in motion.</p>
+
+<p>One of the chief leaders of these daring night attacks was a
+young Mahratta chief, one of the Sirkay family, who, with his
+cousin Peelagee, were hereditary officers of the Nizam Shahy kingdom,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span>
+and had brought their own retainers to the defence of the
+fort. Both were famed for personal valour of no ordinary kind,
+and the Sirkay Mawalees had established a reputation for boldness
+in their peculiar manner of attack, which had gained them
+deserved fame. Their post was in the covered way in the south-east
+angle of the ditch, which enabled them to make flank attacks
+which were most annoying to the enemy; and this being part of the
+particular command of Humeed Khan, he had several times
+brought them to the Queen's notice, and had them rewarded by
+rings and anklets of gold, and other valuable gifts. As if to vex
+Abbas Khan, with whom he had had some slight difference, he said
+to Sirkay one evening, "Let me come with ye to-night, and witness
+what ye let Abbas Khan share in, but not me." So it was
+arranged, and taking as few of his followers as possible, Humeed
+Khan went to the post at night, and, led by Sirkay, the Mawalees
+were soon on the crest of the glacis, crouching like wild animals, to
+watch their opportunity. That night, however, the breaches
+seemed deserted. The men had been withdrawn, probably expecting
+an attack; and Sirkay would have returned, but Humeed said,
+laughing, "As we are here, we may as well see for ourselves what is
+doing, and whether the general is mining, as I shrewdly suspect
+he is."</p>
+
+<p>So they proceeded warily and cautiously, leaving the men behind;
+but, on turning the angle of a trench, a party of men burst<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span>
+upon them and secured them. Both gave themselves up for lost, for
+under such circumstances life was little worth; but, instead of putting
+them to death, they were taken roughly to an officer who sat
+near a covered way, which some men by the light of torches were
+driving on. It had been Osman Beg's turn of duty that night in
+the trenches, and he had taken up as secure a position as possible;
+and he recognised Humeed Khan in an instant, who at once
+saluted him wonderingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Dost thou know that I could behead thee at once as a spy?"
+said Osman Beg.</p>
+
+<p>"I know it," returned the other; "and there would be one man
+in Ahmednugger the less, that is all. Nor would Abbas Khan,
+perhaps, be sorry to lose me."</p>
+
+<p>"Then ye are enemies?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not so, openly; but he hates me. He it is who hath
+vexed ye with sallies; and as I would not be sent on one by him,
+I have come myself to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"And the Queen?"</p>
+
+<p>"She is much what you remember her, but, methinks, weary of
+the war. She would like to get safe to Joonair, and give up the
+place. She does not say this openly, but that is in her heart."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall take it from her, brother."</p>
+
+<p>"Never," replied Humeed Khan. "She will perish in the
+ruins, but she will never yield."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And Abbas Khan?"</p>
+
+<p>"You know what he is, Meeah, only prouder and haughtier
+than he was; and he will never leave the Queen."</p>
+
+<p>"And his wife, Zóra? Dost thou see her?"</p>
+
+<p>"I see her, Meeah! She is more beautiful than ever she was;
+and he dotes on her like a fool."</p>
+
+<p>"I owe him revenge for what happened at Juldroog, and for
+what happened in the Palace."</p>
+
+<p>"And thou sayest she is thy wife. What wouldst thou give me
+for her?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have little to give; but hark! ere we part. Give me the
+fort by any means thou wilt, and we may both be rich and free.
+Canst thou come again?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not as I have done to-night; but I may be able to send
+a message. Now let me escape, and pretend to pursue me;"
+and Humeed Khan dashed on at his utmost speed, striking
+down one of the men who had held Sirkay apart. Sirkay
+shook himself free of the other, narrowly escaping a sword cut,
+and they soon rejoined the men they had left behind, who fired
+a volley of arrows to check the pursuers, and made their way
+into the fort.</p>
+
+<p>"That was a narrow chance, my friend," said Humeed Khan,
+when he had regained his breath; "but the fellow was too busy
+asking me questions to see that his men held me fast. But they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span>
+seemed half asleep, and I watched my opportunity to shake myself
+free."</p>
+
+<p>"I had given up hope, my lord," was Sirkay's reply; "and I
+have to thank you for your part in my escape. We must be more
+cautious in future."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII.<br />
+
+THE LAST TRAGEDY.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The eunuch reflected deeply on the strange adventures of the
+night. He had known Osman Beg from boyhood, when he was
+the companion of Abbas Khan. He knew the story of Abbas Khan's
+love for Zóra, and was present at Osman Beg's trial before the
+durbar at Beejapoor, when Osman Beg was banished, and it was
+strange that he should meet him again under such circumstances.
+But he was not surprised that his hate for his cousin continued in
+all its bitter virulence. The eunuch had been jealous of Abbas
+Khan from the first, and he was now compelled to bear his
+authority and submit to his directions; and such jealousy soon
+turns to hate. He might make his own terms, perhaps, through
+Osman Beg, with the Moghul general about the fort. Its possession
+would be an immense assistance to the Emperor's plans, and its
+betrayal would be richly rewarded. As to the Queen, he hated her
+because she had placed him in a subordinate position under her
+minion; and what would it signify what became of her? She
+was out of place now. There would be no great difficulty
+in communicating with Osman Beg, and he trusted to his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span>
+good luck to carry on the intercourse that had been so strangely
+begun.</p>
+
+<p>At his morning audience of the Queen the eunuch detailed the
+events of the night, which were entirely corroborated by Sirkay.
+Both the Queen and Abbas Khan, while they rebuked them for
+rashness, none the less praised them for their act of valour; and
+the eunuch gave his opinion that what he had seen was either
+the head of a new mine, or a shaft into one which had been
+begun at a greater distance; and this was what Abbas Khan
+dreaded. This was no noisy siege. On the contrary, the silence
+was often oppressive; and the hum of thousands which filled the
+enemy's camp, the boom of kettledrums, and the music which
+played before the Royal pavilion, were for the most part the only
+sounds heard from without; while from within there was nothing
+to fire at, and the large stone shots from the mortars, which were
+dropped at random in the direction of the enemy's camp, were
+frequently the only shots fired by the gunners of the fort. It
+appeared to the soldiers of the garrison as if the enemy were afraid
+to attack the fort as they had done on the first occasion, and their
+vaunting and self-confidence were unbounded. Whenever the
+Queen went abroad on her usual rounds on the walls, she was met
+with assertions that the enemy were afraid; that the Moghuls
+would some day abandon their fortress and march back as they
+came. But, though she did not undeceive them, she became more<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span>
+and more anxious; and, on his part, Abbas Khan well remembered
+what Khan Khanan had impressed upon him at his interview with
+the Prince Moorad regarding the first treaty, that if the siege were
+renewed, it would be by mines under the fort itself, which would
+be destroyed with all it held; and that this operation was now in
+progress there could be little doubt.</p>
+
+<p>Alas! there was now no friendly voice to give them warning,
+as before, of existing danger, and implore them not to make a
+useless sacrifice of their lives. The proceedings were of the
+stern character of the eminent soldier who directed them, who
+never knew sympathy for an enemy who defied him.</p>
+
+<p>How often Abbas Khan besought the Queen, even with tears,
+to save herself and the King. It might be done; he felt assured
+that no enterprise would be more welcome to the Mahratta Mawallees
+than to carry her with them in a night sortie, and to
+conduct them by bye-paths, and after their own fashion, to Joonair.
+Then it mattered little what became of the fort. Those who
+remained could make terms, and, in the western fastnesses, the
+King would be safe against all attacks from without, and could
+rest securely till happier times. "As to all you would leave behind,
+we should be in the hands of the Lord," he pleaded; "for as soon
+as you and the boy were gone, we might hold out for a time
+as a point of honour, and make terms by which every life would
+be saved. As to the treasure, let it perish, mother, if I could not,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span>
+as I might, offer a ransom for the fort. I say, let it perish. Is
+there not enough for all in Chawund and Joonair to suffice for
+many years?"</p>
+
+<p>Thus, day by day, he pleaded, but still she would not listen.
+It seemed to her a dishonourable act to desert those who had
+stood by her with such valour and devotion all through her trials.
+What care or wish had she for life, except with honour? What
+would be said of her, but that the Queen who had fought the
+fearful "Battle of the Veil" had absconded secretly from her
+people at night to save her own life, leaving all to perish! No!
+if death were nigh, let it come to her there; she should be
+blessed.</p>
+
+<p>But there was restlessness in her mind which she could not
+overcome. Zóra felt she had no longer power over her. She, too,
+had implored her Royal mistress to save herself and the boy she
+now loved; and the boy's mother, feeling that with the Queen he
+would be safe, had besought Queen Chand not to think of her,
+whom no one would molest by herself, and to carry him away to
+Joonair, which, against all attacks from without, was impregnable.
+But, as we have said, the Queen's mind was restless. She felt
+unable to decide on any course, and many arguments on both sides
+impelled her first in one direction then, in another, which were
+alike impossible to her on further thought; and she had only to
+go out among the garrison to hear the old war cries of Beejapoor,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span>
+and her own country, to feel that she was yet a Queen, and, before
+God, responsible for all, and no steps were taken either for flight
+with the Mawallees, or to obtain terms from the Moghuls.</p>
+
+<p>During this period Osman Beg had not been idle. He had
+contrived to see the eunuch many times at night; and, after the
+first chance interview with him, he had gone boldly to Khan
+Khanan, and had privately communicated to him that he had an
+old Beejapoor friend in the fort, who was, in fact, its commander,
+and that, if he were authorised, he could enter into negotiations
+with him for its betrayal, or its capture by surprise. Khan
+Khanan felt no scruple as to the means of attaining possession of
+a place which had already cost him so dear, and the capture of
+which by siege would probably extend so long; and the miners
+were already complaining of the hardness of the ground in the
+mines on which they most relied, which were to be sprung inside
+the walls, and not without much risk and difficulty. Humeed
+Khan was brought to him once, at night. Khan Khanan was then
+assured of the perfect condition of the fort, the high spirits of the
+garrison, and the inflexible determination of Abbas Khan to
+defend the place to the last extremity. "He is searching for mines
+daily," said the eunuch, "and should one be discovered, your
+whole work would be checked indefinitely."</p>
+
+<p>"The difficulty, then, lies with the Queen and Abbas Khan,"
+said the general.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"It does," replied the eunuch; "but it is not insurmountable;
+and I know for certain that if they are offered honourable terms
+of capitulation, and permission to remove all property from the
+fort, except guns and arms, they would agree to them."</p>
+
+<p>"That would be impossible," said the general; "we have the
+game in our own hands, and we are ready to play it out. What is
+a month, or even more, to us? To them it is life or death. Were
+they to propose terms, indeed, it would be very different; but I
+know nothing less than unconditional surrender would satisfy the
+Emperor, and I am not prepared to modify that. I suppose," he
+added with a sneer, "your valiant Dekhanies would not give up
+their arms."</p>
+
+<p>"They would not," said the eunuch; "and no one dare propose
+that to them."</p>
+
+<p>"Not even the Queen?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not even she. Her life would be the instant forfeit."</p>
+
+<p>"Now," continued the general, grimly, "suppose that such a
+report were spread as would raise a tumult among your Dekhanies.
+We might take advantage of it."</p>
+
+<p>"You might, my lord."</p>
+
+<p>"And we should be successful?"</p>
+
+<p>"That I cannot answer for. It would depend upon yourselves."</p>
+
+<p>"Not entirely, sir. You who command the Dekhanies might
+persuade them to be neutral; to&mdash;to&mdash;in fact to throw themselves on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span>
+the Royal clemency. And suppose I assured you personally two
+lakhs of rupees for the service, and through you all arrears of pay
+to your party, would that suffice?"</p>
+
+<p>"Take it, friend," said Osman Beg. "My lord will give the
+amount in bills on Dehly or Guzerat, unless thou wait the issue
+and receive it here in cash. Thou canst not carry away the coin,
+and we cannot send it."</p>
+
+<p>"I am content," said the eunuch, "for the service I shall
+render to the Emperor, whose name be honoured, to receive whatever
+may be given of his own gracious bounty."</p>
+
+<p>"And remember," said the general, "that I have nothing to
+do with the results if the Dekhanies rise in mutiny. All that rests
+with them and you."</p>
+
+<p>"I take the responsibility, my lord. I wish only for peace."</p>
+
+<p>"You have forgotten me, Humeed Khan," said Osman Beg
+angrily, as they left the tent.</p>
+
+<p>"Not so, friend," said the eunuch. "What I purpose will
+cause much confusion. The gallery of the counterscarp will be
+deserted, and thou knowest the way into the sally ports. Who
+will distinguish friends from enemies? Thou must do thy part,
+and I shall be able to aid thee. Fear not, one who desires a fair
+woman must needs do something to get her. More I cannot say;
+be ready on my signal, and join me. There will be enough of
+screaming women, and who will heed if one among them is carried<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span>
+away in a blanket? Surely thou hast some of thy old dare devils
+to help thee. If not, give up the girl."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot, and will not; she is my fate," returned Osman Beg,
+moodily; and for the time they separated.</p>
+
+<p>For several days Abbas Khan had been diligent in his search
+for mines. Shafts had been sunk, and one was at last discovered
+which led directly under the palace. It was not loaded, and no
+one was guarding it; but the chamber was ready, and it could
+have been charged at any time. Abbas Khan, and some others
+with him, explored it; and, covered with dust and dirt as he was,
+he went direct to the Queen to tell her of it. "It will be destroyed,"
+he said; "and even now the masons are at work
+building up the gallery with stones. But who can say, Mother,
+how many more there may be, or where they are? I have ordered
+cross cuttings to be carried on; but the ground is nearly rock,
+and the Moghul miners have skilfully followed a soft vein which
+they discovered, and have never quitted. Mother! Mother! hear
+my last prayer to thee. Arise, and flee the place with the boy.
+When night falls, I will be with ye and guide ye forth."</p>
+
+<p>"And leave ye all behind to perish? I cannot do it!" said the
+noble Queen, with a calm, serene expression on her countenance;
+"but if all could be saved, I should be grateful. I have
+thought over the subject night and day since it was broken between
+us, and this is my final determination. I am prepared for death if<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span>
+it should come, but not for flight, and, to my perception, dishonour.
+Go, see to the mine; trace others if it be possible, and to-morrow
+I will save all if I can. And," she added, with a confident smile,
+"I think I shall be successful. There is no dishonour in what the
+Lord hath put into my mind, and all our dear ones may be happy.
+Where is Zóra? Does she know of the mine?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," he said, "and I will not tell her, since that danger is
+past."</p>
+
+<p>"Then send her to me, Meeah; I would speak with her;" and
+he went out.</p>
+
+<p>The Queen was alone in her private chamber, musing over what
+she purported to do. She would address the Prince Daniel himself,
+laying before him her desire to prevent the sacrifice of life, and
+offering him possession of the fort and all public property, on the
+condition that the garrison should march out with the honours
+of war.</p>
+
+<p>Zóra entered as the Queen had reviewed all this in her mind,
+and her mistress could not help being struck with her unusual
+beauty and brightness. Her hair had escaped, and hung in
+massive waves about her shoulders; her cheeks were glowing, and
+her eyes sparkling with excitement.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, we have had such fun, mother; the children have been
+romping together, and I and some of the girls were as mad as any
+of them. I would thou hadst been there. But why art thou so
+grave: there is no bad news?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I have a grave task to do, daughter," she replied. "Get thy
+writing materials, and I will dictate. Thou canst be trusted; but
+I fear the secretaries, and what I tell thee must be secret till all
+know it." And Zóra wrote.</p>
+
+<p>"And now read it all over to me again, child. While it was in
+my mind the purport seemed uncertain; but now that it is on paper,
+methinks it is clear enough." And when Zóra had read the paper,
+which was only a few short paragraphs, the Queen bade her make
+a fair copy.</p>
+
+<p>"What should I do without thee, darling?" she said. "Now go
+and play with the children again; but be within call."</p>
+
+<p>"Is Humeed Khan without?" asked the Queen of an attendant
+eunuch. "If so, tell him I wish to speak with him;" and he entered
+soon after, and sat down, making his usual salutation.</p>
+
+<p>"And the mine hath been discovered," said the Queen, "under
+the very palace. Hast thou heard of it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have," he said. "It was dangerous; but Abbas Khan has
+already prevented mischief, and is searching for others."</p>
+
+<p>"And the garrison; what said they?"</p>
+
+<p>"There was some excitement at first, but it has subsided. All
+they cried was that they would defend the fort to the last, and you
+should lead them to victory, as you did when they followed the
+Standard of the Veil."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" said the Queen, with a sigh, "those were different<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span>
+times. Many were with me then who have since become traitors,
+and done the State irreparable injury. I have, I know, many
+faithful about me, but can I trust all?"</p>
+
+<p>For an instant Humeed Khan thought that the remark was
+made for him, and the blood rushed to his dark face, almost causing
+it to glow. But the Queen continued&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"As I was musing upon this, Khan, it occurred to me to write
+a draft of a proposal to the Prince, to allow all here to pass free
+with their effects, and to give up the fort, which appears no longer
+tenable, to him, on behalf of his father. And we would fain have
+your opinion, as that of one of the most faithful of our officers,
+wise in counsel and brave in action. Read this draft, which no
+one but myself knows of, except her who wrote it fairly for
+me, and give thy opinion freely. I would save life if I can,
+and this appears to me the only course to pursue. Those who
+know me, even my enemies, will not charge me with any other
+motive."</p>
+
+<p>Humeed Khan took the paper with a reverential gesture, and
+carefully perused it. As he read it he could hardly conceal his
+exultation and agitation. What it would have taken me days,
+nay weeks, to effect, he thought, she has done with her own
+hand, and of her own device. Surely now her time is come. Let
+her perish.</p>
+
+<p>"It will be dangerous, lady," he said, with an affected calmness.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span>
+"In their present temper the Dekhanies are not safe, and
+the last thing they think of is surrender. If they were to mutiny,
+who could stay them?"</p>
+
+<p>But the Queen shook her head. "They know me and have
+trusted me, and I know them and trust them now. Believe me,
+when they know all, they will be satisfied I have done the best;
+but if&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I hear some voices without," he said, hurriedly, interrupting
+her. "Perhaps another mine has been discovered; perhaps&mdash;&mdash;,
+but your slave will return immediately." And he hastily quitted
+the room.</p>
+
+<p>The Queen could hear no voices then without, and she sat
+thinking on what she had heard. There was danger, then, even
+from within; and those on whom she most relied might indeed, if
+excited, be her worst enemies. "If it be so," she said to herself,
+"I need not send this letter; but meet death here, or do as
+Meeah wishes me. And yet, no. Not that&mdash;not that; better
+death than flight!"</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a loud tumult of voices arose, and seemed to be
+approaching the palace by the plain in front. "It is this he heard,"
+she said, and waited, with her heart throbbing. "They come
+close now."</p>
+
+<p>It was Humeed Khan who had rushed out, as he left the
+Queen, into the great square where soldiers were exercising, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span>
+casting his turban on the ground, took up handfuls of dust, flinging
+it into the air, and crying, "Ye are betrayed! ye are betrayed,
+brothers! The Queen Chand is in treaty for the surrender of the
+fort! Deen, deen! She is not fit to live. Deen, deen! Follow
+me to her presence!" And he fired the rocket which was always
+ready for signals at the entrance.</p>
+
+<p>There was no hesitation. At once, and with infuriated cries of
+"Treachery! treachery!" the mass surged into the great hall of
+audience with drawn swords, crying, "Where is the Queen? Cut
+her to pieces!"</p>
+
+<p>The Queen had not moved except to rise from her seat, and
+she stood with her lips parted and her eyes distended with an
+absent fascination. How often in her life had a word from her
+quelled the wildest tumult&mdash;how often had her excitable people
+calmed down; but now? And yet for a moment the foremost
+were awed by the presence all had loved and venerated; but only
+for a moment. Humeed Khan, with a vile oath, rushed on and
+cut furiously at her with his sword, and others followed his example.</p>
+
+<p>The noble woman fell covered with desperate wounds, but she
+still breathed; and Zóra, who had been at first appalled by the
+tumult, caught up her child in her arms, gave him to his nurse,
+and rushed to her beloved mistress's side. One ruffian would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span>
+have struck her; but another said, "It is Abbas Khan's wife; let
+her be."</p>
+
+<p>She raised the Queen's head and tried to give her water from
+the vessel which always stood at her side, but the Queen put her
+hand aside gently, and smiled. "This is death, my child. I
+hear&mdash;I hear&mdash;the angel&mdash;call," she gasped. "Lord!&mdash;I come;"
+and murmuring the Belief her head sank, and with a last sigh
+she breathed no more. The noble Queen's spirit was gone for
+ever.</p>
+
+<p>Just then a number of other men rushed into the small apartment
+with their faces tied up, and in a moment Zóra found herself
+covered by a blanket and borne away among the crowd which was
+roaming through the palace, plundering all that could be found.
+She screamed, but what voice could be heard in that tumult? for
+there were thousands there, and still others swarmed into the great
+hall; but rescue was at hand.</p>
+
+<p>Abbas Khan, when he had left the Queen, went back to the
+shaft of the mine; but as the workmen told him there was
+nothing more to be done at present but to continue the work that
+had been begun, he sat there encouraging the miners, and a
+number of his own guards, his faithful Beejapoor men, gathered
+about him. He heard the first shouts of the tumult, and all ran
+to the wall thinking there might be a sudden assault, but a man
+ran up, and cried, "To the palace! to the palace! The Queen is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span>
+attacked!" and, led by their master, the whole body ran thither
+at their utmost speed. It needed but a glance to see what had
+taken place.</p>
+
+<p>"Who did this?" cried Abbas Khan. "What vile traitor did
+this foul deed?"</p>
+
+<p>"Humeed Khan," said a eunuch boy, who was sitting by the
+body of the Queen, weeping; "I saw him strike her first. And
+they have taken away Zóra-bee, and little Meeah is crying. Bring
+her back."</p>
+
+<p>It hardly needed these words to urge the Khan on. Near the
+entrance of the audience hall he saw something covered with black
+being carried along, and the mass of his powerful men charging
+through the crowd soon came up with it. Osman Beg's covering
+had fallen from his face, but he did not see his cousin at first,
+nor till he was suddenly pulled back did he think he would be
+recognised; but he immediately attacked Abbas Khan with his
+sword. Neither spoke a word, but the ruffian had no chance of
+life, and lay dead at his cousin's feet almost before he had realised
+his presence.</p>
+
+<p>"My poor darling," said the Khan, as he released Zóra from
+her bonds, "this is no place for thee. Go to Meeah. But thou
+art safe&mdash;blessed be Alla, thou art safe!" Truly it was no place
+for her. The floor around was a pool of blood, and the bodies of
+some strangers, among whom were several negro slaves, lay there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span>
+in ghastly death with their master. Zóra cast one shuddering
+glance on the horrible group, and, covering her face, hurried back
+to her child, trembling and terror-stricken.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Yasin, with another body of the guard, had found
+Humeed Khan hiding in an ante-room, and brought him, with his
+arms tied together at his back, to the spot where Abbas Khan
+stood. "He did it! He did it!" cried a thousand voices. "Let
+him die!"</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art not worthy of a soldier's death," said Abbas Khan,
+"but of a felon's. Yet, if thou wilt, say why thou didst this foul
+crime? What had she done to thee, who was thy benefactress for
+years?"</p>
+
+<p>"It matters not why I did it," was the sullen reply. "I did it,
+and rid the world of one who had vexed it too long;" and he
+spoke no more. Then some men, taking him up, put a noose
+round his neck, and, throwing the end of the rope over the branch
+of a tree, left him to wrestle out his life in the air.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the rest of the Abyssinians, the Arabs, and other
+foreigners, had assembled in the square, and the majority of the
+Dekhanies, who were deploring the Queen's murder with passionate
+weeping, separated quietly, crying to Abbas Khan to lead them
+against the Moghuls, for they were true to their King, of whom he
+was now the only protector.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IX.<br />
+
+CONCLUSION.</h2>
+
+
+<p>By the time Abbas Khan could reach the room to which the body
+of the murdered Queen had been taken, it had been laid out with
+the usual formalities. He could have done nothing there, and it
+was necessary for him to satisfy himself that no deep-laid treachery
+or disaffection was at work. And of these there appeared no traces.
+All the leaders of Dekhany parties came forward and made their
+salutations, as usual, and the men crowded round him with professions
+of attachment and devotion, which left no cause for doubt
+that the dreadful act that had been committed was one of sudden
+frenzy, enacted by the eunuch, whom he had long suspected, though
+undefinably, of sinister designs. He was a man in whom the
+Queen had reposed as great confidence as in himself; and to
+breathe idle suspicion to her would have been only to excite suspicion
+of himself, and he had not attempted to do so; but since
+the flight of Nihung Khan, the eunuch's manner had been
+changed, and the former unreserved confidence that had existed
+no longer continued at heart, though outwardly the two men were
+apparently as cordial as ever.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Satisfied that all was tranquil, and that the fort and garrison
+had subsided into their usual calm, Abbas Khan returned to the
+palace, and reverently visited the remains of his beloved mistress
+and mother, for he had always looked on her in the place of one;
+and as such, and his Queen, paid her reverence. Outside, in the
+hall of audience, and in the ante-chamber of the room in which
+she lay, were Moollas, reading and chanting the stated portions
+of the Korán. Incense was burning, and its smoke hung about
+the clustered pillars, niches, and fretted ceilings; and within, the
+women and eunuchs of the household were wailing, moaning, and
+occasionally breaking into passionate cries and adjurations. Zóra
+and the young mother of the boy King were sitting at the head of
+the Queen, with their faces covered, and heads bowed down,
+wailing like the rest; and as Zóra looked up, her husband saw
+her face and eyes swollen with weeping, and full of unutterable
+woe. She could not speak, and longed to throw herself into his
+arms. But that was not the place for such an action, and she
+remained kneeling.</p>
+
+<p>Nor could Abbas Khan say more than the usual salutation to
+the dead. "Peace be with thee, and the blessing of the Lord,"
+and burst into an almost uncontrollable passion of weeping. All
+the majesty, all the heroism, all the benevolence, all the political
+ability of the noble woman lying there, in the last sleep of death,
+surged up to his memory, mingled with tender thoughts of her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span>
+loving kindness, her bearing with all his waywardness from boyhood;
+and now a traitors sword had closed that noble life, without
+a warning or a suspicion.</p>
+
+<p>The Queen's face was not changed, except to wear the expression
+of a glorious death. A soft smile, as if of peace in the last
+supreme moment, lingered on her lips; and though her poor slight
+body was covered with wounds, the face had escaped mutilation,
+and had become more beautiful, if possible, in death than in life.
+Who could forget it? and long they gazed and watched. Who ever
+would forget it? Zóra would fain have had him stay, for she
+needed comfort; but with a few soothing words he said, "I must
+not sleep to-night, darling; but watch, too, over ye all, as is my
+duty. It may be that the enemy may be unquiet, and the people
+need all my vigilance." Then he took up his boy and kissed him,
+and blessed them both.</p>
+
+<p>At the earliest dawn he was with the mourners again, and
+what remained of the Noble Queen was reverently taken up and
+carried to a little private cemetery in an angle of the fort, and
+there laid in the earth. Abbas Khan had sent a flag of truce to
+the Moghul trenches to say that unshotted guns would be fired for
+the Queen; and the salvoes of artillery which mingled with the
+chants of the Moollas and the wailings of the people, who
+crowded every point from which the last procession could be seen,
+were not noticed; while during the day a letter of condolence,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span>
+in the name of the young King, was sent by the Prince Daniel,
+an act of unexpected courtesy.</p>
+
+<p>We cannot linger on the sadness that fell over all. Under such
+circumstances a public calamity has greater effect than at any
+other; and sadly were the noble lady's cheering smile and hearty
+words of encouragement missed by all to whom they had become
+familiar. What was Abbas Khan to do? Who was to undertake
+the Regency on behalf of the young King? Zóra entreated her
+husband not to do so. Then, too, Ahmednugger was severed,
+and she longed for a peaceful existence at Beejapoor. Her life
+had been one of continual alarm, danger, treachery, and war, and
+still danger most imminent surrounded them; and yet she could
+not counsel flight.</p>
+
+<p>The suspense was not of long duration, and after consultation
+with the officers of the fort, it had been determined to send a flag
+of truce into the Royal camp&mdash;not to write&mdash;to ascertain what
+terms would be given for the surrender of the fort, and the conveyance
+of the young King to Joonair. But the proposal was
+never made. Encouraged by the death of the Queen, and convinced
+that the garrison had lost heart, Khan Khanan redoubled
+his exertions, and though the great mine was disabled, yet those
+in the counterscarp and under the ramparts, five in all, were ready,
+and were loaded during that day and the next.</p>
+
+<p>On the day following, masses of the Moghul troops were seen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span>
+from the cavalier to be marching upon the fort, and taking up new
+positions during the morning. It seemed as though new ground was
+to be broken to the east and north; or a feint made to cover some
+operation outside. A few shots were fired at them, but they were
+too distant to have any effect. The movement was, however, a
+feint, and a successful one, for under cover of it the enemy had
+lodged a heavy mass of infantry as a storming party in the
+trenches, and soon after midday, at the hottest period, the mines
+in the counterscarp and rampart were fired simultaneously; and
+the effect was so sudden and so unlooked for, that the enemy made
+his way into the ditch and up the breach, now a wide and easy
+one, without much loss and without check, and a scene of
+massacre ensued which we have no need to describe.</p>
+
+<p>Abbas Khan had been sitting on the rampart, watching with
+several of his men, when the mine nearest them was sprung,
+hurling the guard of one of the smaller bastions into the air,
+when he felt himself struck with a large piece of stone, and
+remembered no more. Some of his men took him up at once, and
+led by the faithful Yasin, carried him to his apartments in the
+palace, and laid him down. But he still breathed, and Zóra, who
+knelt by him, could see no blood; and through the terror of
+assault, and the shouts and shrieks of the combat at the breach,
+she continued to bathe his face and hands with water, and to
+rouse him to consciousness. But nearer and nearer grew the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span>
+tumult, spreading on all sides; and, expecting momentary death,
+she knelt with her boy beside his father's body and said the last
+prayers of the dying. While she was thus employed a Rajpoot
+officer of rank, accompanied by a crowd of men, rushed in pell-mell
+with uplifted swords, but their commander restrained them;
+and Zóra, seeing his action, fell at his feet, beseeching her husband's
+life.</p>
+
+<p>"My name is Bénee Singh," he said, "and I have led the
+assault. To me and my Rajpoots is committed the charge of all
+the treasure of the fort and the command of the palace, and we
+have orders to spare those we find and to protect the young King.
+Direct us to him, and I will leave some men to guard you and
+yours. Do not fear, you are safe; and we bear no enmity to
+wounded and helpless men. See to him, Hurpul Singh," he continued
+to a sub-officer; "let him not be disturbed, or the lady;
+and keep people out&mdash;perhaps he is dying."</p>
+
+<p>But Abbas Khan was not dying. He had only been struck
+senseless by the blow of the stone; and after a while, to the
+infinite joy and thankfulness of his wife, he opened his eyes,
+and would have stretched out his arms to her, but one&mdash;his left&mdash;was
+powerless.</p>
+
+<p>"What has happened, Zóra?" he said. "Why am I here?
+And who are these men?"</p>
+
+<p>"Be still," she said, gently. "Thou art safe, and the child is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span>
+safe; but the fort is taken by the mines. Dost thou not hear the
+tumult without?"</p>
+
+<p>"And I was not with them to strike a blow in our defence!
+O cruel fate!" And he tried to raise his arm again, but it fell
+back.</p>
+
+<p>"Be content, my lord," said the man called Hurpul, "It
+was your luck the first time, it is ours now; and we have won.
+Even now the gates are wide open, and masses of men are entering.
+Presently the Prince and Khan Khanan will come, and a
+salute will be fired. But is thy arm broken? Let me see. No,"
+he continued, "it is sound, but the bruise is a bad one; and thou
+art as helpless as a child. Thank God for thy life as thy lady
+doth. Get her to make a fomentation of meem leaves and turmeric
+and thou wilt be relieved. When the Khan Khanan comes I will
+bring him hither."</p>
+
+<p>Zóra hid herself when the great general came in soon afterwards,
+and spoke kindly to her husband. "I have not forgotten
+thee, Abbas Khan. From the time the treaty was executed I have
+wished thou wert among us, as friends of Beejapoor, rather than
+these faithless, fickle murderers; and thou might be so yet. Thou
+hast held the command here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my lord," returned the Khan, "since Nihung Khan, the
+Abyssinian, fled. After his defeat by you I have had to do my
+duty."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Well, I cannot stay, sir, now, but will come to you hereafter.
+I have ordered apartments for you and your household in the
+palace, close to the city, where you will be removed this evening,
+and promise that all your private property shall be sent after
+you. The eunuchs will, no doubt, know what it is."</p>
+
+<p>That evening, in closed palanquins, Abbas Khan and his wife,
+the boy King and his mother, were removed to the convenient and
+elegant structure we have mentioned, which has been converted
+now into an English residence. The cool, pure, untainted air, and
+the pleasant shady garden, soon effected Abbas Khan's recovery
+from the dangerous and painful contusions he had received, and
+all he now desired and besought from the Prince and his general,
+who came frequently to converse with him, was permission to depart
+with his effects to Beejapoor. Both the Prince and Khan
+Khanan had been greatly struck by his ability and intelligence,
+and would fain have had him enter the Moghul army, and assume
+a high command, but he respectfully declined the honour. His
+estates in Beejapoor, with Zóra's, were very considerable. The
+Queen had much enriched him, and all the contents of his private
+treasury in the fort had been scrupulously made over to him. He
+had afforded all the information possible as regarded the State
+affairs, and he and Zóra had visited the humble grave of their
+beloved mistress to perform some necessary ceremonies there; but
+Zóra could never enter the palace; from her mind the visions of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span>
+blood and slaughter it brought back would require many years to
+efface.</p>
+
+<p>So, when a suitable opportunity offered, Abbas Khan and his
+family, accompanied by all his retainers who had escaped the
+siege, set out for Beejapoor, travelling by the route by which they
+had come, past Nuldroog and Almella, where they were welcomed
+with joy. We may imagine, too, with what hearty rejoicing his
+uncle and the Lady Fatima welcomed their long absent ones, and
+with what profuse entertainments the little Meeah, now a sturdy
+little fellow, was inducted into the general heirship of the house.
+But Abbas Khan's most impressive reception was from his King,
+who, grateful for his devotion to Queen Chand, received him in a
+grand durbar, and raised him to the highest rank of nobility, and
+conferred upon him other substantial proofs of his gratitude.
+Not long afterwards, Dilawar Khan, Viceroy of Moodgul, whose
+health had failed, gave up his viceroyalty and military command,
+and, to his wife's infinite delight, Abbas Khan accepted both with
+gratitude.</p>
+
+<p>Before Abbas Khan had been allowed to leave Ahmednugger,
+the boy King, Bahadur Nizam Shah, with his mother and other
+female relatives, had been taken away as prisoners, and were confined
+in the fortress of Gwalior. All the treasures and regalia of
+the kingdom were confiscated and removed thither with him.
+Thenceforth the greatest portion of the kingdom was annexed to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span>
+the Moghul empire; but for some years after, the remainder, up to
+the frontiers of Golconda and Beejapoor, was ruled over by Mullek
+Umber, on behalf of a descendant of the Royal family, who was
+crowned under the title of Moortuza Nizam Shah, but the family
+finally became extinct about the year 1607.</p>
+
+<p>The Bishop and Maria were miserable until they heard the real
+facts of the capture of Ahmednugger. The Queen's murder had
+been repeated with endless exaggeration, and Abbas Khan was
+said to have perished with her, or in the last assault; while of
+Zóra nothing was known, but it was believed she had been carried
+away into captivity. Still they had hope, and Mullek Umber bid
+them hope, and despatched a trusty messenger to the city, who
+soon found out Abbas Khan and his wife, and brought letters
+from them. "We are safe," Zóra wrote to Maria, "and are going
+to Beejapoor. You must come too, and live together again." But
+the country was hardly safe yet for travelling, and they were detained
+till Mullek Umber could send them to Nuldroog by the
+way they had come. At Beejapoor they found that Abbas Khan
+and Zóra were already established at Moodgul, and after a short
+stay at the capital, they proceeded to their destination. The
+Bishop had applied to the King for a letter to Goa, in relation to
+the wealth of Dom Diego, and it was satisfactory to the worthy
+man that the affair had been arranged by the banker, and that
+the Church was the richer by several lakhs of rupees.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>How thankful and how happy they all were. Nor was it long
+before Maria and Zóra revisited the scene of their first meeting.
+The old house was cleaned out for them and purified, and their first
+excursion from Moodgul was to that well-remembered place.
+Even the Lady Keysama was not above meeting the Lady Zóra
+Khanum, and they talked over bygone events with interest. As to
+Runga Naik and Burma, they were beside themselves with joy;
+insisting that the ladies should see the cataract from the palace at
+the top of the fort; that Zóra should revisit the fearful scene of her
+abduction and escape; and she pointed out, with eyes swimming
+in tears, where she had been confined, and how delivered. "Your
+slave only regretted that he did not go in and slay that vile ruffian
+in his sleep," said Burma Naik; "but the Lord reserved him for
+your hand, Meeah, and we rejoice that he died at your feet like a
+dog." This, however, was a subject which the Khan rarely alluded
+to, and the Beydur saw that it had better be avoided.</p>
+
+<p>They revisited the place many a time afterwards, but on the first
+day, neither too full to be frightful, or too empty to be meagre, the
+noble cataract was in its full beauty; and they descended from the
+palace by the small path by which Zóra had been carried by
+Jooma, the slave, and sat down on the gun in the bastion, as they
+had done before. In the distance the giant fall sparkled with rainbows,
+and the spray at times was full of golden light, which, from
+the evening sun, spread itself over the rugged sides of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span>
+ravine, over the feathery foliage which clothed the crags, and
+the plashing water which fretted against the rocks at their
+feet far below. While the little Meeah, in his father's arms, pulled
+handfuls of flowers from the creepers which hung everywhere
+around, Zóra and Maria sat hand in hand without speaking;
+and perhaps their hearts were too full for aught else than loving
+and reverent memories of the past. Nor was the place ever
+left unvisited by Zóra in after days, when the little mosque was
+repaired, and prayers were said by an old Syud whom she placed
+in it; and she came there with her children on the sacred anniversaries
+of her grandfather's death. But he is forgotten now;
+and of the "Peer," who receives a traditional anniversary worship
+to this day, no name has been preserved. We may be sure that
+on these anniversaries no more delightful subjects for stories for
+the children arose, than their mother's accounts of her early perils
+and escapes. Once little Meeah said, looking earnestly in her
+face, "Mother, how didst thou escape from all these troubles?"
+And Zóra answered, gently, "I trusted in the Lord, my child."</p>
+
+<p>Reader, who hast followed us in the course of this old world tale,
+we need hardly tell you that all are forgotten now; and there are
+traces of none except the two Beydurs, whose descendants still
+inhabit Korikul and Kukeyra, and are unchanged from what they
+used to be in the times of which I have written. For the rest,
+Beejapoor is a magnificent ruin, but Ahmednugger flourishes as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span>
+an English station and cantonment, and the stout old fort is in
+perfect preservation. In both, and in the country round, nay, in
+all Dekhan, the memory of Chand Beebee, who defended the fort,
+and was murdered by her ungrateful people, and her heroic deeds
+and devotion in the battle of the "Standard of the Veil," are still
+sung and recited as the fittest memorials of</p>
+
+<div class="center"><big><br />"<span class="smcap">A Noble Queen</span>."</big></div>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>NOTE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>There are no records traceable at Moodgul of the worthy
+Bishop and his devoted sister, but they are believed to have
+remained there some years, and to have eventually returned to
+Portugal. But the small Christian Churches so strangely preserved
+under the continuous Mussulman Governments of the
+Dekhan still survive, and are steadfast to their faith. They are
+still as they existed at the period of this tale&mdash;Moodgul and
+Raichore, with their dependencies, Chittapoor on the Bheema,
+and Aurungabad, and they are ministered to by priests under the
+jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Goa.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span></p>
+<h2>GLOSSARY.</h2>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>
+Adalut, <i>Court of justice.</i><br />
+Ajaib! <i>Wonderful!</i><br />
+Ajuba! <i>Extraordinary!</i><br />
+Akhbar, <i>News letter.</i><br />
+Alla dilaya te leonga! <i>If God give, I will take!</i><br />
+"Alla hu Akhbar!" <i>"God is victorious!"</i><br />
+Amán! <i>Mercy!</i><br />
+Ameen, ameen!<i> Amen, amen!</i><br />
+Astagh-fur-oolla! <i>God forbid!</i><br />
+Azán, <i>Evening prayer.</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Bairagees, <i>Hindoo mendicants.</i><br />
+Beebee, <i>Lady.</i><br />
+Beydur, <i>Tribe of aborigines.</i><br />
+Bhylmees, <i>Tribe of Mussulmans.</i><br />
+Birianees, <i>A kind of Pilao.</i><br />
+Bismilla! <i>In the name of God!</i><br />
+"Burkhat, Durbar Burkhat," <i>"The Durbar is dismissed."</i><br />
+<br />
+Chabootra, <i>Earthen platform used for assemblies.</i><br />
+Chaoree, <i>Village place of assembly.</i><br />
+Chaya Mata, <i>The nymph of the fall.</i><br />
+Chistee, <i>The designation of a tribe of Fakeers.</i><br />
+Chitnees, <i>Correspondence clerk.</i><br />
+Corus, <i>Anniversary.</i><br />
+Cucheri, <i>Office for public business.</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Daad! daad! <i>Complaint! complaint!</i><br />
+Dacoits, <i>Gang robbers.</i><br />
+Dall, <i>Split pulse.</i><br />
+Darogah, <i>Superintendent.</i><br />
+Deen-deen! <i>For the faith! for the faith!</i><br />
+Dohai! <i>Cry for justice.</i><br />
+Doputta, <i>Scarf.</i><br />
+Duffadar, <i>Inferior officer.</i><br />
+Duftur, <i>Record Office.</i><br />
+Durbar, <i>Court.</i><br />
+Durora, <i>Gang robbery.</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Fatehas, <i>Thank-offerings.</i><br />
+Feringhi, <i>European.</i><br />
+Furashes, <i>Sweepers and tent pitchers.</i><br />
+Futteh Mydan, <i>The Plain of Victory.</i><br />
+Futteh-i-Nubber, <i>Victory to the Prophet.</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Geesoo Duráz, <i>"Long Locks"</i>&mdash;title of saint at Kulburgab.<br />
+Ghee, <i>Boiled butter.</i><br />
+Gopal swami, <i>Appellation of the god Krishna.</i><br />
+Goruk Imlee, <i>Adansonia.</i><br />
+Gosha, <i>Privacy.</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Hai-hai! <i>Alas, alas!</i><br />
+Hakeem, <i>Physician.</i><br />
+Harem, <i>Women's apartments.</i><br />
+Hari Ból, <i>Hindoo war-cry.</i><br />
+Hoons, <i>A gold coin.</i><br />
+Howdahs, <i>Seat on elephant.</i><br />
+Humeenas, <i>Thin bag of leather worn at the waist.</i><br />
+Huzrut, <i>Prince.</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Imáms, <i>Religious officers.</i><br />
+Inshalla! <i>Please God.</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Jamahs, <i>Loose trousers.</i><br />
+Jemadár, <i>Native officer.</i><br />
+Jerreeds, <i>A game played on horseback with javelins.</i><br />
+Jey mata! <i>Victory to the Mother!</i><br />
+Julaybees, <i>Kind of sweetmeat.</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Kabob, <i>Meat roasted.</i><br />
+Karámat, <i>Miracle.</i><br />
+Kazee, <i>Mohamedan law officer.</i><br />
+Khan, <i>Title of respect.</i><br />
+Khanum, <i>Wife of Khan.</i><br />
+Khedive, <i>Head of sect of Mussulmans.</i><br />
+Khoda Hafiz, <i>God protect you!</i><br />
+Kibleh, <i>Point of attraction.</i><br />
+Kicheri, <i>Dish of rice and pulse.</i><br />
+Killadar, <i>Governor of fort.</i><br />
+Kooroo Kshetra, <i>The great battle between the solar and lunar races, described in Mahabarut.</i><br />
+Kotwal, <i>Town magistrate.</i><br />
+Kullunders, <i>Tribe of Fakeers.</i><br />
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span>Kumkhob, <i>Cloth of Gold.</i><br />
+Kurnum, <i>Village accountant.</i><br />
+Kussal, <i>Butcher.</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Lakh, <i>A hundred thousand.</i><br />
+Loongee, <i>Man's waist cloth.</i><br />
+Luddoos, <i>Kind of sweetmeat.</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Mahabarut, <i>Sacred epic of the Hindoos.</i><br />
+Máma, <i>Confidential female attendant.</i><br />
+Mawallees, <i>A Mahratta tribe.</i><br />
+Masháek, <i>Religious devotee.</i><br />
+Mashalla! <i>Praise to God!</i><br />
+Meeah, <i>Familiar title of eldest son among Mussulmans.</i><br />
+Mirdha, <i>Court usher.</i><br />
+Mohurrum, <i>Mahomedan festival.</i><br />
+Mohurs, <i>Gold coin.</i><br />
+Momins, <i>Weavers.</i><br />
+Monsoon, <i>Rainy season.</i><br />
+Moolla, <i>Religious teacher.</i><br />
+Moonshee, <i>Secretary.</i><br />
+"Moonskir and Nakar," <i>"The Angels of death."</i><br />
+Moorsheed, <i>A disciple.</i><br />
+Muezzin, <i>Caller to prayer.</i><br />
+Mufti, <i>Law officer.</i><br />
+Mundan-ool-Ghyb, <i>Spirit supposed to protect travellers.</i><br />
+Mynas, <i>Starlings.</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Nagáras, <i>Large kettledrums.</i><br />
+Naik, <i>Head of Beydur tribe.</i><br />
+Nalkee, <i>Sedan chair.</i><br />
+Nawab, <i>Lord.</i><br />
+"Neem," <i>"Melia ardizarachta."</i><br />
+Nika, <i>Marriage of the second order.</i><br />
+Nobut, <i>Band of music attached to persons of high rank.</i><br />
+Nuzzur, <i>Offering.</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Owleas, <i>A saint.</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Palkee, <i>Litter.</i><br />
+Pán, <i>Betel leaf.</i><br />
+Patell, <i>Head officer of village.</i><br />
+Peer, <i>Saint.</i><br />
+Peer-i-Dustugeer, <i>Respectful address to a saint.</i><br />
+Peshkar, <i>Minister of Finance.</i><br />
+Pice, <i>Copper coin.</i><br />
+Pilao, <i>Savoury dish of meat and rice.</i><br />
+Pooja, <i>Hindoo worship.</i><br />
+Puleeta, <i>A lamp charm.</i><br />
+Punah, <i>Protection.</i><br />
+Putwari, <i>Village accountant.</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Rámáyan, <i>Hindoo epic poem.</i><br />
+Ranee, <i>Hindoo princess.</i><br />
+Roostum, <i>One of the heroes of the Shah Nama.</i><br />
+Rujub-ool-Ghyb, <i>A spirit supposed to watch over travellers.</i><br />
+Rumzan, <i>Mussulman fast.</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Salaam aliekoom! <i>Salutation of peace.</i><br />
+Sari, <i>Woman's garment.</i><br />
+Séndhee, <i>Fermented palm juice.</i><br />
+Shabash! <i>Well done!</i><br />
+Shah, <i>King.</i><br />
+Shookr, shookr! <i>Thanks, thanks!</i><br />
+Shoolka, <i>Scones.</i><br />
+Shubgusht, <i>A marriage procession by night.</i><br />
+Shytan, <i>The Devil.</i><br />
+Siah Chuttree, <i>Tribe of Mussulmans</i>&mdash;called "black umbrellas."<br />
+Soosi, <i>A kind of cotton cloth.</i><br />
+Synd, <i>A division of Mussulmans.</i><br />
+Syndanee, <i>Female Synd.</i><br />
+Swami, <i>Title of Hindoo religious princes.</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Touba! touba! <i>Shame! shame!</i><br />
+Tukeea, <i>Abode of a Fakeer.</i><br />
+Turreequt, <i>Path to salvation.</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Ul-humd-ul-illa! <i>Praise be to God!</i><br />
+Unjeel, <i>The New Testament.</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Vakeels, <i>Agents.</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Wallee, <i>Saint.</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Ya, Alla, Kureem! <i>O Lord, most merciful.</i><br />
+Ya Kureem! <i>O merciful!</i><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+Zemindars, <i>Land owners.</i><br />
+Zenana, <i>Women's private apartments.</i><br />
+Zools, <i>Portions of the Korán.</i><br />
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+
+
+<div class="center"><br /><br />THE END.<br /><br />
+<i>Spottiswoode &amp; Co., Printers, New-street Square, London.</i>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="transnote">
+<h2>Transcriber's Notes</h2>
+
+<p>Obvious errors of punctuation and diacritics repaired.</p>
+
+<p>Hyphen removed: "goodwill" (p. 82), "handwriting" (p. 96), "kettledrums" (pp. 179, 197),
+"midday" (p. 27), "noonday" (p. 29), "overcharged" (p. 7),
+"sally ports" (p. 252), "sandbags" (p. 194).</p>
+
+<p>Hyphen added: "to-night" (p. 275).</p>
+
+<p>"D'Almeida" changed to "d'Almeida".</p>
+
+<p>P. 80: "Dom Matthias de Abuquerque" changed to "Dom Matthias de Albuquerque".</p>
+
+<p>P. 220: "Mogul" changed to "Moghul" (the Moghul Government).</p>
+
+<p>P. 228: "A" added (A kind of cotton cloth).</p>
+
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Noble Queen, by Philip Meadows Taylor
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Noble Queen, by Philip Meadows Taylor
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A Noble Queen, Vol. 3 (of 3)
+       A Romance of Indian History
+
+Author: Philip Meadows Taylor
+
+Release Date: January 29, 2014 [EBook #44789]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A NOBLE QUEEN ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Moti Ben-Ari and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+  A NOBLE QUEEN:
+  _A ROMANCE OF INDIAN HISTORY._
+
+  BY
+  MEADOWS TAYLOR,
+  C.S.I., M.R.A.S., M.R.I.A., &c.
+  AUTHOR OF 'SEBTA,' 'TARA,' AND OTHER TALES.
+
+              'O, never was there queen
+  So mightily betray'd!'
+  _Antony and Cleopatra_, act i. sc. iii.
+
+  IN THREE VOLUMES.
+  VOL III.
+
+  LONDON:
+  C. KEGAN PAUL & CO., 1 PATERNOSTER SQUARE.
+  1878.
+
+
+
+
+  (_The rights of translation and of reproduction are reserved._)
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+OF
+THE THIRD VOLUME.
+
+
+    _BOOK IV._
+
+    CHAPTER                                       PAGE
+       I. THE KING'S ENTRY                           1
+      II. PARDON                                    11
+     III. THE TRIAL                                 25
+      IV. FREEDOM                                   50
+       V. CHANGES IN SOME POSITIONS                 68
+      VI. PROCEEDINGS AT GOA                        85
+     VII. THE INQUISITION                          104
+    VIII. A DEATH, A MARRIAGE, AND A DEPARTURE     126
+
+
+    _BOOK V._
+
+       I. A SKETCH OF LOCAL HISTORY                148
+      II. A PLEASANT JOURNEY                       154
+     III. THE PROGRESS OF THE SIEGE                168
+      IV. THE ASSAULT                              187
+       V. DIEGO'S DEATH AND THE BISHOP'S EMBASSY   208
+      VI. PEACE FOR AWHILE                         228
+     VII. THE SECOND SIEGE OPENS                   244
+    VIII. THE LAST TRAGEDY                         257
+      IX. CONCLUSION                               273
+          NOTE                                     286
+          GLOSSARY                                 287
+
+
+
+
+A NOBLE QUEEN.
+
+
+BOOK IV.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+THE KING'S ENTRY.
+
+
+The triumphal entry of King Ibrahim II. into his capital was not only
+a glorious sight to its people, but an assurance that the long and
+disastrous wars between the rival States of Beejapoor and Ahmednugger
+were at an end. King Ibrahim had kept the field against the conspiracy
+of his cousin, the Prince Ismail, who was supported by a large portion
+of his own army under Eyn-ool-Moolk, and by his uncle, Boorhan Nizam,
+Shah of Ahmednugger; and against the possible advance of the Portuguese
+of Goa, whose skill in war was well known in the Dekhan. The King
+of Ahmednugger, however, could make no impression on the Beejapoor
+troops, who defended the frontier stoutly, and, falling ill, died in
+his camp at Puraindah. His son Ibrahim, a youth, was placed upon the
+throne, and soon after again pressed the war against Beejapoor, which
+brought on the general action in which Humeed Khan, the uncle of Abbas
+Khan, had proved victorious; and as the troops of Ahmednugger fled
+from the field with the loss of the whole of their artillery and war
+elephants, the long continued struggle came to an end, and the Royal
+army returned to Beejapoor, escorting their King in triumph. "On the
+18th Mohorrum," writes the historian of the period, "the King made a
+triumphant entry into Beejapoor amid the acclamation of the people, who
+on this occasion had adorned the streets with gold and silver tissues,
+velvets, brocades, and other rich cloths and ornaments." But it was
+not the splendour of the spectacle which gratified the people; it was
+the assurance of safety and security from further disturbance, for
+which all were thankful. Those who had wavered in their allegiance now
+declared a hearty loyalty; and the southern invaders, under the Hindoo
+Prince of Penkonda, who had joined the conspiracy on the assurance of
+the conspirators that they might thus regain the dominions they had
+lost, having been defeated and driven back, there remained no part
+of the Beejapoor dominions that was not in profound peace after a
+long series of years of rebellion; and the people rejoiced in a real
+gladness which had not been felt for several generations.
+
+As we already know, the force under Abbas Khan had marched northwards
+to the aid of the King; but as the rainy season was at its height,
+King Ibrahim had taken up his position at the fort of Shahdroog, or
+Nuldroog, and had left Humeed Khan with the main body of the army to
+watch the frontier and repel incursion should it take place. Abbas
+Khan, therefore, on receiving orders from the King, had marched to join
+his uncle, and arrived in time to take part in the finally victorious
+battle.
+
+From his uncle he had received a very hearty and affectionate welcome,
+the particulars of which need not be recorded here; and it was with a
+great satisfaction that the veteran commander heard the details of the
+combat in the presence of the Queen Dowager, and the discovery of Osman
+Beg's treason. Abbas Khan had, indeed, to recount all the passages
+in his life which we already know of, which to his uncle had been so
+grievously misrepresented. There was nothing left but for Abbas Khan to
+show his valour in the next engagement that ensued, which proved to be
+a very severe one, for the left wing of the Beejapoor troops was broken
+by an impetuous charge of ten thousand of the Ahmednugger cavalry. Many
+nobles and high officers of rank were slain, and many fugitives rode at
+once to the King's camp declaring that the whole army had been routed.
+For three days the King was in the last degree of anxious uncertainty,
+till a despatch from Humeed Khan, sent by the hand of his nephew, who
+could describe the action, assured him of the most perfect victory.
+Then it was, too, that the day might have gone hard for the Royal army
+but for the exertions and daring bravery of the fresh force under his
+nephew; and he related, also, how bravely the enemy's heavy battery had
+been stormed by the Beydurs, who appeared unconscious of danger, and
+how both Abyssinians and Dekhan cavalry had vied with each other under
+their young leader. In a few days the King's forces joined those under
+Humeed Khan near Sholapoor, where public thanksgiving was made for the
+close of the war, and some rewards and honours were publicly bestowed.
+But the grand ceremony of all was to take place at Beejapoor on the
+day of entry into the capital; and the King, carrying with him the
+whole of his army, with the trophies in artillery and elephants, Royal
+camp equipage and treasure that had been won, crossed the Bheema river
+slowly, and, as we know, safely reached his destination.
+
+While in camp together, our friends Runga Naik and Abbas Khan had held
+many an anxious conversation on the subject of the old Syud Dervish and
+Zora. Runga had told him of the forcible abduction of the girl, and
+of her rescue by himself and Burma; how, when he was obliged to leave
+Korikul, he had made her and the Syud over to Burma's care, but from
+that time he had no news of them.
+
+If they had left Kukeyra they might be at Sugger, or, possibly, had
+gone on to Gulburgah; but nothing could be known for certain till
+the men who were returning from his own force should reach their
+territory, and either bring the old man and Zora with them to camp or
+to Beejapoor. It was this very party which, crossing the country direct
+from the Royal camp, so providentially rescued Zora, unharmed, and took
+her to her grandfather; and regulating their movements by those of the
+King himself, arrived in time to witness his triumphal entry. I trust
+this slight digression will be pardoned, for, indeed, without it the
+position of the parties would hardly be understood with exactness.
+
+After the slight interruption caused by raising the infirm old man, the
+grand march was resumed; and the young King rode on, with the bitter
+cry of the old Syud, "Daad! Daad! Justice! Justice!" ringing in his
+ears, and the sightless eyes and feeble arms raised to heaven. Abbas
+Khan's tale had distressed him seriously; but he was here face to face
+with one instance of the first King Ibrahim's cruelty, and the sin
+of it rested on his house. Well, it could be condoned, perhaps, for
+the curse of a holy Syud could hardly be averted even by penance; but
+he would do, as he had vowed to Alla, what it was possible to do ere
+the sun set. So the young Monarch rode on in his pride; Humeed Khan
+on his right hand, Soheil Khan and the brave commander on his left,
+preceded by his gold and silver mace-bearers shouting his titles, and
+followed by the crowds of nobles and officers who composed his train.
+The day was as yet young, but it was bright and clear; and the flood of
+light glittering on morion and coat of mail, on cuirass and greave,
+on trappings and housings of gold and silver cloth, on banners and
+standards, and the great white buildings and palaces which stood out
+against the clear, deep blue sky, formed a combination of splendour
+which the mind can hardly realise, and which was well-nigh overpowering
+to all who saw it.
+
+As to Zora, she--who had seen nothing in all her life of splendour
+such as that--was fairly overpowered. She trembled, and her cheeks
+flushed as the first portion of the troops issued from the gate and
+passed them, drowning the feeble chaunt she and her grandfather were
+raising. But alms were showered upon them, and Ahmed had gathered up
+several times already what lay on the sheet. When the hoarse cry arose
+of "The King cometh! The King cometh!" and all heads bowed to the earth
+as he passed on, she did not think of him, but of one that might be
+with him. And yet, if he were, would he remember her? Would he even
+see her? Ah! it was an anxious moment, and her beating heart fluttered
+till she could hardly breathe. As the glorious pageant went slowly
+past, she could see the face she sought distinctly. Abbas Khan was
+riding near his uncle, conversing joyously with him and others around
+him; and the appearance of the gallant cavalier, dressed in glittering
+armour and cloth of gold, was almost too dazzling to look at. There
+were hundreds of Fakeers lining the road, crying for alms in stentorian
+voices. How would the faint chaunt of an infirm old man and a girl be
+heard amidst the din--the jangling bells of elephants, the neighing of
+excited horses, and the cries of the Royal titles? And Abbas Khan must
+have passed the group but for the sudden action of her grandfather,
+who threw himself forward with his shrill cry. Even then the grooms
+who ran by the King's horse, which had been somewhat startled, would
+have removed the old man, roughly enough, perhaps, from the Royal path;
+but the action of Abbas Khan had been rapid, and instantaneous, and
+decisive. What he had said to the King she could not hear; but the
+King's reply, "Bring him to the palace instantly," at once gave her
+the assurance she needed. Now Abbas Khan had dismounted, and stood
+embracing her grandfather; and was telling Runga Naik, who had seen
+all, to seek for his litter, which was under some trees at a little
+distance. Poor Zora had not been able to obtain one at Almella, and she
+had ridden her own stout pony, which was also brought up; and she was
+preparing to mount it when Abbas Khan cried, "Stay, Zora! not in this
+crowd; here is a palanquin of the King's for thee." So she entered it,
+shut the doors, and was carried on. There was no time for words. The
+whole scene was to her so altogether strange and unexpected that she
+could not find speech to thank any one; and as she shut the doors of
+the palanquin, and was safe from observation, her overcharged heart
+found relief in a burst of grateful sobs and tears.
+
+As the King's procession went on towards the city, outside the walls,
+for he had to receive the blessing of the Chishtee priest whom we know
+of, it was easy for Abbas Khan to turn off with his charge into the
+gate of the citadel, while Runga Naik brought up the baggage ponies
+behind. All was comparatively clear in the citadel, and would be till
+the King arrived; so that Abbas Khan had no difficulty in speaking to
+one of the chief eunuchs of the private apartments, whom he knew, and
+putting his old friend and Zora under his charge. He could not stay;
+and galloping after the procession soon overtook it, and resumed his
+place by his uncle's side.
+
+"Who was the girl beside the old man who helped to raise him up, and
+whom my horse well nigh trampled down? I never saw a more beautiful
+and expressive face in my life," said his uncle with, as it seemed, a
+peculiar smile.
+
+"She is the old saint's granddaughter, sir; and has devoted her life to
+him. Yes, she is beautiful."
+
+"Then thou hast seen her, Abbas?"
+
+"I have, uncle. The night I was in delirium at Juldroog she watched
+me, and gave me medicine and cool sherbet; but I could only see her
+face as that of one in a dream, and I have never looked on it since but
+once, and that only as a passing glance, till to-day, when I could not
+help seeing her, for the handkerchief she had tied over her turban had
+fallen off. It is evident that the Syud hath taken the vow, perhaps at
+Gulburgah, where His Highness Geesoo Duraz made him a Wallee."
+
+"Was he a Fakeer before then?" asked his uncle.
+
+"No, sir. Though he called himself a Dervish, yet he had not taken
+any degree as a Fakeer, and people only called him Dervish. When he
+confided to me his identity his chief prayer was to be allowed to go
+free, that he might pay his vows at Sugger and Gulburgah, where, it
+appears, he was raised at once to the highest rank; and his title now
+is Luteef Shah Wallee. His is a sad story, uncle. Dost thou remember
+it?"
+
+"I was a mere boy then," was the reply, "and used to attend the durbar
+with thy grandfather; but I quite remember the sadness with which all
+the city heard that Syud Ahmed Ali, the physician, had been blinded
+and sent to Juldroog. Everyone grieved for him, for he was not only
+the most learned of all at Court, but the most charitable. Many will
+remember him, and Ekhlas Khan was an intimate friend. Yea, it will
+cause a murmur in durbar when his name is mentioned, for he has been
+clean forgotten; and it was believed he had died soon after he was
+imprisoned. And thou hast told the King all?"
+
+"All," replied the young Khan. "As the old Dervish told the tale to
+me, so did I repeat it faithfully; and I told him, too, how, under the
+Lord's will, he had saved my life."
+
+"And what said he?"
+
+"He wept, uncle; and said that the curse of a Syud should never rest
+upon the Adil Shah's realm or people; that search should be made for
+the Dervish. Then one day there came a holy man with a great retinue
+from Gulburgah, and told him--I was there--how a Fakeer had preached in
+the mosque, and a miracle had been done, and the heretofore Dervish had
+been made a Wallee at once, as the people demanded. And the King said
+to me, 'Thou art witness, Abbas Khan, that if I ever am blessed by the
+old man I will restore to him and his all he has lost.'"
+
+"And he will do it, too," replied Humeed Khan. "And amidst the
+rejoicings of to-day one heart will be gladdened."
+
+"Ameen! Ameen!" was the reply; and the conversation dropped.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+PARDON.
+
+
+Meanwhile Zora and her grandfather had been conducted by the eunuchs
+through the entrance corridor into a suite of small but elegant
+apartments, which opened into a court and garden behind the palace.
+Their servants were brought in by a separate passage into a little
+kitchen and adjoining room; and there were baths and everything
+necessary for a pleasant, though necessarily confined residence. Here
+Zora and old Mamoolla soon spread her grandfather's carpets, and they
+found cushions and bedsteads already provided. Presently, when all was
+arranged, Zora led the old man to the cushions, and he sat down with a
+sigh of thankfulness.
+
+"Where am I?" he said. "Surely I heard Meeah's voice? Where has he
+gone? Bring him to me."
+
+"You are in the King's palace," said Zora, throwing her arms around
+him. "Be thankful, Abba, that all thy sorrows and trials are over. We
+are safe in our refuge at last."
+
+"Yes," he said, "at last! More than forty years have passed over me
+since they sent me away to exile, blinded and in torment. Dost thou
+think I have forgotten that?"
+
+"O, Abba!" cried the girl, putting her hand over his mouth, "didst thou
+not tell me when the Fateha was said before the tomb at Gogi that thou
+hadst forgiven King Ibrahim? Was it for thy blindness, Abba?"
+
+"I am again rebuked, Zora, and will forgive still; but it is hard to
+forget the past, and the joy with which I came forth from Almella, and
+within an hour was taken out, blind and bleeding! Forgive me, child!
+that I am false to thee. And forgive me, O Ibrahim! who hast received
+me back, that this bitter thought should have come into my mind. Yes,
+as I entered, I felt I was within the palace. This I am sure, by the
+turns we took as we entered, was the very apartment which I used
+to dwell in whenever my visit was prolonged. I even now scent the
+jessamine and tube roses of the little garden, and I feel as though I
+were in my old seat, with the soft south wind blowing on me. Methinks I
+see the blue Damascus tiles which are inlaid round the arches, and the
+carved window of the Zenana beyond."
+
+"It is even so, Abba," said Zora, much moved, as her grandfather
+pointed out the several objects with his finger. "Nothing has been
+changed; everything is as perfect now as it was then, and looks as
+quiet and peaceful as our little Zenana used to do at Juldroog."
+
+"But it is only a gilded cage, my child; and I shall long to be free
+again, and to teach and preach, ay, and beg as I used to do even at
+Juldroog. And here there is more to do, else the Lord had not brought
+me."
+
+"But, Abba, dear Abba!" began Zora; and he interrupted her with, "Be
+patient, child! Dost thou think I do not welcome this as a place
+of rest, even as thou dost? And when Meeah comes he may bestow us
+elsewhere, when we can go and come with freedom. Then we shall have
+our own house, and our own servants, and palanquin, and bearers; and a
+sweet garden where I shall love to sit and discourse on the mysteries
+of holiness with the learned of the city, and on medicine with the
+physicians; and thou wilt have thy pigeons and flowers, and find out
+poor people and relieve them."
+
+"Enough, enough, Abba!" cried Zora, laughing and crying at the same
+moment. "Thou wouldst make a princess of me at once, and art tempting
+me by a hundred delightful anticipations fit but for the noble and
+great. But I see only my Fakeer's garments, and think of my uncompleted
+vows. And after all, am I not your humble little Zora?"
+
+"Thou art my precious treasure, child!" replied the old man, with
+emotion; "and the most noble house in Dekhan cannot produce one like
+thee."
+
+Almost as he spoke, the curtain, which was drawn across the entrance,
+was partly raised, and a man's voice said hurriedly to a companion,
+"The rooms are occupied by strangers, Maria; we must retire."
+
+Zora started to her feet, and rushed hastily forward. She saw two
+figures she at once recognised retreating into the corridor, and cried,
+"Maria! Maria! it is only your little Zora; and Abba is here. Oh, come
+to us, we are alone."
+
+In their turn Maria and her brother started. There was no doubt left
+when they saw the slight figure stretching out its arms with a low cry
+of joy, and the soft, flushed cheeks wet with tears; and a moment after
+they were locked in each other's arms, and approached the old man's
+seat, who was crying out joyfully, "Come! come to me, my friends; we
+are, indeed, with you at last. O Padre Sahib, thank the Lord with me
+that we are here safely, and in honour, for of a truth we have endured
+much."
+
+Maria was not changed, save that the bright rosy colour of her cheeks
+had increased under the effects of better health; and she had attained
+a true majesty of beauty which far exceeded that which Zora used to
+look on with wonder at Juldroog. Zora seated her beside her on the
+cushions, but she could not give vent to her feelings of delight. Her
+loving brown eyes looked up like those of a dog to her friend; she
+threw her arms round her, and kissed her forehead, her eyes, her lips,
+passionately, hardly able to speak, except to say, "Thou art here,
+Maria, and restored to me. Oh, yes, to me, who in all my troubles and
+tears have never forgotten thee; and this which thou gavest me," and
+she drew the little silver cross from her bosom, "has never left me,
+and has been my charm and deliverer of my honour when all hope of my
+deliverance seemed gone. And thou hast been happy, Maria?"
+
+"Very happy, my darling," returned her friend, "longing to hear of you
+and Abba, but could obtain no news of you. Your little letter and the
+feather reached me safely, and I have them still at home. And I wrote
+a reply to you, Zora, and my brother gave it to Abbas Khan, for I was
+able to write that the Queen had ordered Abba and you to be sent to
+her, and that he would be restored to his old rank; and I knew you
+would like to hear the good news from me, Zora. But we had no reply,
+and then I heard of the Nawab's ill-treatment of you, and that you had
+escaped, and the Queen thought you might come direct to her."
+
+"And I would have done so had I heard from Meeah," said the old man;
+"but I soon learned he had reached the city, and what could I have done
+alone?"
+
+"Yes," observed the Padre, "we were more than a month detained on the
+road, as Abbas Khan's horse fell, and his wound opened again. He had a
+severe return of the fever, and I feared for his life. Nor did he stay
+when he arrived; after the combat with the Abyssinian champion, whom
+he slew, the Queen sent him to the army, and I hear he has returned
+to-day."
+
+"Yes, and we have seen him," said Zora; "and he brought us here. And
+thou art with the Queen, Maria?" she continued.
+
+"I am with both of them, Zora; but chiefly, by desire of Queen Chand,
+with the Queen Taj-ool-Nissa, whom my brother hath restored to health,
+and she is now strong and well. It is such a change, Zora, and we
+laugh, and say the King will not know the miserable wife he left. And
+she has grown very dear to me, and loves to talk of you, who, she says,
+must be her sister. Come, shall we go to Queen Chand, she will be vexed
+with me if I take you not?"
+
+"But I must change these clothes, Maria; it is not fitting for me to
+appear before her with these Fakeer's garments."
+
+"On the contrary, child, she will love thee the more, and honour thee
+for wearing them. See, Abba, I am carrying off Zora already," she
+continued, "and my brother will be security for me that I bring her
+back safely."
+
+It was a strange thing to Zora to feel herself guided through the
+intricate passages and corridors of the huge palace, and to see the
+strange deference and respect shown to Maria by all the eunuchs and
+Mamas on duty. At length they reached the entrance to the private
+apartments of the Queen Dowager, and after a brief colloquy with the
+eunuchs at the door, were admitted, and led to the Queen's seat by one
+of the women in attendance.
+
+"Thou art welcome, Maria," she said, kindly; "but who is this thou hast
+brought with thee?"
+
+"It is Zora, your Majesty, of whom I have so often spoken. She would
+have taken off her Fakeer's dress; but I said I was sure she had better
+come as she was."
+
+"And you were right, child. I welcome thee in the name of the King,
+thee and thy grandfather. By the blessed Prophet, how lovely thou art:
+come hither and embrace me."
+
+What idea Zora had previously entertained of a real Queen it is
+difficult to say: something very awe-inspiring, no doubt, and
+magnificent; but at the sight of the slight girlish figure and plain
+muslin dress of the great Queen whose praises were in every one's
+mouth, and who had held the power of the whole kingdom, Zora became
+assured, and advanced to kiss the Royal lady's feet, and embrace her as
+she desired.
+
+"Power of God!" cried the Queen as, having embraced Zora she took both
+her cheeks in her hands and turned them alternately to the light,
+and looked into her soft glowing eyes; "Power of God! she is lovely,
+indeed, even in this poor dress. But thou hast not taken the vows,
+Zora?"
+
+"No, my Queen, not yet; but when my grandfather was exalted in rank at
+Gulburgah I would have done so, but for a worthy lady of Golconda, who
+would not allow me."
+
+"And she was right, child," returned the Queen; "such vows only
+belong to widows and devotees; but thou, may God forgive the thought,
+art neither one nor other; and if the blessing of Chand Beebee
+avail aught, she will live to see thy children about thy knees;"
+and, stretching forth both her hands, she placed them upon Zora's
+head, praying for her welfare. Then Zora sat down and told her what
+had befallen her since the time that Osman Beg carried her off, and
+the escapes she had had, particularly the last. How her grandfather
+attained the rank of Wallee; and, in short, all the story we know up to
+the events of the morning.
+
+"Remember that thou art my guest," said the Queen, as she dismissed
+Zora; "and thou shalt want for nothing. Perhaps," she added, "thou
+mayest be required to-morrow at the durbar, for Osman Beg hath arrived
+in custody, and there may be need of thy evidence, should he deny what
+is alleged against him. Thou wilt not be afraid of the King's presence
+and the durbar?"
+
+"I am only a poor weak girl," said Zora, casting down her eyes; "but
+I have never yet been ashamed before God or man, and have no reason
+to fear the King or the durbar. But I have forgiven the Nawab freely.
+I have no claim upon him or against him; I have left all to the good
+Alla to judge between us. Yet, lady, had not my poor friends Runga and
+Burma Naik, whom I have known since I was a child, rescued me, I had
+surely been despoiled of my honour, and become an outcast. Now, blessed
+be the Lord, I can stand before my lord the King, or you, gracious
+lady, without shame, or a thought of shame. Forgive me that I speak
+so freely, lady; but thou art as a mother to me, and my tears and my
+thoughts well up together without restraint. I know none of the manners
+of a court, for hitherto I have been secluded, and my speech may appear
+curt and abrupt; but my thoughts are not so--indeed, indeed, they are
+as a child's before its mother."
+
+"Thy speech is good courtly Persian, at which I marvel, child,"
+returned the Queen, "and thou needest not be ashamed of it, Zora; and
+thy fearlessness doth thee honour. Yes, I will be thy mother truly; and
+though thou mayest have forgiven thine enemy, the State hath not, and
+it is not seeming that such acts as Osman Beg's should be passed by
+unnoticed. Now depart, both of ye, for I hear the kettledrums from the
+city, and I have much to do ere the King enters. Bid thy grandfather
+eat something and be ready, for I have no doubt he will be sent for
+soon after His Majesty arrives."
+
+As they passed the entrance to the young Queen's apartments, Maria
+asked whether they might be admitted; but it was too late; the Queen
+was in the bath, and her attiring would scarcely be finished before
+the King arrived. Then they went down to the old man and his friend,
+whom they found deeply engaged in the discussion of the young Queen's
+ailments; and in the Padre's treatment of the case the old physician
+heartily agreed. Zora delivered the Queen's message, and after a bath,
+which Ahmed had prepared, the Wallee's costly robe of honour and his
+crown were put on him. Zora had changed her tunic for one of her
+simple woman's dresses, and they sat enjoying pleasant converse in
+regard to the past, while the salvoes of cannon, braying of trumpets,
+and loud nobat music playing on the terrace above, announced to them
+the arrival of the King.
+
+Nor had they to wait long. Another salute from a battery of cannon
+before the Hall of Audience announced that he had taken his seat;
+and two of the gold mace-bearers in waiting arrived to request the
+attendance of His Holiness Luteef Shah Wallee as soon as possible.
+And then the old man rose, and, led by Zora, whom he declared must
+guide him, passed by the lower corridors into the great hall. It was
+a strange sight to the nobles and commanders assembled there, to see
+the venerable man led by the simply, not to say coarsely, dressed girl
+to a seat apart from the rest, and near the group of holy men who had
+already taken their places. All rose in deference to the new comer,
+whose rank was indeed superior to that of any there; but he was spared
+the difficulty of performing any act of reverence to the King himself,
+who, rising, went to him, while Zora fell back under charge of one of
+the mace-bearers, an elderly eunuch, who took care of her; but she
+could see and hear perfectly whatever passed.
+
+"We have sent for thee, illustrious Syud," said the King, as soon as
+silence was enforced--for the murmur of astonishment and pity had
+been loud and full of emotion--"to do an act of justice, which shall
+mark this happy day with a deed peculiar to itself. We had heard
+of the illustrious Syud before from Abbas Khan, who was for a time
+at Juldroog, and we had vowed to send for him. But, lo! as if by a
+miracle, or the direct interposition of the Most High, as we entered
+the city gate, we found him present before us. In the humble garb of
+Fakeers he and his granddaughter appeared by the wayside, and he fell
+at our horse's feet. The just and Almighty Alla had, by a strange
+course of circumstances, guided them to our feet, not as they were in
+their exile, but with increased glory and honour; for at Gulburgah the
+Prince Geesoo Duraz, with other princes and learned doctors of Islam,
+had conferred upon him, in regard to his power over men's minds, his
+learning, and piety, the spiritual rank of Wallee; and as such, we
+ourselves, as we vowed, present him to you, O friends and brothers in
+the faith, and pray you to do him reverence, as we ourselves do, in the
+presence of ye all; for the Lord hath brought to us in honour one whom
+our ancestor Ibrahim--may peace be on his memory!--blinded and cast out
+to exile, where he was forgotten and might have died, but for the aid
+of Him in whose service his life had passed."
+
+Then many wept. Many who had known the old man in his prosperity, and
+thought him dead, pressed forward with tears and quivering features
+to grasp his hand once more, and kiss his feet; while cries of "Deen!
+Deen! A miracle! a miracle! May the saint live in peace and honour!"
+rose from all parts of the vast hall, and were taken up without with
+an enthusiasm which spread among the people even to the far ends of
+the city; and men saluted each other with the message of peace and the
+blessing of God, and the cry, "The sin of the State has been removed,
+let us be thankful."
+
+When the tumult had subsided, the King, standing on the step of the
+throne, cried again with a loud voice, and said: "Know all men, and
+brothers in Islam present, that before food or water hath passed our
+lips to-day, we freely and entirely revoke the cruel sentence passed
+on the illustrious Syud Ahmed Ali, now Syud Luteef Shah Wallee. We
+implore, in the name of our ancestor, forgiveness for the shame and
+pain he hath endured for forty years, and pray him to intercede with
+Alla the Most High, and His holy messenger, to wipe out this sin, and
+remove it for ever from us and our people. We further establish this
+our illustrious saint in all the possessions and estates which were
+granted before; and we give, in addition to these, the pergunna of
+Kokutnoor, the scene of his child's delivery from violence. So let
+it be, Ameen! Ameen!" Nor was a soul present who did not cry "Ameen!
+Ameen!"
+
+"Zora! Zora!" cried the old man, who was trembling with excitement,
+and feeling about with his hands, "raise me up and support me, else I
+cannot speak. Zora, the Lord hath won the victory for us, and there
+is no longer aught hid from thee, O my child. Let her come to me,
+Sir, for I need her aid;" and there was a way opened for her, and he
+felt the soft warm hand steal into his, whilst her gentle "I am with
+thee, Abba," assured him. A strange sight was it to all that gorgeous
+assembly; the venerable old man leaning on the shoulder of the slight
+girl. He, clad in his rich saint's robe, and his crown with which he
+had been crowned; Zora in her humble dress of soosi, and her plain
+muslin scarf now covering her face. But she was calm and dignified, and
+her modest self-possession struck those who saw her with wonder and
+admiration.
+
+Then the old man stretched forth his hands and blessed the King, and
+the Queen who sat above, and all the people. "What can I say, my King?"
+he cried; "what can I say? My poor speech is dumb, but my heart goeth
+forth to thee and thine, and to all present who behold me. As I came
+hither, O King, I rested at Gogi, and distributed Fatehas at all thy
+ancestors' tombs; but my heart was hot and hard and sore within me, and
+I was about to pass King Ibrahim's tomb, when God sent me a rebuke by
+the mouth of this poor child: 'Forgive him,' she cried, 'forgive him;
+go not away from this place till thou hast forgiven him;' and I kneeled
+down by his tomb, struck by remorse, and bared my head, and cast dust
+upon it, and cried, 'I forgive thee, O Royal master, all thou didst
+to me, and may it be forgiven to thee in the day of judgment.' And my
+heart was softened, and I was accepted at Gulburgah because I preached
+peace to the people, as, Inshalla, I will do here, and there will be
+no more war or trouble. And now, O King, bid me depart home to rest,
+for I am old, and the events of this day have overpowered me."
+
+Then the King ordered the ushers to bring a robe of honour, and he
+put it on the old man with his own hands, and hung a valuable string
+of pearls round his neck, to serve as prayer beads, while the people
+around the hall still cried blessings on them! and Zora heard voices
+in the Queen's balcony crying, "Ameen; Ameen!" with, as she thought,
+Maria's blending with them, and sobbing too. While she led her
+grandfather back towards their apartments, Zora hitherto had been able
+to repress her emotion, but finding Maria already there, she fell on
+her neck and wept passionately. She felt not only thankful for the
+honour accorded to Abba, but for what spoke to her heart more deeply
+and fondly, that Abbas Khan, and a noble old officer, whom she supposed
+to be his uncle, had been looking at her all the time. Nay, had she
+not heard their cries of joy and congratulations rising high above all
+others! And, late in the day, Meeah brought his uncle, and they kissed
+the old man's feet, and delivered the King's command that he should
+attend the great durbar on the morrow at noon. But Zora had retired;
+she dared not look on them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+THE TRIAL.
+
+
+Somewhat before noon on the following day the tall, burly figure of
+a man, who wore a dress of red cotton cloth, advanced slowly over
+the short turfy sward which lay beneath some huge adansonia trees in
+the fort. They were situated at some little distance from the gate
+of the citadel, by themselves, with no buildings near them, for the
+spot was considered impure and unholy, being, in fact, the usual place
+of execution in Beejapoor. A few persons were following him, and as
+he stopped and seated himself in the shade of one of the trees, some
+of those who had gathered round him began to question him as to what
+was to happen, for the executioner rarely made his appearance in his
+official costume unless some event were to follow.
+
+"Who is it to-day, Khan Sahib?" asked one of the bystanders, with an
+expressive jerk of his head. "Who is to be sent to Paradise or to Hell?
+Nothing has happened for a long time past, but now the King has come
+again, thy hands will be full of work."
+
+"Yes, brothers," returned the grim functionary; "while Queen Chand
+was in authority, there was no business. She is a great deal too kind
+and compassionate, and she cheated me out of one fellow who was bigger
+than I, and the greatest bully and villain in Beejapoor, by letting
+that brisk young fellow, Abbas Khan, kill him. Now I should like to
+have slain that devil, because he was too mean for the young Khan to
+meddle with, and he was always mocking me and scoffing at my sword,
+which, he said, was nothing in comparison to his 'kussab,' as he called
+it, which I ought to have had also, but the Kotwal has taken it. Now
+look, friends, can anything be more beautiful than this?" and, rising,
+he drew from its scabbard a broad-bladed sword, rather broader at the
+point than at the hilt, with a point nearly square, with some, to him,
+strange-looking letters upon it, which he believed to be a charm. The
+motto, indeed, was--
+
+  "Inter arma silent leges,"
+
+and the sword had been forged in Germany. "All I know is, friends,
+that the blade is a true 'Allemagne;' and though it is as sharp as
+any razor, and I got Daood Sahib, the King's armourer, to retouch the
+edge to-day, there will not be even a notch in it when I have done my
+work, and not a cloud on its fair polish. Ah, sirs, that 'kussab' of
+the Abyssinian's is a brutal weapon, to be used but by main strength;
+whereas this, my Allemagne, requires only skill, and when any great
+person is made over to me, I use it and no other."
+
+"Then it is some great person, Khan Sahib, who will go to judgment
+to-day?"
+
+"Nay, friends, I know not," returned the executioner. "Some one
+belonging to the Prince Ismail's affair was brought from the south in
+a palanquin which was fastened up; and I know pretty well, when Hyat
+Khan sends me word to go to the trees and remain there, what that
+means. Now, go away, all of ye, for no one must see this put into its
+scabbard, lest an evil glance fall on it. My art is vain, unless the
+edge be keen and firm. Away with ye all, I would be left to my prayers
+and meditations. When ye see the palanquin come out of the gate yonder,
+ye can return if ye will, and see what I do." And when all around him
+had gone, the man put the blade of his sword to his forehead and chest
+reverently, made a salaam to it, and slowly and carefully replaced
+it in its richly embroidered velvet scabbard; and as the muezzins of
+the neighbouring mosques sang the midday call to prayer, spread his
+waist-belt on the green sward, and performed his devotions, for the
+executioner was a devout man, careful in the stated observances of his
+faith.
+
+The citadel was now a busier scene than when Queen Chand acted as
+Regent in the absence of the King. There were so many more dignitaries
+to be received, so much relating to the army to be arranged, so many
+rewards and dresses of honour to be distributed, that the approaches
+to the palace were always crowded. This did not affect our friends in
+the least, as they were not only pleasantly secluded, but at such a
+distance from the exciting crowds and turmoil, that they saw none of
+it, and heard only a little. At the council of the night before, all
+the public accounts for the period of Queen Chand's administration,
+which had been prepared beforehand, were read to the King, and duly
+audited. Many new patents of nobility as rewards for service, and
+grants of estates, were ordered to be drafted, Syud Luteef Shah
+Wallee's among the number. And we are glad to record also, that not
+only Abbas Khan, now created Khan Bahadoor, and commander of five
+thousand, but Runga Naik was received into the lower grade of nobility,
+and created lord of twenty villages near his own ancestral estate of
+Korikul, and was to receive a dress of honour in full Court. Assuredly
+his service had not been in vain, while other rewards, in proportion to
+their merits, were allotted to his brave followers. But all these were
+minor points; the business assigned to the morrow was of a much more
+important nature, for as they sat in the councils hall, Hyat Khan, the
+Kotwal, announced to the King that Osman Beg, the Governor of Juldroog,
+had arrived as a prisoner, and asked how he should be disposed of. The
+Queen Chand, who was sitting beside her nephew, said, "Son, I claim thy
+attention to this case first, for it is of grave importance to many
+that the truth should be made manifest to all, and justice be done. We
+would have seen to it ourselves when you were absent, but we thought
+thou shouldst decide upon it. It is a painful case, but justice must be
+done."
+
+"Certainly, and without favour, aunt. Yet why not by thee? Is there any
+power thou dost not share with me? Is there any order of thine to which
+I do not bow? Yet"--for the Queen was waving her hand in deprecation
+of his expressions--"yet, if thou wilt, I will be present with thee,
+and we will share the task together. Let the prisoner be well lodged
+and cared for, Khan Sahib," he continued to Hyat Khan; "let his arrival
+be announced to his father, who may visit him, and let him be present
+to-morrow at the afternoon durbar, when we shall be at leisure."
+
+And now the time had come. The King as he rose had received many
+persons of rank, and transacted his usual business with the Ministers.
+He then retired for awhile; but, after the noonday prayer, had entered
+the great hall of audience, and, due proclamation having been made
+within and without, he took his seat on the Royal throne, which had
+now been properly arranged. This was, in fact, a broad, low, wooden
+stool, with cushions of rich velvet, with a back also of wood, both
+being covered with thin plates of gold, inlaid, especially the back
+and canopy, with very rare and valuable precious stones, arranged in
+ingenious patterns. Queen Chand sat by her nephew, on her usual seat
+or cushion of velvet, and dressed in her usual simple fashion; but the
+King, though he wore white muslin only, had a precious jewel in his
+turban, and a necklace of large diamonds and emeralds, which flashed
+brightly whenever he moved. Before him lay a light Court sword, in a
+purple velvet sheath. He looked younger, as indeed he was by three
+years, than Abbas Khan, who, with other officers of the private Court,
+stood rather behind and to one side of the Royal dais; but he was of
+slighter make, while his features, though delicate, were of darker
+colour than those of Abbas Khan, whose complexion was almost ruddy.
+
+A little lower, on the first broad step or platform of the dais, sat
+the old Syud, Luteef Shah Wallee, in the place of honour nearest to
+the King and Queen; and just behind him, indeed touching him, the
+slight form of Zora, dressed in her ordinary coarse garb, was seen
+covering her face as well as she could from the earnest and curious
+glances of those who, were wondering, as before, at her presence
+among so large a company of men. Behind her was the priest, Francis
+d'Almeida, who cheered her every now and then; but his sister, for
+whom Zora was longing, sat above in the Queen's balcony with the other
+ladies-in-waiting and servants. The hall itself appeared the same as on
+the first day we saw it, except that the dresses of the courtiers were
+not of a military character, but of simple white muslin, crossed by a
+baldrick of gold lace or tissue, which was intended to hold a sword;
+but such weapons were carried in the hand, while a knife or dagger
+with jewelled hilt was stuck into the muslin girdle.
+
+When all the presentations had concluded, the King, having had silence
+proclaimed, spoke with a firm voice, and said, "Listen, O ye nobles and
+Ministers of the State! Sundry accusations have been made against Osman
+Beg, son of the brave Sooltan Beg, and we have caused him to be present
+here, before us, before the law officers of the State, and before his
+equals and superiors in rank. Let no one, therefore, say that this
+investigation was held secretly, or otherwise than in the sight of the
+Lord on high, and the day-beams of justice. Let, therefore, Osman Beg
+be brought hither, and let him reply to these accusations."
+
+The old Syud could not see him, we know, but he stood directly in front
+of Zora as he entered, accompanied by a party of the Kotwal's guards,
+and proclamation was made by the Mohur that Osman Beg, Turcoman, stood
+before the throne. The prisoner then made a deep obeisance to the King
+and Queen, which was not returned by either, but to those assembled he
+made no gesture of salute. He looked round defiantly as he crossed his
+arms, and then, letting them drop to his sides, again saluted the King
+slightly, and said with a firm voice, "I am present, O King, to hear
+any accusation."
+
+At the sound of his well-remembered tones Zora shuddered, for the
+events of the last night she had seen him were too fresh in her memory
+to be forgotten. But it was not a shudder of fear, it was rather a
+repellent action as against a foul reptile, and her cheeks flushed, and
+her tiny white teeth were set as if in resolution.
+
+Then the chief Kazee spoke from his seat, and said, "This is a case of
+treachery, O King, against thee, and thy person, kingdom, and security.
+These letters were found on the person of the Abyssinian slain in the
+combat of ordeal, and are addressed to Elias Khan, who died in battle.
+Osman Beg, in the name of the King, I ask thee if these are truly thine
+own; look at them."
+
+Osman Beg was not allowed to touch them, but they were held near his
+face and turned in every possible direction. There were many of them,
+the date and purport of each being read aloud by a scribe present.
+
+What could he do or say? the writing was sometimes his own, sometimes
+that of his confidential scribe. All the seals were his, and
+corresponded exactly with that he wore on his finger as a ring. He
+appeared to become weary of these documents being read, and handed
+about to receive the criticisms of others; and, with an impatient
+exclamation, for which he was reproved by the ushers, and admonished to
+be more respectful, he said, "Do not trouble yourself, Kazee Sahib, the
+letters are all mine; I deny them not."
+
+"Then I will read one, only one, for His Majesty to hear," was the
+reply; and, standing up, the Kazee selected one and read it so that all
+could hear. It was to Elias Khan, stating that the Padre at Moodgul,
+Dom Diego, had agreed to all conditions; that three thousand Europeans
+were ready at Goa; and that when Eyn-ool-Moolk was prepared he should
+deliver over the fort to any officers they might send, when he would
+join them; and, having overpowered Abbas Khan's detachment, they would
+march rapidly upon Beejapoor, put Chand Beebee to death, and take
+possession of the treasury and the capital; while another party, led
+by himself or Elias Khan, should pursue the King and bring him to
+Beejapoor, or execute him in camp, as might be most expedient.
+
+The Kazee could read no more, for there arose a shout in the assembly
+of "Let the traitor die! Send for the executioner! Away with him!"
+
+But Osman Beg turned in defiance to them all. "Dogs!" he cried, "all
+this would have been, and more, had Eyn-ool-Moolk not been slain, as
+Elias Khan was, by treachery. Ay! and ye know it, one and all of this
+assembly. What I have done, I have done; and what has happened is my
+fate. Yes, if ye wish to know what the Padre at Moodgul did, and wanted
+to do, get some one to read his letters. He was a brave fellow that,
+and would have struck in for us. Very different from the other, who, I
+hear, is in Beejapoor; he was too great a coward to be a traitor."
+
+"He confesses before the King, and before God and men, that he was
+prepared to do all that is written in these letters by his own hand;
+and the law is that the punishment is death," cried the Kazee.
+
+"My lord! my King!" cried Abbas Khan, as he saw the King was about to
+speak; and had he declared judgment, there would have been no delay
+in execution, "I cry for mercy and pardon. When I was ill and near to
+death in Juldroog he was kind to me; he not only gave me protection,
+but attended me as a brother. My King, he is my cousin, and we have
+played together when we were children; nor was my King absent. For the
+sake of his noble father, spare his life!"
+
+Osman Beg answered not a word. He stood, as he had done hitherto, with
+his arms crossed defiantly, looking now to the Kazee, now to the King,
+and now to his cousin, apparently defying all.
+
+"Of a truth thou deservest death, Osman Beg. Thou wouldst have, by
+thine own writing, put my venerable aunt, beloved of all"--and the
+people cried "Ameen! Ameen!"--"to a cruel death. Thou wouldst have
+slain me and thy cousin, Abbas Khan; and thou wouldst have prolonged
+war and misery in our kingdom. But it pleased Alla, the just and
+merciful, to frustrate all thy plots, and to bring them to naught; and
+for the sake of thine aged father, who fought beside Humeed Khan in the
+last desperate fight, and, when others fled, refused to fly with them,
+and still rallied men round his standard, we, in the name of the Most
+High, whose Regent we are over this people, give thee thy life; for He
+hath spared His servant through fields of carnage; and we would not, on
+the first day of taking our seat on the throne of our ancestors, stain
+it with blood. But thou art disgraced; thy rank and thy estates are
+confiscated; and thou canst stay here no longer. If thou, Osman Beg,
+returnest under any pretence, remember, the Kazee's just sentence shall
+at once be carried out. Hyat Khan, see that he be removed and banished,
+conducted ten coss beyond the frontier, and let to go whither he will."
+
+Osman Beg did not move. He glared around him with defiance still, and,
+looking at the King, cried out, "I go, as thou wilt have it, King
+Ibrahim; nor will I return to disgrace and dishonour. But, before
+I depart, I claim justice at thy hands, justice which thy meanest
+subjects may claim from thee. Give me my wife. Take honour, rank,
+estates, what thou wilt, but give me my wife whom I see sitting there
+with the Dervish of Juldroog. There!" he shouted, as he pointed his
+finger at Zora; "there! she is mine by the law, and I claim her under
+the law. Give her to me and I depart, and leave only my curse behind
+me."
+
+Then arose another shout, more fierce, more prolonged than the first.
+"He has forfeited clemency; he has insulted the holy saint. Let him
+die!"
+
+"Is it so, Huzrut?" said the King, addressing himself to the old Syud,
+as soon as silence had been proclaimed; "is it so? Speak, or let the
+child speak. Fear not, maiden," he continued, in a soothing voice
+to Zora; "thou art in God's presence, and the King's; speak as thou
+wouldst do, and wilt do, in the day of judgment."
+
+"I have no complaint against him, my lord," replied the Syud. "For what
+he did to my child when we were under him at Juldroog, he will answer
+to God, who mercifully protected and delivered my child and me from
+cruelty and insults. All that is past now, and we are here in safety;
+and, for my own part, he is now forgiven. I say, then, leave him to the
+Lord's will. Ask her, she will not be ashamed to say the truth, even in
+the midst of thousands of men. Rise, then, Zora, and the Lord will give
+thee strength, my child. Thou art a Syud, and a Syud's honour trembles
+not before righteous judges. Men will not so much as look at thee,
+child; for a Syud's honour is as precious to them as it is to me and
+thyself."
+
+"Fear not, Zora-bee," said the King, gently, "we are all thy
+grandfather's friends and thine; but Osman Beg hath demanded thee as
+his wife, and should have his reply from thyself, for thy honour's
+sake. Speak, and fear not."
+
+Zora had trembled with shame and indignation as Osman Beg made his
+demand, at once so appalling and disgraceful to her. Her breast heaved
+with sobs, her eyes grew hot, and scalding tears fell from them over
+her burning cheeks. She felt as though she would have choked and died.
+But the girl's undaunted courage did not fail her even in that dire
+extremity, and the solemn adjuration of her grandfather and the gentle
+words of the King stimulated her and assured her; and hastily brushing
+away the tears which still glistened on her cheeks, and murmuring a
+silent prayer, she rose to her feet with a calmness she had little
+expected, and a kind of dread silence fell on the assembly at a scene
+so novel and so strange. Above, in the Queen's balcony, she heard a
+low clapping of hands, which gave her courage; and the Queen Dowager's
+encouragement of "Fear not, daughter, no harm can come to thee," was
+timidly acknowledged by a grateful look and reverence.
+
+As she cast her eyes around, she saw that men's faces were averted from
+her, and many heads bowed down; but opposite to her stood Abbas Khan,
+his features quivering with excitement, and his eyes as if striving to
+catch hers and give her strength; while near the centre of the hall
+stood Osman Beg, glaring on her defiantly, with a horrible expression
+of anticipated triumph, which thrilled through her, but from which she
+did not blench.
+
+Those who saw her remembered for years afterwards the simple, modest
+figure, dressed in clothes hardly better than those of a peasant, and
+the beautiful but excited face of the maiden. And those who did not
+dare to look on her, heard only the tones of her soft musical voice,
+which penetrated to every ear, and, indeed, to every heart of the many
+who heard it.
+
+"Before the Lord God, and ye who hear me," she said, slowly, "I am
+not his wife; and I have witnesses that I am not. I see the Moolla
+of Juldroog, who has known me from my birth, sitting yonder. Let him
+speak, if he be allowed." And as the King assented and signed to him,
+the old man rose.
+
+"It is the truth, O King and brethren. I was summoned before the
+Nawab one evening to perform a nika between him and Zora-bee, which
+I thought strange. But I found the whole affair a mockery, and a
+shameful violation of all law and custom. Zora was imprisoned under
+charge of two women from Moodgul, and I called for her in vain. Osman
+Beg dare not produce her. There was no one to represent her. And to
+expect me, a humble priest of God, to perform a mock marriage to cover
+his violence, was an insult to me; and I rose and left the assembly,
+every respectable person in it accompanying me and guarding me. Next
+day messengers were sent in every direction to obtain a Moolla, but
+none arrived until Zora-bee and the old Syud had escaped. There was no
+marriage, O King and brethren; and he lies before God who says there
+was."
+
+"He lies!" cried Osman Beg, furiously; "he lies. She, standing there
+shamelessly, had come to me before, and what I did was to save her
+shame--the shame of a holy Syud, whom I respected."
+
+This pitiless speech affected the assembly deeply. The Moolla's
+evidence had carried conviction to every heart; but was this terrible
+accusation true? Some even seemed to lose faith in the girl, but her
+faculties were now strung to the highest tension, and her spirit seemed
+to rise with the increasing danger of her situation, as she cried,--
+
+"He says I am shameless, and that I came to him of my own will. Let his
+slave Jooma, who stands yonder, say what happened."
+
+Jooma, who with other witnesses had been brought from Juldroog, being
+now called by the usher, stepped forward and made a humble prostration;
+then rose, and joining his hands, said,--
+
+"Let my master do me no harm, O King, and I will speak the truth."
+
+"No one can harm thee," replied the Kazee for the King. "Speak truly,
+and without fear."
+
+"He," and he pointed to Osman Beg, "had often asked me to bring
+Zora-bee to him; but I had played with the child, and gathered flowers
+for her, and I always refused; and he threatened me. One day he ordered
+two other slaves like me to bring her, and when they refused, he
+drew his sword and slew one, and a eunuch, who has run away, killed
+the other; and their bodies were flung into a hole in the rocks, and
+are there still. Their blood was wet on the rocks when he sent for
+me, and he had his bloody sword in his hand. 'Go, and bring Zora,'
+he said, 'else thou shalt die!' And I was afraid; God forgive me for
+being afraid, and I bowed my head, and said, 'On my head and eyes be
+it.' And I took another slave with me, who knew nothing about it; and
+we went to watch for the girl, and saw her come to the bastion she
+loved, with Ahmed. Then we went down to them, and I sent Ahmed away
+on a false message. Zora was never afraid of me. When Ahmed was gone,
+I seized her, and she screamed; and I tied her up with my waist-band,
+and we took her to the palace in a black blanket; and I carried her in
+my arms, and laid her down on a bed where the Mamas were. Oh, my lord
+King, I did wrong," continued the man, blubbering, as he cast himself
+on the ground; "and if Zora is to die, kill me also, for it was I that
+did all the mischief. Not anyone else but me, because he said he would
+slay me as he had slain the others. Their bones are in the hole, and
+the new Killadar tried to get them out, but he could not. Ask him."
+
+"As if a master could not slay an insolent slave whom he had bought
+with his own money," cried Osman Beg, scornfully. "And can such as he
+be believed against a true Moslem's word? I say he lies, there was no
+force; and she came when I sent him to call her."
+
+It was well for Zora, then, that Osman Beg's cook, whom we may
+remember, had also been brought. She now stepped forward, and said,
+simply, "Jooma speaks the truth; Zora-bee was brought into the harem
+tied up in a blanket, and I saw Mama Luteefa and her servant untying
+her. I went from the kitchen to look, as every one was saying the Nawab
+had had Zora carried off, and was going to marry her; and I was ordered
+to cook pilao for the company. And, for the matter of that," continued
+the old woman, as she looked round confidently, as many cries of
+"Shahbash! well done!" fell on her ears, "every one in the palace knew
+it; every one in the fort. Why, I could name a score, yea, a hundred,
+who knew it too. Why don't they speak out like me? His wife, indeed!
+She was as much married to him as I was; and she is as pure now as
+when she was born. Does the Nawab think any one could have come to him
+without my knowledge? Shookr! he should be beaten on the mouth with a
+shoe for all he is a Nawab. Ask Goolab-bee, the pan woman; she was with
+Zora and the two Mamas of Moodgul all the night Zora was carried off by
+Runga Naik, and kept her safely as her own child."
+
+"We need hear no more, my friends," said the King. "For my own part I
+am satisfied. Yet I ask her once more if she hath aught to adduce?"
+
+"Only these papers," she said, timidly, "which my grandfather told me
+to preserve. This is the letter he wrote, and sent by Mama Luteefa to
+Korikul. It bears his seal, and is in his own hand; and he says he will
+come to us and have the marriage done. The second is the deed he gave
+to the robber who had instructions to carry me off from Kukeyra, and
+who was killed; and with it is also the letter he wrote to the Kazee
+of Kembavee, asking him to come and marry me to him. Oh, my King and
+my lord, why should he have selected me, a poor orphan and a Fakeer,
+for this persecution, from which the Lord saved me many times? Even at
+Kokutnoor I had not escaped from the robbers but for the heavy rain
+that the Lord sent. If I had been guilty and shameless, as he declares
+I was, would the Lord have helped me? If I had been married to him, as
+he declares, why ask for me again? Why ask the good Kazee of Kembavee
+to marry him to me? I am ashamed to speak so much," she continued,
+timidly, "but her honour is dearer to a Syud's child than her life. I
+had not thought to complain, and I make no complaint. I have forgiven
+him freely, as I forgive him now; and I would have been silent, but
+when he said I was shameless, could I be silent? I have no father, no
+mother, my lord, but you and the Queen. I am but a poor orphan crying
+to you both for justice before the Lord."
+
+The reading of the several papers produced had, to all appearance,
+silenced Osman Beg, and his head drooped on his chest despairingly; yet
+still, beaten back on every point, he made one more last effort.
+
+"If I produce the Moolla who married me," he said, scornfully, "will ye
+be content? Stand forth, Moolla Aboo Bukr, and speak for me."
+
+"I, your slave, will speak the truth, master," he said, removing the
+false beard he wore; and then prostrating himself before the King,
+cried, "May I be your sacrifice, O King, but I am not even one of the
+faithful; I am only a Hindoo, a poor buffoon, who frequents marriages
+and festivals, and tries to amuse people. The night Zora-bee was to be
+married, and when thy servant found the Moolla walked away in a huff,
+and we sat looking at each other like owls, I clapped on my beard and
+wagged it, and said, 'Good people, let me marry them;' and, God pardon
+me, I tried to recite----"
+
+"Enough! enough! this is no time or place for thy buffoonery," cried
+the King, who, however grave the occasion, could hardly keep his
+countenance. "Away from the presence. Is the Khan mad, mother, that he
+tried this last resource?"
+
+"I know not," said the Queen; "but I long to embrace that brave child,
+who shall be as a daughter to me henceforth." The Queen had been
+sobbing as she sat, and her face was wet with tears. "Come to me,
+Zora," she said gently to her, "and I will acknowledge thee before
+them;" and the girl, who had sat down weeping tears which soothed and
+relieved her, whispered to her grandfather that the Queen needed her,
+and rising, passed behind the throne to the Queen Dowager's seat; and
+the Royal lady, placing her hands on the girl's head, rose up, and said
+to all present, as Zora stood beside her, "This child the Lord hath
+preserved from danger and ruin, and she is pure, and a holy Syudanee.
+She is an orphan, moreover, and her revered grandfather, Syud Luteef
+Shah Wallee, is old and infirm. Therefore, we, our lord the King and
+myself, adopt her as our daughter, and will marry her honourably in
+her own rank. As for that man," and she pointed to Osman Beg, "my lord
+the King will deal with him as he deserves." And then once more the
+great hall rung with cries of "Justice is done! May Chand Beebee live
+a hundred years!" "Hear the gracious words she speaks!" and the like;
+till, at a signal from the King, the usher again enforced silence.
+But before he could speak, an aged man, whose figure was still firm
+and erect, rose, and advanced to the foot of the throne, where, after
+prostrating himself and kissing the King's feet, he took the sword he
+had carried in his hand, and laying it in his muslin handkerchief,
+offered it to the King. It was Adam Khan, Turcoman, the father of
+Osman, who thus spoke in broken accents,--
+
+"Say no more, my lord and my King. Spare me, the aged servant of thy
+house, one who was serving Ibrahim Adil Shah when the venerable Syud
+suffered. Say no more, for my honour's sake, for I have fought and bled
+for thee. I speak not for him, my unworthy son; but I admit his guilt
+against you, my lord, and my Queen, and against that poor orphan, whose
+father served under me, and died in battle. Yea, my lord, and my Queen,
+I admit the guilt freely, and ye have been witness to its proof. So
+justice has been done before the Lord, and though I suffer, I rejoice.
+Now, therefore, my King, if thou hast given this wretch his life, let
+us go. I have no tie to life, nor children, nor wife, nor any one. Let
+us go, then, to Mecca, where he may pray for pardon to the Messenger,
+who will accept his penitence. The ship from Choule is about to sail,
+and we will depart, and our shame and dishonour may be forgiven. But
+take this poor memorial of the service of one who hath been faithful,
+whom thy Royal mother knoweth to be faithful. I leave to thee the
+estates I hold, but, with permission, all my command with the horses
+and men I give to Abbas Khan, nephew of the brave Humeed Khan."
+
+"Peace, father!" said his son; "humble thyself no more. One more chance
+of justice is open to all. Hath this girl any champion to undertake her
+defence? Men's tongues are swayed by a breath of opinion, but sharp
+steel is the true arbiter. Again, therefore, I claim her as my wife,
+let who will be her champion."
+
+Then a number of fiery young men started up; but among them all Abbas
+Khan was the calmest, stateliest, and most remarkable. "I owe my life
+to that poor orphan," he said, "and I should be unworthy if I refused
+her aid in her need. Listen, Osman Beg; though I have partaken of thy
+hospitality, thou must accept me in the ordeal if thou persist in
+claiming her."
+
+"I accept!" cried Osman Beg, "On foot or horseback, with armour or
+without, I claim thee, and thee only. The day is yet young, the field
+where the Abyssinian died is open. Come! thou art welcome; and if thou
+refuse, thou art a coward and a liar!"
+
+"Silence!" cried the King, angrily; "an honourable man can only fight
+with one of equal honour. Thou, Osman Beg, art one whose life hath been
+far-famed for treachery; whose honour hath yielded before falsehood,
+and become a thing for honest men to spit on. Away! go to the holy
+Kibleh with thine honoured father; haply the Lord may give thee grace
+to repent. Champion! nay, she needeth none; hath not the Lord been her
+champion in preserving her from thee? Hyat Khan, remove him; see that
+he is guarded and escorted with his father to the ship for Mecca."
+
+"It is my destiny," murmured Osman Beg, as he retreated. "Must I go?
+But I will not cease to pursue her while I have life; and my revenge
+will only sleep, only sleep."
+
+"And now, sirs, we have detained you long," said the King; "but we
+dismiss ye with our thanks, and grateful to the Lord, also, that He
+hath manifested His justice in the protection of an orphan child."
+
+Till the Queen rose, Zora had been sitting beside her, but her mind was
+in a strange condition. What she had said, how the people had clapped
+their hands and shouted for her; how she had escaped from the deadly
+danger, worse than death, which had threatened her; what the King and
+Queen Chand had said to her, of all this she knew very little; but
+when Meeah, as she loved to think of him, rose up, and before all the
+assembled people declared he was her champion, her heart swelled almost
+to bursting, and she could only look at him with wistful eyes, while
+her cheeks burned painfully and her breath came in gasps. Meeah! he was
+true; he had not forgotten the night watch. Meeah! he would have risked
+his life for her honour. Oh that she could throw herself at his feet
+and clasp his knees, and say----Ah! what could she have said, but that
+she loved him, that she would die for him, if needs be.
+
+She was anxious to be alone, to pray and thank God in her own simple
+fashion, to send Fatehas to all the saints' shrines; and pleading her
+duty to her grandfather, the good Queen, perceiving the girl was well
+nigh distraught, bid her go, and she would send for her presently. And
+Zora, leading the old man forth, regained their apartments quietly. And
+when he was seated in his old place, and had drunk some cool sherbet,
+he drew her to him, and said, "Child, remember this day; 'tis the end
+of my Turreequt, except the last when the angel calls me; but it is
+the beginning of thine in honour and joy. When that youth spoke, my
+heart leaped towards him; and, if the Lord will, he may lead thee to
+eternal peace."
+
+Zora could not reply, her heart was too full; and how could she mention
+Meeah? Maria came in soon after, with her brother; and while the good
+Padre stayed with his old friend, Zora and Maria withdrew to Zora's
+apartment, and in a burst of softening tears, the girl's overcharged
+spirit was relieved. Never before had Maria heard the history of Zora's
+abduction and escape, and she was amazed at the girl's endurance and
+bravery. Then Maria took her to the Queen Chand, who laid her head on
+her own bosom, and comforted her.
+
+"Thou art my daughter, now," she said, "for thou art brave and true;
+and I will be to thee a mother, grateful that God hath sent me such a
+child to love, and to be beloved by. Nay, I will not take thee from thy
+Abba, for without thee he cannot live; but I shall see thee daily, and
+there need be no reserve between us." Nor was there from thenceforth.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Under the adansonian trees the executioner had sat waiting, until their
+broad shadows stretched across the sward and were becoming longer. At
+last a messenger came and said--
+
+"Get up, O Khan, no one comes to thee to-day, and Hyat Khan bids thee
+go home."
+
+"Hai! hai! alas! alas!" said the functionary, with a sigh. "And thou
+wert so sharp, my son;" and he once more drew his weapon from its
+sheath. "He would never have felt it. Well, so let the King have mercy;
+and yet thy time will come again some day or other, O my son. Well,
+thou shalt be ready;" and with a sigh he made a deep salaam to the
+glittering weapon, and, returning it to its sheath, covered the sword
+with his scarf, and walked slowly towards the city.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+FREEDOM.
+
+
+And now there was rest and peace; but how different to that in the
+old fort, to which Zora's mind often wandered. How different grew on
+her day by day, more and more. Instead of the dreamy, uneventful life
+she used to lead, there was now excitement and active employment.
+Her constant attendance on her grandfather never relaxed; and he was
+perhaps more exacting than before--partly on account of his increasing
+infirmity, and partly because of the strange and new consciousness
+of increased dignity and importance which was growing upon him, and
+which was foreign to his naturally humble temperament. His devotional
+exercises, too, in which he was assisted by some of the priests of the
+city mosques, were much prolonged; and he was often weary and peevish,
+and on such occasions the presence of old Mamoolla and Ahmed only
+provoked him, and Zora became indispensable. Had he not, also, been
+invited to preach in the Jooma Mosque, where six thousand men of all
+ranks sat with the King to listen to him on the occasion of the King's
+first visit to that noble building, when he went to return thanks for
+the close of the war? He knew that he had moved many hearts; for
+though he lauded patriotism and bravery in war, yet he dwelt more
+strongly and more earnestly on the blessings of peace, industry,
+sobriety, and devotion; and these were themes which flowed from his
+lips spontaneously and with fervid eloquence. Many men who listened
+then, and afterwards, thought him inspired; and whether he spoke in
+the rough Dekhani dialect, or in the softer Persian, he was equally
+impressive. Hundreds became his devoted followers, and I fear the burly
+high priest's influence decreased in proportion.
+
+From the high priest issued the hardest doctrines of Islam: the most
+difficult metaphysical arguments that learned commentators had ever
+supplied. The learning and study they displayed were wonderful, and
+immeasurably exceeded that of the old Dervish; but they were hard to
+comprehend, and to the uninitiated utterly unintelligible, whereas
+those of our old friend were sweet and consoling, encouraging to good
+works and love to men, as well as to love to God. Hence there arose
+two factions, as it were, in the city, which on any and every occasion
+were ready to divide into opposing portions; and Luteef Shah Wallee was
+denounced as an heretical and misleading preacher, not belonging to any
+saintly family, who neglected to preach damnation to unbelievers, but
+sought to win them by kindness, which was contrary to the texts and
+doctrines of the blessed Koran; and thus, when he had expected peace,
+our old friend found strife, which as time passed grew more bitter.
+
+But it was pleasant, nevertheless, after such services, to receive the
+visits of his friends. And even some of his contemporaries, Ekhlas
+Khan, the blind old minister, several of the physicians and lawyers,
+some of the local nobility, and men of learning, enrolled themselves
+among his disciples, and sat at his feet, enjoying the words which fell
+from his lips with true zest. And as to the common people, there were
+many likewise, but the majority still adhered to the old _regime_; and
+the precincts of the Chishtee Palace and cemetery, which were in the
+centre of the city outside the walls, were as crowded as usual. The
+Chishtee priest had, too, many subordinate ministers, who gathered in
+his revenues from vows, oblations, and performances of ceremonials in
+thousands of families; and the shrine was richly endowed besides by
+estates and charged on many collections of revenue. But our old friend
+had none of these, and desired none. All he received he gave away in
+charity to the poor at the great mosque, and sent to other mosques
+in the city, and to the almshouse, and the public hospitals, and
+travellers' rest houses. And he had no ambition to do more; certainly
+none to become rich; for the King had enriched him far beyond his
+requirements, and collections from the estates were beginning to come
+in. What was he to do with them? He had no wants, for the ordinary
+allowance at the fort was sufficient for food and clothes, and the
+expense and maintenance of a household were unknown both to him and
+Zora.
+
+Zora, too, had her separate duties, apart from those connected with
+her grandfather. Rising early, she frequently joined Queen Chand for
+the first morning prayer, and then assisted her by writing fair copies
+of the drafts she had made over night; and when Abba rose, she was
+informed of it, and was allowed to go to assist him. Sometimes she
+sang to the Queen the few things she knew, or did embroidery for her.
+And the Queen liked Zora's beyond that of all her other maidens, and
+entrusted her with the finishing of a precious and costly piece in seed
+pearls on velvet, which was to be sent as an offering to Mecca, some of
+the most delicate parts of which had been done by herself. Sometimes,
+too, she read aloud, while the Queen worked, from such books as she
+had studied under her grandfather, and learned from him the proper
+rhythm and emphasis. And Zora's ear was so correct, and her cadence
+so musical, that it was like a sweet song, or a chaunt, or a spirited
+declamation, as the subject required.
+
+Every day, too, while the Queen took her noonday rest, Zora's time was
+her own; and Maria came to her, and they sat under a great fig-tree
+which flourished in the little garden, and held sweet communion with
+each other, or worked. Zora, though comparatively little time had
+passed, was not now the shy, simple child Maria had loved at Juldroog.
+She found the girl's character developed and strengthened by contact
+with the world without, and by the experience, rough and sad as it had
+been, that she had endured in the wild persecution of Osman Beg, and
+the society of those with whom she had come in contact since she had
+left the fort. Over and over again had Maria requested her to tell the
+story of her escape from Osman Beg's treachery and violence; and she
+could follow it all, from the seat on the well-remembered bastion,
+with the grand ravine and cataract before it, to the final scene of
+the trial, of which she had been a spectator from the Queen's balcony,
+and estimate with wonder and admiration, and with many a sympathetic
+tear and sob, the young girl's fortitude and endurance. She could
+estimate, too, Zora's dread that she might still, by some unknown
+chance, fall into this ruthless man's hands; and Maria would soothe and
+calm her, bidding her trust in the Lord, and in the powerful friends
+that had been given to her. The one was a humble Christian, the other a
+Mussulman girl. Yet, in the sympathy and love that united them, there
+was nothing wanting. Sometimes, too, they now spoke of "Meeah," for
+Maria could not but discern, from his behaviour at the trial, that the
+young man loved Zora fondly, and even passionately; and Zora would
+listen to the few words Maria said on the subject with a fond and even
+sad interest, hiding her burning face in Maria's bosom, with secret
+hope and yet with trembling dread. Her one hope in life lay with him,
+for Abba was declining in strength, and he was over-taxing a mind and
+frame which had been so long unexercised, and that she knew must bring
+with it the inevitable consequence of death. Till that time came she
+declared that not even Meeah should separate her from the fondly loved
+old man; and Maria could understand, however great the temptation, that
+her vow would not be broken.
+
+But Abbas Khan himself was not free from embarrassment in regard to
+taking any formal step towards Zora. Years ago, when his uncle was by
+no means so rich as he was at present, and his brother, Abbas Khan's
+father, had been only a Silladar, or owner of a few horses in the Royal
+Dekhani cavalry, his little son had been betrothed to the daughter
+of a comrade of the same rank as himself in the army, of Abyssinian
+descent, but whose estates rendered his daughter, Sukeena, a desirable
+connection in the consideration of many families of Beejapoor,
+notwithstanding the report that Sukeena-bee was very forbidding both
+in person and features. She was, indeed, both lame and deformed; and
+was in addition so ugly, that she was known by a sobriquet by no means
+complimentary. Sukeena's mother was descended from a Nubian family,
+which had again intermarried with Abyssinians. But it was not from this
+cause alone that Sukeena's appearance was forbidding; her father was a
+very plain and somewhat humpbacked man; her grandmother, the daughter
+of one of the Abyssinian noblemen, had been only too glad to dispose
+of a singularly ugly daughter to a respectable man, and gave with her
+a dower of property which, as he said, endowed the Lady Fyzun with
+a beauty more precious and more lasting than that of a pretty face.
+From this union had resulted one daughter only, the girl who had been
+betrothed in her early childhood to Abbas Khan.
+
+Neither Humeed Khan, Abbas Khan's uncle, nor his wife, the Lady Fatima,
+had been parties to this early betrothal. When it took place they
+were at a distance; but when the Lady Fatima returned to Beejapoor,
+her nephew's father and mother had both died. For a time, the Queen
+Chand had adopted the orphan boy, and he shared in the instruction
+of the young King; but afterwards Abbas Khan had returned to his
+uncle's house, and taken his place in the Royal service. Considering
+the connection which already existed by betrothment, it would have
+been impossible for the Lady Fatima to have avoided the Lady Fyzun
+and her daughter. Both husbands were absent at the war, with the
+King. Sukeena's father, notwithstanding his partial deformity, was,
+as is often seen to be the case, a man of immense strength and ever
+conspicuous bravery, and he had risen to a rank considerably higher
+than it was at the time of the old betrothal. In point, therefore, of
+social condition the families were pretty equal, though the Abyssinian
+lady claimed precedence in consequence of her descent from a long line
+of ministers and generals, who had attained rank and power in the days
+of the Bahmuny dynasty at Gulburgah and Beeder.
+
+From the period of her return to Beejapoor, the Lady Fatima had been
+obliged to offer civilities to the Lady Fyzun, which, of course,
+included her daughter; and the Lady Fyzun was a woman not only of
+excessive pride, but of extremely sharp, disagreeable temper, and,
+moreover, very parsimonious. Her husband, poor man, was especially mild
+and good-natured, and, if he could have managed it, would have got away
+as far as was possible from his wife at all times. But at a season like
+the present, when the whole army had returned from a campaign, and
+there seemed to be neither possibility nor probability of the renewal
+of war, Zyn Khan, for that was his name, was obliged to remain at home,
+and to submit to his wife's conduct and remarks with all the patience
+and equanimity he could command. After more than two years of respite,
+his trials recommenced the day of the King's triumphal entry.
+
+The Lady Fyzun was, as I have already remarked, very economical. The
+house-steward and the clerks who kept the house accounts could never
+satisfy her as to the expenditure of the cook, or the daroghas of the
+kitchen and stables. She was at perpetual war with them. Too much
+butter, or meat, or onions and garlic, or vegetables, were surely
+used for cooking the domestic daily food. The horses ate too much
+grain and fodder; the slaves and eunuchs wore out their clothes too
+fast. In short, these were, and had been, subjects of altercation for
+years, and were by no means worn out. Now the morning of the King's
+arrival was a fast day, though not one of a rigid character, and few,
+especially on an occasion like this, would have observed it at all;
+but Fyzun-bee had no idea of allowing laxity of religious observances.
+She kept the Rumzan and Mohorum with a positively fearful exactitude,
+and starved herself, her daughter, and her household to the very
+verge of endurance. On the other hand, on joyful anniversaries, when
+a liberal addition of savoury food was made to the daily allowance
+by every, even the poorest, housewife, Fyzun-bee's feast was of the
+smallest dimensions and humblest character. Sweetmeats were not made
+in the house of good sugar-candy and fresh butter, but ordered from
+the confectioners, who sent, according to order, the coarsest, and but
+little of them. In the pilao, the cook was restricted in the use of
+ghee, spice, and meat; camel and even buffalo flesh was used instead of
+good fat mutton; and the cook, who was really a mistress of her art,
+would, had she not been a slave, have no doubt sought a more liberal
+mistress in sheer vexation.
+
+Zyn Khan had ridden with the King's throng of courtiers and officers in
+the entrance procession. He had attended the durbar, and had been thus
+detained till late in the day; he was, therefore, not only extremely
+tired, but hungry to boot; and though he expected no delicacies at
+home, yet he felt sure that there would be food at least, and perhaps
+the cook might do something special for him. He had left the durbar in
+company with his friends Humeed Khan and Abbas Khan, and at the gate
+of their mansion had parted with them. Then, as they separated, Humeed
+Khan had said to him, good humouredly, "If the fast is observed to-day
+in thy house, come to us, brother; nay, stay now if thou wilt, with a
+hearty welcome."
+
+Now, though only at the gate, the fragrant scent of savoury food had
+already reached him, for it was to be a feast for many of the inferior
+officers and men of Humeed Khan's household troops, which would be a
+warranty that there were better dishes beyond that; and Zyn Khan's
+hunger increased, while his mouth fairly watered. But to eat in a
+stranger's house just after a long absence would be a positive affront
+to his wife, of whom he stood in awe, and he passed on to the reception
+that awaited him. Certainly all the servants were at their posts. There
+were trays of offerings, and lighted lamps waved over him; the women
+servants and eunuchs chaunted a discordant welcome; but his nose was
+regaled by no savoury smell; and, on passing the door of the kitchen
+court, he looked in, and beheld the old cook and her two assistant
+girls sitting dolefully on the step of the kitchen itself; and as
+they got up and waved their arms towards him, cracking their knuckles
+against their cheeks, he returned the salute by crying out, "The peace
+of God on you, Mama Leila; I trust you have something good for your
+hungry master."
+
+"On the contrary, my lord," returned the woman, with a spiteful accent;
+"no firewood and no food have been allowed me to-day, else thou
+shouldst have eaten well."
+
+Zyn Khan was really angry. "No firewood and no food have been given
+Leila-bee to-day," he cried, regardless of the approach and salutation
+of his wife and daughter. "No food! and I have this day ridden ten coss
+(twenty miles), and been out in the hot sun all the time, and attended
+the King's durbar, without a morsel to eat. And this is my welcome
+after two years' absence. Fyzun! art thou not ashamed, O wife?"
+
+"I ashamed! I, the descendant of Princes and Ministers, ashamed of
+keeping the holy fast, and of the service of Alla, instead of thy
+greedy belly. Touba! Touba! As-tagh-fur-oolla! Shame, and God forbid
+that I should hear such words from the father of thy daughter Sukeena!
+No; there is no food and no fire in the house to-day for gluttons; let
+them meditate on the saints, and feed on spiritual food, like true
+men of Islam. Be satisfied, O Khan, that I, thy wife, and thy beloved
+daughter, are in the same condition as thyself, fasting for the love
+of Alla and the saints. Thou canst bathe and refresh thyself, for hot
+water is ready for thee in the bath, and I will see (for the expression
+of his face was far from amiable) and get some confection which may
+stay thy hunger till night."
+
+"Till night!" groaned Zyn Khan; "till night! Is this how thy mother
+teaches thee, Sukeena-bee? I would not be thy husband, girl." These
+were the first words he had spoken to her, and as he uttered them he
+looked over the ungainly, crooked form, the sour, ugly features, and
+the really mean clothing of his daughter. In his heart he compared her
+to the simple, lovely girl he had seen with the old saint who had so
+mysteriously reappeared. "Were I Abbas Khan," he thought, "they might
+cut me in pieces ere I would consent to mate with one like Sukeena,
+while a girl like the saint's granddaughter was within possibility of
+attainment. No, it can never be. And what does it matter to Sukeena;
+her money will attract some one."
+
+"What art thou saying, father?" asked his daughter. "Thy lips move, but
+no words come forth."
+
+"I was saying," returned her father, bitterly, "that if thou hadst met
+me with a cheerful face, brought me a pleasant breakfast, and behaved
+thyself like a loving daughter, I should have patted thee on the head
+and become more reconciled to thy ugly face. Well! ugly it always was,
+and that is no fault of thine. Nay, do not cry; but two years have made
+it sour and forbidding, and all thy wealth would not reconcile it to
+constant companionship."
+
+Then he got up suddenly, put the girl aside, and went into his bath.
+I am afraid matters there did not improve the good man's temper. The
+water had been hastily heated lukewarm, instead of hot; and it had
+been smoked with the smoke of cowdung cakes till, as the poor Khan
+said, it would take all the perfumes of a perfumer's shop to take the
+evil smell from him. He took off his armour, however, and his heavy
+riding clothes, put on a light muslin suit, went out, and sat down in
+his accustomed place.
+
+No one was there, but presently his wife appeared, leading a small
+procession, at the head of which was his daughter bearing a silver
+plate, and several women with others also covered.
+
+"Spread the cloth," said the Lady Fyzun, "and put down the dishes. Now,
+Bismilla! Khan Sahib, eat thy fill, for it is consecrated to the Lord,"
+she said with a sniff. "It was about to go forth to the shrine of the
+Chishtee saint, but I have saved some for thee."
+
+"Bismilla!" he said, as a servant removed a cover, and he expected to
+find some delicate rice milk or vermicelli, with which he would have
+been content, hungry as he was; but instead, he saw three "julaybees,"
+very old and leathery, and, moreover, much fly-blown, on the first
+plate; and on the next, two large coarse "luddoos," which smelt rancid,
+and were covered with dust, a few very dry hard dates, and two oranges
+of the peculiarly sour description used by dyers; and on the last, two
+shrivelled coarse plantains, bruised and black.
+
+"Ul-humd-ul-Illa! Praise be to God!" he exclaimed, "that my wife and
+daughter worship the saints, although they need not send them stale
+sweetmeats and sour and rotten fruits. Do not deny these delicacies to
+holy men, lady wife; but for me they are much too good, and I must seek
+plainer food elsewhere," and having delivered this speech with a kind
+of grave mock solemnity, he took up his sword, tucked it under his arm,
+and walked away.
+
+"If you are going to Humeed Khan's house to eat," cried his wife, not
+a whit abashed, "give my humble respects, and say, that when it may be
+quite convenient, I should like the matter of Sukeena-bee's marriage to
+be settled."
+
+"Oh, mother!" cried the girl, when her father had departed, "I saw
+Meeah in the procession to-day, and he is as beautiful as Yoosuf. If I
+do not marry him I shall die."
+
+I think it is very possible, if Zyn Khan had had a better reception at
+home, he would have made an attempt to carry this point. As it was,
+he arrived just as his friend Humeed Khan's cloth was being spread.
+Nothing was said but a welcome, and the hungry man sat down to a
+dinner of many savoury courses, which he enjoyed heartily, and felt
+truly grateful for. And after this, when the three men were alone, and
+pleasant fumes of fragrant tobacco were being inhaled, they discussed
+the subject of the marriage in a friendly manner.
+
+"The last words my wife said to me were, that I should settle something
+about the marriage of your nephew and my daughter; and as we can talk
+it over in a friendly manner among ourselves, perhaps we had better
+make some arrangement."
+
+"Well," said Humeed Khan, "you know it is now a very old matter, with
+which neither I nor my wife had anything to do; and we have long
+thought that, as we were not parties to the agreement, and refuse to be
+so, the issue rests with Meeah alone, who, of course, can claim your
+daughter if he chooses, and he is now responsible for his own actions.
+You had better, therefore, ask him, Khan Sahib, and I will withdraw
+while you discuss it."
+
+"No, no, no!" cried both, "stay with us; and," added Abbas Khan,
+gravely, "I have fully considered the matter, and have come to the
+conclusion that it would be better for us both that we continue to be
+separate."
+
+"And what is to become of Sukeena, Meeah? Is she never to have a
+husband?"
+
+"She has, or will have, much wealth," replied the young Khan; "and,
+as flies to honey, so, when it is known that she is free, a hundred
+suitors will send in their proposals, and you can take your choice.
+Besides, you are Abyssinians and we are Dekhanies, and such marriages
+never prosper. Have not a hundred bloody feuds arisen out of such
+affairs?"
+
+"That is true," said Zyn Khan; "and there is no saying what feud might
+not arise even at the very marriage itself. All the hot bloods of my
+people declare that as Meeah slew Elias Khan and his champion, Yacoot,
+there is a blood feud between the Dekhanies and the Abyssinians which
+may break out at any time."
+
+"Of course it might," said Humeed Khan; "and of all occasions that of a
+marriage is the most probable. My friend, not only for our own sakes,
+but for that of the State, we ought to forbid this matter; and I, for
+one, shall forbid it, leaving Meeah to pursue his own course."
+
+"Well," returned Zyn Khan, "I can guess what that will be. Sukeena-bee
+has not grown more beautiful since I left her, and I love you, Meeah,
+too well, and her too well--for is she not my only child?--to join you
+together to hate each other all your lives! The old adage, 'Pigeons
+mate with pigeons, and hawks with hawks,' suits you exactly. My dame
+can look about for one of our own clan, who are poor enough, but they
+have the breeding she likes best, and Sukeena will be rich. Now,
+Humeed Khan, do not be offended if I speak bluntly. My lady is fond of
+money, and so is Sukeena. Suppose you offer something for the marriage
+expenses, and I think it will be accepted."
+
+"Good!" cried Humeed Khan, laughing. "I will send five thousand rupees
+gladly."
+
+"And I," added Abbas Khan, "a pair of gold anklets and a pearl
+necklace."
+
+"Enough, O generous friends!" cried Zyn Khan. "There may be some
+difficulty, perhaps; but, after all, Inshalla! a man is master in his
+own household."
+
+But when he returned home, Zyn Khan did not find the matter so easy as
+he had imagined. His daughter declared she should die, and would eat
+no food. Her mother only pointed to her as she lay, and said, "Let her
+die, since thou hast not spirit enough to help her." And it was only
+when the last temptation was offered, the money and the jewels, that
+mother and daughter seemed to yield before the persistence, not to say
+obstinacy, of the master of the house.
+
+The affair, however, took nearly a month to arrange, until one day the
+parties concerned attended at the Kazee's office, in the great Adalut
+Palace, and mutual deeds of release having been interchanged, Zyn Khan
+took away with him on his elephant five bags of a thousand rupees each,
+and the beautiful anklets and pearls which Abbas Khan had presented.
+The whole had been well managed, without either public scandal or
+offence to either party. There was nothing in it which was against
+custom or law, and Abbas Khan was at last free from a connection which
+he had always dreaded. On the other hand, Sukeena-bee put on her gold
+anklets and walked about, rejoicing in the music of their tiny bells,
+and fastened on the necklace, which was declared free from defect;
+while her mother, for a time very busy among her female friends,
+at last found out a young man descended from an ancient and noble
+Abyssinian family, and the betrothment of the pair quickly followed.
+
+"If I had not fasted that day," said the Lady Fyzun, "we should not
+have secured that happy deliverance from low-bred Dekhanies."
+
+"If I had not taken the affair out of thy hands, O wife, we should have
+gone on as we were, for Abbas Khan could never have been persuaded."
+
+"Ul-humd-ul-Illa!" ejaculated the husband.
+
+"Ul-humd-ul-Illa!" echoed the dame. "Ameen! Ameen!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+CHANGES IN SOME POSITIONS.
+
+
+For some weeks there was no change in the positions of the several
+characters of our history. The Queen Dowager gradually withdrew herself
+from public duties, for she found that her nephew, the King, had
+developed strong talent both for political affairs and internal civil
+administration. Rewards and dignities had been freely distributed by
+him; and the troops, satisfied with his liberally granted donations,
+were serving loyally and steadily throughout the kingdom. There were
+no rebellions, insurrections, or feuds, nor a spot on the political
+horizon, from which there was cause for anxiety, except Ahmednugger,
+whose local affairs were by no means in a settled condition; but with
+these there was no present or pressing reason to interfere. With his
+good aunt, King Ibrahim continued on most affectionate terms. Always
+considered by him as a mother, he resorted to her for advice and
+counsel in many affairs, of which she had more experience than himself;
+and as she never displayed the least desire for interference of any
+kind, the entire harmony between them was never disturbed. The King's
+fine taste for architecture had full scope in the decoration of his
+own mausoleum, and the works attached to it, in which Francis d'Almeida
+and the humble painter often assisted him by suggestions; and with
+these, and other public undertakings, occasional hunting parties and
+short excursions, constant durbars and current business, his time was
+occupied fully and usefully.
+
+Beejapoor was then at its greatest. Owing to the presence of the
+principal portions of the army, and the cessation of war, trade had
+increased rapidly, and the general prosperity of the kingdom was as
+assuring as it was gratifying. Congratulatory letters arrived in due
+course from Golconda, Beeder, Penkonda, and other kingdoms, accompanied
+by embassies, which gave rise to many superb entertainments; and, in
+the words of a local historian, "the songs of revelry and thanksgiving,
+which the people had not heard for many years, now resounded through
+the land, and weeping was heard no more."
+
+Zora's usual life had undergone no alteration. The King would not hear
+of her grandfather's proposal to change his residence, or to build a
+house for himself in one of the Royal gardens at Torweh; and indeed,
+to Zora's great delight, he made no objection to remaining where he
+was, under the Royal roof, partaking of the King's hospitality. An
+additional court, cells, cloisters, and rooms behind them had been set
+in order for him, and in the enclosure was a small but elegant mosque
+or chapel for worship, where the old man could give his lectures to
+many scholars, both in divinity and medicine. He rarely preached in
+the great Jooma mosque now; the doing so was too great an effort for
+him, and, on every occasion, the exhaustion which followed was but too
+evident to all; and Zora was thankful when, after a more trying sermon
+than usual, the old man put his hand upon her head, and said, with a
+sigh, "Child! I can do no more abroad. I will reserve what strength is
+left to me to teach here."
+
+From that day he went forth no more, except on festival anniversaries,
+when, attended by his faithful Ahmed--for the Queen now objected to
+Zora's appearing in public--he took his place among the worshippers.
+Even the great Kureem-oo-deen Chishtee was softened, and paid "the
+saint" many visits, with a display of kindly feeling which was in
+strong contrast to the bitterness he had once shown.
+
+Zora had, therefore, more leisure, and there were now other servants
+to share Ahmed's and Mamoolla's duties. She remained most of her
+time with the Queen, as has been previously explained, who grew more
+and more attached to her day by day. Who, indeed, could resist her
+cheerful, winning disposition, her genial kindliness, and her entire
+unselfishness and devotion? while every little accomplishment she
+possessed improved by quiet exercise and study, under one of the
+Persian secretaries who, in days past, had been the King's, as well as
+Abbas Khan's, instructor.
+
+She saw little of the Queen, Taj-ool-Nissa. At first, she had been a
+constant visitor and attendant with Maria, but the Queen was afraid
+of Zora's beauty. She knew that in point of manner and of cultivation
+she was by far inferior to Zora; and she sent her a kindly message,
+through Maria, that she must not visit her except on special occasions,
+when there were entertainments to ladies at which the King could not
+be present, or when the Dowager Chand Beebee came privately to see
+her. And the Queen was right. Though her health had improved vastly
+under the priest's treatment, yet she was still a slight, perhaps
+insignificant-looking girl--pretty, now that health had given roundness
+to her form and lustre to her large dreamy eyes; yet she could not be
+compared for a moment with Zora, who, with rest, peace, and entire
+freedom from the anxiety which had hung over her till her innocence
+was proved before all, was fast attaining her full development of
+beauty; and it was impossible to compare the now handsomely dressed,
+well-cared for girl, the beloved companion and attendant of her Royal
+mistress, with the poorly, coarsely clad and uncared-for girl of the
+Fakeer's house at Juldroog. Runga Naik, too, had safely transmitted
+the box of precious articles which had been deposited with him, and in
+them Zora found many ornaments which had belonged to her grandmother
+and her mother, with some garments of cloth of gold, and handsome
+scarves; but, indeed she hardly needed them, for the kind Queen
+provided her liberally with all she required; and her grandfather was
+constantly asking her why she did not buy clothes and jewels, for were
+they not now rich? But I think the simple, natural tastes of the girl
+predominated over all love of display or of finery, and she had enough
+of the latter already.
+
+The Lady Fatima was perhaps more constantly with the Queen than any
+other lady of the city. They had been intimate friends for years, for
+the Queen's care of Abbas Khan after his parents' death, and while the
+Lady Fatima was unavoidably absent, was a strong bond between them.
+Thus the good lady had many, almost daily, opportunities of seeing
+Zora, and observing her disposition in all respects. Her husband and
+her nephew had enrolled themselves as disciples of the aged Syud, and
+thus there were already strong bonds of mutual attachment growing up
+between the families. How well did Fatima Beebee remember Meeah's words
+in his sleep after the combat; his sweet smile and sigh as he uttered
+"Zora! Zora!" in his dream. Now her husband had seen Zora. He returned
+from the durbar of the trial full of Zora's bravery--her indomitable
+spirit, and yet of her modesty. "Any other girl," he declared, "would
+have lost heart, would have sat down and wept, would have flinched from
+the sore ordeal to which Zora had been subjected, and out of which she
+had come forth so triumphantly." Yes, she was satisfied that her nephew
+had yielded to no unworthy passion, and that his love was as pure as
+her utmost hope could desire.
+
+When the trial was over, she told what she had heard to her husband,
+for Abbas Khan had not dared to tell his uncle, while they were in
+camp, more than of the sad situation of the old Syud, who had been so
+kind to him, and had left all else to chance, or, as he more reverently
+expressed himself, to the will of God; and the sudden appearance of the
+girl by the wayside with her grandfather, as the King passed them, had
+aroused all the feelings which had been his companions from the night
+Zora had watched him till the present. Still, he had said nothing. He
+knew how deeply he was involved in the old engagement of childhood,
+which could not be dissolved rudely or suddenly; but the matter should
+be arranged by the family of Zyn Khan.
+
+After a decent time had passed, and the newly arranged marriage of
+Sukeena Beebee was proclaimed, and when, in fact, her marriage day
+was fixed and invitations to it distributed, there was no occasion to
+delay; and one day, which had been chosen by the family astrologer,
+the Lady Fatima, urged by her husband, went to the Queen to ascertain
+whether Zora loved Abbas Khan, and to ask advice as to how she was to
+proceed. She did not even mention her intention to her nephew; it would
+be time enough to speak to him should all be favourable to her design,
+for she felt certain that his heart had not changed.
+
+Long before the good lady's visit, Queen Chand had discovered as much
+as she needed to know of the condition of Zora's heart. She had hardly
+entered the audience hall on the day of the King's entry, and taken
+her seat, than she saw the eyes of Abbas Khan eagerly fixed upon Zora,
+and the attempts of Zora to conceal her face; and during the events
+of the succeeding day the impression was still more vivid, rising to
+its fullest height when Abbas Khan accepted the traitor Osman Beg's
+challenge. Then, indeed, the Queen had read Zora's heart completely,
+for her wistful, earnest gaze, which she had no thought to conceal, the
+flush on her cheek and her now trembling form, betrayed emotions which
+it was impossible to hide; and from that moment the girl found a place
+in the Royal heart which filled a long existent yearning. Yet still
+she never spoke on the subject to Zora herself. She knew there was a
+serious obstacle, and whether it could be smoothed away or not seemed
+very doubtful. But the Queen's mind was more at ease after she knew
+that Abbas Khan's marriage was broken off. She could not, by reason of
+her rank, take any steps herself in what she wished; but she was ready
+at the same time to assist the union of her two children, as she called
+them, by any and every means in her power.
+
+The Lady Fatima's visit was, therefore, a joyful one to the Queen as
+soon as she understood its purport; and being a woman of practical
+mind, she did not use any circumlocution. Would there be any objection
+on behalf of Zora's grandfather, or would there be any from the girl
+herself? Had Her Majesty any other arrangement in view for Zora, or had
+the King? These formed the pith of the good lady's communication. To
+the latter, Queen Chand was enabled to give a decided and favourable
+answer. Not many days before, the King had said to her laughingly, "It
+is time, mother, that Abbas Khan was married and settled. Would not
+Zora-bee suit him exactly? They are both clever, both handsome, and
+thou wilt have the most beautiful grandchildren in Beejapoor. For my
+own part, though I have held my peace, I have been of the same mind
+ever since Osman Beg's trial; but it is thou as Meeah's mother who
+should make the first move in the matter; I can but aid thee by giving
+it my perfect approval."
+
+So, then, the first point was gained. The second was to ascertain
+whether the parties would be fortunate, and this was decided by the
+most celebrated astrologer in Beejapoor, who discovered that Abbas Khan
+was Fire, and Zora was Air, and the result would be that the utmost
+degree of love and happiness would reign between them; that Zora would
+submit herself to her husband, and that her husband would treat her
+with great kindness and affection. Such was the decree of the wise
+man; and then, horoscopes being cast, the result was that a favourable
+prognostic of the planets occurred in the course of a few days, and it
+behoved all concerned to make due preparations for the betrothal.
+
+So far the proceedings of the confederates had been eminently
+successful, and with the dear old Syud there was no difficulty. He had
+gradually become impressed with the necessity of confiding Zora to the
+care of some one whom he could consider worthy of her. In the Queen
+he knew she had obtained a kind and powerful friend and even motherly
+care and interest, but that she should be a wife was a higher desire in
+the old man's mind; but it was coupled to an almost selfish wish that
+she should not leave him alone. What should he do without her gentle,
+loving ministrations? How should he find his charms and amulets, or
+his medicines? Who could read to him or write for him? Who could
+lead him about, even in the precincts of their present home? Who, in
+short, could be the companion to him that Zora was, with her intellect
+unfolding more and more as weeks passed? He knew no young man but Abbas
+Khan--Meeah, as he always called him--and his love and respect for him
+were deep and sincere. But when Abbas Khan went to him with his uncle,
+and pleaded hard for Zora, the dear old man grieved bitterly; it seemed
+as though Zora were to be taken from him immediately, and he moaned in
+bitter grief as he rocked himself to and fro in his seat.
+
+"Does Zora know of this?" he asked. "Does she desire of her own
+free will to leave me, old and infirm as I am? I will not believe
+it; I cannot think that she has a hard heart--she who has been so
+compassionate and so devoted all her life." And it was long ere the
+young Khan and his uncle could persuade him that she was not to leave
+him, but that the betrothal would be an assurance to him that Zora's
+position would be all that he could desire after the Lord's message
+should come to him; and so, gradually, he consented, and putting his
+hands on Meeah's head blessed him and Zora, who was to be his wife.
+
+And Zora? She knew nothing of the pleasant plot against her. She had
+not known even of Abbas Khan's freedom from his former contract, much
+less of his present intentions; but her love had never changed. From
+the scenes at Juldroog up to the present time it had grown stronger. No
+one mentioned Meeah to her except Maria; but why was he ever present
+in her mind? "Well," She would say to herself, "let it be as the Lord
+wills!" and so waited the issue. Her grandfather and the Queen were too
+awful in her estimation to confide in on a subject like this. She dared
+not mention it to the Lady Fatima; that, indeed, would be like asking
+for Meeah, and would be bold and immodest; and, for the present, the
+girl waited quietly and patiently. But her suspense was not to be for
+long. The day Abbas Khan and his uncle came to her grandfather, the
+Queen, to whom she was reading, bid her put down the book and come to
+her; and, wondering, she rose and knelt by her mistress. The suddenness
+of the request had called up blushes to the lovely face, and the eyes
+of the girl were cast down. Had she offended in aught?
+
+"No, child," said the Royal lady; "but I have been thinking it is time
+thou wert married. Hast thou any preference for any one of the youths
+thou hast seen or heard of? If thou hast, tell it to me, thy mother.
+Lay thy head on my breast, and tell it to me. Thou canst trust me,
+Zora." And she held out her arms.
+
+The child was too truthful to be a coquette, and she could not resist
+the appeal. Lying in the Queen's arms, and sobbing with excitement, she
+told all, from the night of the watch to the scene of the trial, and
+how she thought Meeah would never leave her. "And many have asked Abba
+to give me away" (and she thought of the Rajah's poor secretary with
+a smile), "even the great and rich; but I refused, and Abba did not
+press me. O mother, I love Meeah! I do love him! Is it unmaidenly? Is
+it wrong? Often I have thought it was, and longed to put on the green
+dress and take its vows, but Abba always prevented me. Now do as thou
+wilt with me."
+
+"It is enough, child," returned the Queen, stroking her soft round
+cheek and kissing her forehead. "Enough for thee, and for those who
+love thee; and may the Lord bless thee, my darling! I would retire now,
+and thou wilt go to Abba and Maria." And Zora rose and went to them.
+Entering her own apartment, she found Maria there; and, falling on her
+neck, told her, with many a choking sob, what the Queen had said. Nor
+was her suspense continued. The Lady Fatima had followed her husband,
+and being announced, at once opened the subject of her visit. But Zora
+could not reply till she had seen her grandfather; and as Humeed Khan
+and his nephew had departed, and Abba had taken his noonday sleep,
+there was no one to interrupt them.
+
+I do not think I need follow the scene longer. Under their mutual
+explanations, and there was no needless reticence, Zora confessed her
+love, and was blessed by her grandfather, whom she soothed by the
+assurance that she would not leave him while he lived. As to the Lady
+Fatima, she filled Zora's mouth with sugar-candy, half smothered her
+in flowers, rubbed her hands, feet, and neck with fragrant paste of
+sandal-wood; and finally cast over Zora a rich sheet of brocaded gold
+tissue, and hung round her neck a costly necklace, as she whispered,
+"From Meeah." No professional women had been employed, and perhaps
+they were the only disappointed parties in Beejapoor; but when the pan
+leaves and spice were distributed from house to house to all the mutual
+friends of both parties, hearty congratulations followed; and even the
+female gossips of the city--who, as elsewhere, were very numerous--were
+satisfied that it was a good match.
+
+There are nearly as many ceremonies to complete a Mussulman betrothal
+as there are in a marriage; but I do not think my readers, even my lady
+readers, would care to follow them through perhaps two whole chapters,
+and will rest content in being assured that Zora's happiness and state
+in life have been secured as far as human foresight could provide, and
+that there were no more hearty or more loving wishes for her than those
+of Sister Maria and her brother Francis. We, therefore, can leave our
+old friends the Syud and Zora, now familiar with new positions and
+new hopes, full of contentment and joyful anticipation to both--more
+especially to Zora, whose mingled feelings of love, gratitude, and
+faith could perhaps have been hardly definable.
+
+Among the various letters of congratulation which reached the King
+Ibrahim was one from the Viceroy and Captain General of Goa, Dom
+Matthias de Albuquerque, which--with a valuable present of various
+kinds of arms, European manufactures, and valuables--was brought by
+a special ambassador, the Captain Don Miguel de Gama, an officer
+of respectability and consideration, well acquainted with the
+Persian language, and therefore most fitting for an ambassador. The
+ambassador's suite was not numerous; but as he rode into the city early
+one morning in a full panoply of bright steel armour, and presented
+his credentials at the public durbar in the same equipment, he created
+no little excitement. The captain, too, was of a noble, commanding
+presence, and had fought well against the Moors in many battles; and
+this specimen of the local chivalry of Goa was in every degree a good
+representative of its renown.
+
+The letter was in Portuguese, and could have been translated by the
+ambassador himself, but the King decided that our friend Francis
+d'Almeida should act as secretary and interpreter; and at the early
+durbar of the morning, after the ambassador's arrival, the worthy
+captain, in no degree abashed by the splendour around him, marched up
+the great hall, his armour clanking as he moved, and saluting King
+Ibrahim gracefully, laid his packet of letters at the King's feet.
+
+The captain had come direct to the house of the painter, and had been
+comfortably lodged. And how much had Francis and his sister to hear
+of their friends at Goa, of the proceedings of Dom Diego, and of the
+innumerable changes in the local society; but withal, there was the
+certainty that they would have to return to Goa, whether in his company
+or apart, to answer the charges which had been preferred against them
+by Dom Diego in the inquisition.
+
+And when the Viceroy's letter was read aloud by the priest, after
+congratulations upon peace and prosperity of Beejapoor since the
+detection and destruction of the conspiracy and insurrection of the
+Prince Ismail, a passage followed which related to Francis d'Almeida
+and his sister, which may be quoted:--"And furthermore, it hath been
+represented to us that a certain priest, Francis d'Almeida, and his
+sister Dona Maria, were detected in intrigues with the rebels, and
+received from them sundry large sums of money for the supply of
+European troops and cannon, which would have been an act beyond the
+bounds of goodwill and peace between us, and for which they have, very
+justly, been detained by the Government of our friend and ally, yet, as
+subjects of the kingdom of Portugal, and as Francis d'Almeida and his
+sister belong to religious orders of the Church of Christ, they should
+be permitted to answer the charges that have been made against them;
+and we, in the name of the King, our master, request that they may be
+sent to us in company with our envoy."
+
+When they returned home, Francis learned from his sister that she had
+heard all from the Queen's balcony. She was weeping, but was not cast
+down. "I knew it would come upon us sooner or later. The Church never
+sleeps, and we cannot delay compliance with this order;" for a fresh
+citation had been delivered to them requiring instant obedience. "We
+must go, brother, even to the stake, if it be the Lord's will."
+
+"I fear not, Maria. I have always thought from the first that it would
+have been best to go to Goa; and yet the inscrutable ways of Providence
+who can follow? Should we have discovered Dom Diego's letters to Osman
+Beg or Elias Khan, which on the political charge will acquit us? As
+for the rest, conscious as we are of innocence, I fear nothing. Those,
+too"--and he pointed to the translations he had made in company with
+the Brahmins of the old college in the fort--"will prove that I have
+not been lax in my work, though we have been here. No, sister, let
+us go. I am to attend the night council, and the King's reply to the
+Viceroy will be drafted."
+
+And it was all the good priest could have wished for. The King, the
+Queen Dowager, Kureem-oo-deen Chishtee, Ekhlas Khan, the Kazee, and
+some others, discussed every point of the Portuguese letter, in the
+ambassador's presence (who, divested of his armour, and dressed in
+a suit of black Genoa velvet, looked, as he was truly, a courtly
+gentleman), and every incident that had occurred at Beejapoor was
+detailed. At first the priest of Moodgul had been under suspicion; but
+that had passed away owing to the discovery of the treachery of Dom
+Diego, and he was left to be dealt with by the laws of Portugal; but
+the money he had obtained from Beejapoor subjects ought to be restored.
+
+The Queen Dowager and the King's wife, as well as Zora and the good
+Lady Fatima, were sincerely grieved by the necessity of the absence of
+their friends, and the old Syud, Meeah and his uncle, no less so. "I
+shall see thee no more, O friend," said the Syud, grasping the priest's
+hand, "Christian and Moslem we have lived together in amity, and I am
+thankful. If God will, and thou return hither, we may meet again; if
+not, the blessing of Allah be with thee and thine."
+
+And Maria, though her fortitude and her faith supported her in the
+trial, yet was sorely pained to leave her friends. Taj-ool-Nissa, who
+had become deeply attached to her, and also Zora, were in despair;
+but Maria had her own sources of comfort which never failed her, and
+a few days after, with the tears and blessings of all, she and her
+brother, well provided with palanquins and tents, and under the charge
+of an officer of the Court, who spoke Portuguese, though after a rude
+fashion, departed from the Royal city in peace.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+PROCEEDINGS AT GOA.
+
+
+It was now the beginning of October, and the rains had ceased; all
+but those occasional slight showers which lend freshness to the air,
+maintain the verdure of the later crops of grain, and furnish those
+magnificent sunsets which form the glory of the month. Supplied with
+comfortable palanquins, and well provided with horses from the Royal
+stables, Maria, her brother, and their friend the envoy, often rode
+together in the cool morning air; and Maria enjoyed heartily the
+healthful exercise to which, in the crowded city of Beejapoor, she had
+long been a stranger.
+
+And thus they sped on from day to day, accompanied by old Pedro
+and his wife, who were overjoyed at quitting the great city of the
+Moors, and beholding once more their beautiful and beloved Goa. On
+the plateau above the Ghats the scenery had been tame and monotonous;
+fine undulating plains covered with luxuriant crops of grain and
+cotton presented little for admiration or for interest; but near the
+crest, heavy forests and broken peaks of mountains furnished beautiful
+combinations of wild scenery, and the view over the broad districts
+of the Concan was inexpressibly lovely. Away in the west, the sea
+stretched to the dim horizon, and here and there the tiny white speck
+of a sail could be distinctly seen. Nearer, however, a dense white
+mist filled all the valleys and covered the plain, until the sun,
+just rising, fell upon it, causing it to glitter like a sea of molten
+silver, with occasional rugged peaks rising out of it like islands.
+Then all seemed to break up; and while some of the mist clung to the
+sides of the greater elevations, the rest gradually rose into the air
+and disappeared.
+
+From the last stage the captain envoy left them to give notice of their
+arrival. He would fain have taken the King's letter with him, and the
+presents by which it was accompanied, which consisted of vessels inlaid
+with silver and gold, cloths of gold and silver, four fine Dekhan
+horses, and an elephant; but Francis d'Almeida claimed the privilege
+of presenting these himself, especially as they were accompanied by
+Dom Diego's letters, and he was doubtful as to what use or misuse
+might be made of them. He sent, however, by the captain a letter to
+the head of the order to which he belonged, and Dona Maria another to
+the Lady Abbess of the convent of which she was a lay sister; and on
+their arrival in the city, Francis consigned his sister to the care of
+the Abbess, who received her with warm affection, for she had been now
+several years absent, and she felt in a short time at rest and at ease
+among many of her old friends and associates. In like manner Francis
+took up his residence in his old quarters; and it seemed to him that
+nothing had changed there, and that all was as peaceful as when he had
+left it several years before his sister's arrival.
+
+But within the religious society of Goa there was not peace. There were
+strivings between the orders, which the Archbishop strove to reconcile;
+and the present Viceroy, Don Matthias de Gama, a kind, benevolent man
+in the main, and an excellent and brave soldier, found it difficult at
+times to control all and keep up his own authority. Since Dom Diego's
+arrival, contention had increased. The Archbishop had been appealed
+to by the Superior of the Jesuits, to demand the surrender of Francis
+d'Almeida and his sister as contumacious heretics. Nothing less than
+their trial and execution would, he declared, satisfy the demands of
+the Holy Church, and preserve discipline in the distant Churches over
+which only a very partial supervision could be exercised. Dom Diego
+preached several public sermons in the Church of his order, in which
+the apostasy of Francis, and his sorceries and evil consorting with
+heathens and Moors, were set forth with violent eloquence; and these
+excited his hearers to a powerful degree, so that even in the Church
+they cried out, "Death to the wretch! Death to the apostate!"
+
+On the other hand, the Archbishop, who well knew Francis d'Almeida's
+value as a missionary, his power of language in addressing the
+heathen, his knowledge of native dialects, and the practical use of
+his translations and ministerial offices, defended him, and there were
+many others who followed his example. In process of these disputes,
+the Viceroy was appealed to, who declared that the case was one of
+ecclesiastical interest only; and though he was bound to assist the
+Church, yet the parties accused were beyond his jurisdiction, residing,
+or perhaps prisoners, in a powerful kingdom, with which Portugal was
+at peace; and, moreover, that in regard to the allegations against the
+priest and his sister, the Church itself was by no means unanimous
+in opinion. He declined, therefore, to take any steps in regard to
+them. If they were contumacious it was no affair of his. The Church
+could excommunicate them if it pleased. At last, however, yielding to
+pressure, the Viceroy had written, as we know. The Viceroy had sent
+a complimentary letter to the King of Beejapoor, despatched it by a
+trustworthy soldier, and awaited the issue with considerable interest
+as to whether the accused persons would in reality make submission
+and appear, or whether, becoming renegades, as many had done, they
+would altogether defy the Church and become Moors. But the arrival of
+Francis and his sister, escorted by a Beejapoor officer and a guard of
+the King's troops, was proof to all that no contumacy was intended;
+and he appointed an early Council, at which the Beejapoor letter
+should be read, and necessary consideration made of the whole of the
+circumstances.
+
+A few days afterwards the Beejapoor envoy and Francis d'Almeida
+received their summons from the Viceroy to attend his Council and the
+Court, and they went together, the envoy being attended by his escort,
+which, in their suits of chain mail and rich apparel, made an imposing
+appearance in the thronged streets of the city; and on their arrival at
+the palace were ushered at once into the presence of the Viceroy, who,
+with his staff about him, was seated on the viceregal throne.
+
+An artillery salute was fired in honour of the envoy, who was
+graciously received; and after some general and kind inquiries after
+the health of King Ibrahim, to which he replied in indifferent
+Portuguese, the rest of the conversation was carried on through Francis
+d'Almeida, who acted as interpreter. Then the Viceroy, receiving
+the King's letter, said, "As this contains matter for political
+consideration, we will adjourn, Sir Envoy, to our Council Hall, where
+it shall be read before all my councillors of State and dignitaries of
+the Church, who are our advisers." Then, rising and taking the envoy's
+hand, he led him into the adjoining apartment, which was the Council
+Chamber.
+
+It was a fine room, though to the envoy's idea somewhat bare of
+decoration. A large Turkey carpet was laid upon the floor, and in the
+centre was a long table covered with red cloth, with inkstands and
+writing paper ready for use. The Viceroy seated himself at the head
+of the table, placed the envoy in a chair on his right hand, and the
+dignitaries of the Church, military and naval commanders, all wearing
+their rich uniforms and decorations, took their seats with the civil
+officers, according to precedence and custom. The whole formed a
+dignified and, indeed, august assembly, well befitting the powerful
+kingdom it represented.
+
+Then the letter of King Ibrahim was read, and the Viceroy remarked
+that it was written in excellent Portuguese, and asked his envoy to
+Beejapoor who wrote it, and the captain said--
+
+"In my presence was it written by the priest Francis d'Almeida. The
+King himself dictated the letter in Persian, in my presence, and the
+purport was fully known to me; and the priest and I compared the
+Portuguese version with the Persian, and they corresponded exactly.
+Moreover, your Excellency will observe that the original Persian is
+written below, and signed by the King himself. There can be no doubt of
+the authenticity of both."
+
+"But," continued the Viceroy, "in the latter portion of this document
+grave charges are made against Dom Diego di Fonseca, an eminent servant
+of the Church, who is now the accuser of Francis d'Almeida and his
+sister Maria, and at whose instance, and that of the Holy Father of the
+Inquisition, their presence was required in order to answer the charges
+brought against them, and we ought not to enter into this subject
+without his presence. As it is a political affair entirely, involving
+the risk of disagreement between our Government and that of our friend
+King Ibrahim the Second, we, the representatives of Portugal, have full
+authority to investigate it, leaving the alleged offenders against the
+Church to be dealt with by the Holy Inquisition. Let, therefore, Dom
+Diego be summoned instantly; and till he arrives we call upon Francis
+d'Almeida to give an account of his apparent flight from Moodgul, and
+his evasion of the summons of the Inquisition."
+
+"I was not a free agent, may it please your Excellency and the members
+of this Council," said Francis d'Almeida. "I was preparing to leave
+Moodgul after the citation was publicly read by my colleague when I
+was arrested, by order of the Queen Regent of Beejapoor, and forwarded
+by Dilawar Khan, the Governor of Moodgul, to the fort of Juldroog,
+where we were confined for more than a month on charges of having
+conspired against the State in assisting the conspiracy of the Prince
+Ismail and Eyn-ool-Moolk, and obtaining large sums of money for the
+purpose of engaging European soldiers and cannon. Finally, we were
+sent to Beejapoor, where we remained under surveillance until the King
+should return, as the Queen Regent did not consider she had authority
+to try so momentous a question herself. Then suddenly, and as by
+special Providence, certain papers fell into the hands of the Queen's
+Government, by which it appeared that my colleague, and not I, had
+been in correspondence with the rebels, partly independently, and
+partly by means of Osman Beg, the Killadar or Governor of the fort of
+Juldroog, who was arrested, tried on the evidence of papers found in
+his possession, convicted of treason, and sentenced to death."
+
+"And he was beheaded, Francis d'Almeida?" asked the Viceroy.
+
+"Not so, my lord; his life was spared on the intercession of his
+cousin, Abbas Khan; but he was banished from the kingdom, and has taken
+his departure for Mecca with his father."
+
+Francis d'Almeida's address had continued for some time, for he
+described minutely and concisely all that had occurred, with the
+particulars of which we are fully acquainted.
+
+"And where are the papers you allude to?" asked the Superior of the
+Inquisition tartly. "Who can vouch for their authenticity if they are
+produced?"
+
+"My lord," returned the Beejapoor envoy, "we are not careless in regard
+to papers of importance at Beejapoor. At the first discovery of them,
+after the death of Yacoot, the Abyssinian, I, as knowing somewhat of
+your language, was asked to read those in Portuguese; but I could
+not, and the Padre Sahib was directed by the Queen to do so, and to
+translate them into Persian; then her seal was affixed to each one of
+them, and she added her private signature, and all the Ministers signed
+and sealed them. Then the packet was sealed until opened by order of
+the King, and sealed again with his seal, which all men know, and which
+is appended to his letter."
+
+"You were all very careful," said the chief Inquisitor, with a sneer,
+"but where are these letters?"
+
+At this moment Dom Diego was ushered in. He wore the religious dress of
+his order, but he at once threw back his cowl, and his eyes and those
+of Francis d'Almeida met once more. In the one was a scowl of bitter
+hate, and the brows were almost knit together; but those of Francis
+wore their usual mild expression, and betrayed no emotion; nay, their
+look of innocence seemed to make a favourable impression upon all
+present.
+
+After bending his knee to the Archbishop and the Grand Inquisitor,
+Dom Diego drew his fine figure to its full height, looked round the
+room towards all, and then said to the Viceroy, "For what purpose am
+I required here, most illustrious Sir? I have not been apprised that
+matters which are under the cognisance of the Holy Inquisition could
+be transferred to a Council like this; and I request that my protest
+may be entered against any interference with what has been already
+arranged."
+
+"There is no intention, Dom Diego, on our part to interfere with the
+proceedings of the Holy Office. This is a political question, which
+thou wilt know of when thou hast heard the letter of the King of
+Beejapoor. Let it be read to him," he continued, "as also the minutes
+of Francis d'Almeida's statement."
+
+Dom Diego heard all without reply; but it was easy to see that his mind
+was far from tranquil. A nervous tremor appeared to be irrepressible;
+his mouth twitched as if by convulsion, and he twisted his hands
+together in continuous action, which could be seen even under his robe.
+
+"And now, my lords," said the Viceroy, rising, "the most important
+part of our sitting is to commence; and I have to beg, in the name of
+justice, that your utmost vigilance may be employed to clear up what
+has been alleged. The papers alluded to in the letter are in possession
+of the envoy from Beejapoor. Let him produce them."
+
+"They are here, my lord," returned the envoy, producing two small
+bundles tied up in waxed cloth, which was sealed with the King's seal.
+"First, I ask you to bear me witness that these seals are intact; and
+particularly you, O most illustrious Sir, into whose hands I commit the
+packets."
+
+The Viceroy examined the papers carefully, and said, "I see no reason
+to doubt what has been said. The seals are undisturbed; but judge
+for yourselves, noble sirs." And when the packets had passed round,
+the Viceroy demanded to know whether they were to be accepted, and a
+general reply was given that they were.
+
+"These are the letters which were found on the body of Yacoot, the
+Abyssinian. Let them be first examined," said the Beejapoor envoy;
+"and my lords will please to remark that all have the Queen's seal, as
+those first found were examined by her; and that there are forty-two
+documents which, with the exception of those required by the Council,
+should be returned to me, and a receipt given to me for the remainder.
+And now, noble sirs, have I your permission to open the first packet?"
+
+"I again protest," cried Dom Diego, rising suddenly, "against any
+examination of those papers here. Let them be given over to the custody
+of the Holy Office, which will examine and authenticate them, and
+produce such as it considers necessary for the elucidation of the
+truth."
+
+But the pretence was too shallow to escape the detection of many of
+the experienced men who heard the protest, and the majority at once
+declared that they should be opened, and publicly read and registered.
+
+Then the Viceroy took the first packet and handed it to his own
+interpreter, a fine-looking Mussulman gentleman, who had just entered
+the room, and who spoke not only Arabic and Persian fluently,
+but Portuguese, for he had lived for some years in Portugal,
+acting as interpreter of documents sent by the Indian Government.
+Abdoolla-bin-Ali was a man held by everyone in the highest esteem and
+honour, and his presence carried assurance with it to all the Council,
+and very especially to the Beejapoor envoy and Francis d'Almeida, whose
+personal explanations would be needed no longer.
+
+"On the cover is written," said the Moonshee, "'This packet contains
+forty-two documents, eighteen in Portuguese and twenty-four in Persian,
+and bears the King's seal.'" Then he broke the seal carefully and
+unwound the silken cord with which the parcel was fastened. There
+appeared within several other coverings, two separate packets, one
+of which was labelled in Persian, "Eighteen Portuguese papers and
+letters," and bore the Queen's seal, which was shown to all.
+
+"I think, my lords," said the Viceroy, "that to prevent doubt I had
+better read these aloud to the Council, and they can examine each
+separately afterwards, if they please;" and, this being assented to,
+he took up the first, which was addressed to the most illustrious
+the Vizier Eyn-ool-Moolk, Bahadoor, and dated from Moodgul. As the
+letter was opened, everyone could see the strong bold characters of
+the handwriting of Dom Diego, which were known to all or most present,
+and a general murmur ran through the Council, as if of wonder and
+astonishment; but no one spoke, and, in breathless silence, the Viceroy
+read on.
+
+It was a long letter, and we may be pardoned for not following it in
+detail; but the writer acknowledged the receipt of Eyn-ool-Moolk's
+"letter offering the Padre Dom Diego de Fonseca a command in the
+new Royal army. That if he joined it with a force of one thousand
+Europeans, his pay would be at the rate of one lakh of rupees per
+month, and the same for every thousand more brought to the Royal
+standard." It then proceeded to state, that considering the expense
+of European troops in the field, the pay would be insufficient; and
+that, in case of the force capturing Beejapoor, there was no mention of
+prize shares in the treasure and jewels that would become the property
+of the army. It would be necessary also to confer upon the writer the
+district of Bunkapoor, with all its forts and dependencies. That as the
+cowardly and imbecile Government of Goa would never be induced to take
+part in the war, or to send any of its soldiers, the writer must be
+provided with funds to go to Portugal to raise as many men as possible,
+with whom he pledged himself to return at the expiration of a year, and
+disembark them at any port on the coast that might be chosen.
+
+In conclusion, the writer professed his high admiration for and
+sympathy with, the movement to substitute the virtuous Prince Ismail
+for the tyrant who now ruled over Beejapoor, and ended by praying that
+the measure might receive the blessing and guidance of the Almighty;
+and at the end was written,
+
+  "By mine own hand,
+  "D. DIEGO DI FONSECA."
+
+"Are there more like that?" asked the Grand Inquisitor of Dom Diego, in
+a whisper; "if so, thou art lost!"
+
+"Let them read what they will," he answered. "I will satisfy my lord
+presently."
+
+More! yes, there was much more. Every one of the letters contained
+sketches of arrangements to be made, estimates of cost, professions
+of good faith and sincerity. Several of them contained receipts for
+large sums of money, partly in gold, partly in bills; and by his own
+admissions Dom Diego had received upwards of three lakhs of rupees in
+cash, while assurances of payment as far as ten lakhs, beside a fourth
+share of the plunder of Beejapoor, was promised and accepted.
+
+Then followed letters to Elias Khan, as the lieutenant-in-chief of
+Eyn-ool-Moolk, which were in a more familiar strain; which spoke of
+revelries they had enjoyed together; of the pleasures they would share
+when they met again; complained that he could not absent himself
+without suspicion, but that he was about to rid himself of his
+coadjutor, whose sister Maria he would bring with him, a lovely girl
+of his own country, who would put to shame all the dusky beauties of
+his friend's harem; and wine from Portugal of the choicest kind, which
+should enliven them. In another, the gold sent by the company under
+Pedro di Diaz, that is, twenty thousand "hoons," had arrived safely;
+with many other details, all written in the same bold hand, and signed
+with the same very remarkable signature. As they were read, minutes
+were made of them by the secretary. Every paper was compared as to the
+seals of the Queen Regent and the Beejapoor Ministers, and that every
+precaution had been used to prevent any chance of their being tampered
+with, was a fact which was not without significance in the assembly.
+
+And the Persian letters to Elias Khan from Eyn-ool-Moolk, with one
+from the Prince Ismail, bestowing an honorary title as commander of
+five thousand in the Royal army, with an estate of twenty villages in
+the district of Bunkapoor--all confirmed the tenor of the Portuguese
+letters of Dom Diego; while, with the transmission of money through
+Elias Khan, assurance was given that as soon as the Europeans appeared
+in the field, the whole of the Talooq of Bunkapoor would be made over
+to him as stipulated. There were others from Osman Beg to Elias Khan,
+descriptive of private revels at Moodgul, in a house in the town
+hard by the Padre, where wine of the choicest was stored up, and was
+plentiful, and the most beautiful dancing women of the country round
+were assembled. And he wrote of the Padre as being a jovial fellow, who
+winked at everything, and who had shown him at the chapel, privately,
+the beautiful Dona Maria, whom he was to bring away with him when he
+came with his troops. "She is more lovely than anything on the earth's
+face, and no Houri of Paradise could be more beautiful;" and much more
+to the same effect, written in the loose, not to say indecent, style
+prevailing among those like Osman Beg at Beejapoor. Then the letters
+seemed suddenly to come to an abrupt close. After May of that year none
+had passed between the parties; and, indeed, by this time, the whole
+conspiracy had collapsed in the defeat and deaths of the principal
+conspirators. There only remained the exposure of the guilt of all by
+the discovery of the letter on the person of the Abyssinian.
+
+The second packet contained, for the most part, letters from
+Eyn-ool-Moolk to Elias Khan; but they gave particulars of the agreement
+with the illustrious and learned Padre D. Diego di Fonseca; of the
+moneys transmitted to be paid to him; and in one, the Padre's receipt,
+in Persian and Portuguese, of the twenty thousand hoons, and for other
+sums, amounting to about two lakhs of rupees.
+
+"Hast thou nothing to reply, brother?" said the Inquisitor, in an
+earnest whisper to Dom Diego. "Thou art condemned by thine own hand;
+would it had been cut off and burnt before those letters were written."
+
+Diego did not reply. He rose, and those who were watching him saw that
+his lips were white, and his dark complexion had assumed an ashy hue,
+and that he spoke as if he were choked by thirst. Yet he drew himself
+up bravely, and said with an assumed air of unconcern and bravado, "I
+am not on my trial, most illustrious Senor, else my reply would be
+sharp and certain. In these letters, which purport to be mine, I only
+see the cunning toils with which Francis d'Almeida strove to entangle
+me, and failed; and when they had nothing to fall back upon they fled.
+Their being arrested is a mere mockery. As to the handwriting of the
+letters," and he took up one before the Inquisitor, "they are all like
+this, forgeries. The fair Maria is an accomplished scribe, and can copy
+any style of writing, even that of heathen characters; and I do not
+at all marvel at her excellent imitation of mine. But, my lords, as I
+said, I am not on my trial; and no opinion can be given on the subject
+either till I am, or till that shameless priest and his sister are
+pronounced guilty of heresy and conspiracy by the Holy Inquisition, and
+perish for their heresies at the stake."
+
+"Let that be as the good God wills," said the Viceroy, calmly.
+"Meanwhile, these papers are so strong against thee, that we, in virtue
+of our authority, declare thee to be a prisoner, and arrest thee in the
+name of our gracious King. Thou shalt have honourable treatment as a
+gentleman, and thou shalt be lodged in this palace, till the time when
+the trial of Francis d'Almeida and his sister comes on. When may it be,
+Holy Father?"
+
+"It is fixed for Friday," answered the Inquisitor, calmly; "that the
+guilty may be ready for the _auto-da-fe_ on the Sabbath. But your
+Excellency, pardon me, errs in keeping a son of the Church in arrest
+till then, and I will gladly be security for his appearance when
+needed."
+
+"Impossible," replied Don Matthias de Gama. "Nevertheless I will take
+the votes of the Council." And he did so; but none supported the Grand
+Inquisitor's proposal except one, another priest, and Dom Diego was
+consigned to the care of the men-at-arms, who conducted him to an upper
+chamber luxuriously furnished, and told him that his servants would be
+sent when they could be found to attend to his comfort.
+
+What were the thoughts of this man as he heard the door of his large
+airy apartment locked after him and bolted outside. All his reliance
+on the comparative insignificance of Francis d'Almeida had given
+place to a fearful sense of his power with those terrible documents
+in his own handwriting to appeal to. Forgeries! who would believe
+that, with all the evidence of his handwriting in the Holy Office, and
+the Archbishop's records to appeal to for comparison? His accusation
+against Francis and his sister had depended for success upon his words
+only, which he believed would overwhelm those of the modest, unassuming
+priest; and in the death of him and of his sister would be future
+safety. But the revelation of his own conduct, of the moneys he had
+obtained, of his treasonable plots, denounced by the King Ibrahim, had
+rendered his malignity abortive. And now the grim trial, the horrible
+torture, the death by fire, like that he had witnessed of hapless
+victims writhing in agony at the stake----
+
+Escape! was it possible? He went to one of the windows and looked
+through the jalousies, for he could not open one of them. Impossible!
+his room was over fifty feet from the ground, and the wall was smooth,
+without a projection; and he turned away with a shudder.
+
+Presently his servant came. "Have you seen Pedro di Diaz?" he asked.
+
+"I have, Senor," was the reply; "and he is now waiting for me at the
+quay. He wants to know whether he is to stand out to sea or remain."
+
+"Tell him," replied Dom Diego, "that he is to leave the ship's boat
+with six of the best of the men in it, and to take the brigantine to
+the mouth of the harbour, without exciting suspicion. I will be with
+him on Friday night; but if I do not come by Sunday, I shall be dead."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+THE INQUISITION.
+
+
+The appointed day arrived. The sudden arrest of Dom Diego, his
+confinement to the Viceregal palace, and the refusal of the Grand
+Inquisitor's security for him, had created a sensation in Goa which
+had only one chance of solution--the trial by the Inquisition. On the
+other hand, the well-known character of Francis d'Almeida, and the
+devotion of his lovely sister, gave to the case an interest such as
+had been rarely felt, and never exceeded, in the city. All had many
+personal friends, Dom Diego especially among the Jesuits, to whose
+order he belonged; Francis d'Almeida among those of his own order,
+the Dominicans, and among the ordinary clergy of the province, headed
+by the noble Archbishop; and in his sweet sister every lady in Goa
+was interested. Could so holy and learned a woman be actually tried
+on charges of sorcery and conspiracy with Moors and heathens? And yet
+it was to be; and many thought that the interference by the Viceroy
+with the acts of the Holy Office was at once presumptuous and wicked.
+From early morning the principal street of the city and the square
+of the Inquisition had been thronged with eager inquirers, and the
+most conflicting rumours were prevalent; some, that Dom Diego had
+confessed his guilt, and would be made over to the Inquisition, to be
+formally condemned; others, that Francis d'Almeida and his sister had
+made similar confessions, and that all parties had been originally
+bound in one confederation, but had split upon the division of money
+of which they had become possessed. In short, the wildest rumours
+prevailed, particularly as to the sorceries of d'Almeida and his
+sister, which they had learned from heathen priests and exercised upon
+their coadjutor to drive him away from the place he had usurped. All
+these opinions, however, were set at rest by the appearance of two
+processions: one, that of soldiers of the Viceroy having Dom Diego in
+their charge; the other of monks and holy nuns, who escorted Francis
+d'Almeida and his beautiful sister. Among the soldiers Dom Diego
+marched firmly and proudly, his tall, martial figure being conspicuous
+from his general bearing, and the haughty manner with which he regarded
+the crowds who gazed upon him; the others, from the apparent simplicity
+of the brother and sister, who walked hand in hand, with a calm and
+submissive demeanour which deeply affected many. No one dared to
+speak, but whispered comments passed among the crowd; and women, and
+men too, wept that such servants of God might be condemned ere the day
+passed, not only to torture, but to the horrible death by fire in the
+_auto-da-fe_ of the next Sabbath, which promised to be one of unusual
+interest.
+
+So, passing on, both parties entered the portal of the great gloomy
+building, Dom Diego being the first. And when a short colloquy had
+passed between the officers of the Viceroy's guard and those of the
+Inquisition as to the delivery of the prisoner, he was taken on by
+the familiars. Before the monks and sisters, with the two others, had
+entered the gate, they had recommenced a hymn which had been sung at
+intervals during their progress, the sweetness and solemnity of which
+had had a profound effect; and it again arose steadily and sweetly,
+with a rich and fervent melody which penetrated every heart, as knees
+were bent and hats doffed reverently as the processions passed, while
+the simple words caused many a silent prayer to arise to the Throne of
+Grace.
+
+    When in trouble and in fear,
+    To thee we cry, O Mother dear!
+    Behold our sorrows, bitter weeping,
+    Yet in all trial humbly keeping
+                Trust in thee, Maria!
+
+    Mother of Jesus, lowly born,
+    On earth by human sorrow torn;
+    Yet in thy glory resting now,
+    Heedful of all thy creatures' woe,
+                Hear our prayer, Maria!
+
+    Those who have daily died the death
+    Of those who suffer slander's breath;
+    Those who in dread judgment's hour
+    Their simple hearts to thee outpour,
+                Pity them, O Maria!
+
+    Support them in their hour of need,
+    To cheer them with thy comfort speed,
+    Lest without thee they go astray,
+    Mother, with thee all bright their way,
+                Having no fear, Maria!
+
+While the chant proceeded, the procession entered the door, and its
+sweet melody was heard faintly as it passed up the broad corridor which
+led to the great hall of the Inquisition.
+
+It was a bare, whitewashed room, with narrow windows near the ceiling,
+which let in the cool air and a small degree of light; but when the
+eye, dazzled by the glare without, had become accustomed to the
+dimness within, everything--nay, even the emotions in every face--were
+distinctly visible. There was a separate place for the accuser; another
+for the prisoners; and a third for any witnesses that might have to
+be called. In the centre was a long narrow table covered with coarse
+black serge, with inkstands, pens, and paper at intervals; and the
+Inquisitors sat in tall, straight-backed, wooden chairs around, the
+Grand Inquisitor's position being in the centre of the right hand side,
+in a raised chair, so that he could overlook all. There were no guards
+near Dom Diego now; and his cowl being thrown back, his grim, swarthy
+features and bold flashing eyes were distinctly visible. The prisoners
+were directed to stand in their allotted space; and the venerable
+Archbishop, in his robes, with a number of clergy, sat on one side, but
+took no part in the inquiry.
+
+After the proceedings had been opened by a prayer and a solemn chant,
+the Grand Inquisitor rose from his seat, and said--
+
+"Holy fathers, we have heard with unfeigned sorrow, grief, and
+amazement the scandal to the Church which has arisen under the unseemly
+contentions in the Mission Church at Moodgul, where, in the midst of
+Moors and Pagans, the Lord Christ hath graciously hitherto supported
+our poor measures for making known His gospel to those otherwise
+benighted and damnable peoples. In process of years many hundreds have
+been gathered to the foot of the Cross, and hundreds have died in a
+steady belief in the sacraments of the Holy Church, while many live in
+the exercise of a devout Christian faith and good works. Within the
+last few months, however, grievous troubles have arisen, as is known
+to our Father in God the illustrious Archbishop; and on the direct
+accusations of Dom Diego di Fonseca, the local vicar, we summoned
+Francis d'Almeida and his sister Maria to answer his charges. This
+citation was publicly made known to them both by being read in the
+Mission Church; but, instead of obeying it, both departed from Moodgul
+under the escort of Moorish soldiers, and went or were conveyed to
+Beejapoor, where they resided until a demand from His Excellency the
+Viceroy was made for them, and they were sent hither.
+
+"Thus, holy fathers, ye have to determine in what manner the priest
+Francis d'Almeida is guilty, as also his sister, of the formal
+charges which I now read. Then you will hear the justification of
+the prisoners; and you will, with prayer to the Almighty, pronounce
+judgment upon them. Diego di Fonseca, in the name of the Holy Trinity,
+I call upon you to swear that what you are about to say is true;" and
+on the formal oath being administered to him, he stood erect, and with
+all the energy and musical tone of his fine voice, he spoke to the
+following effect.
+
+I think, however, that I do right in refusing an attempt to detail all.
+In the outset of his oration, he referred to his services in China, in
+the Spice Islands, in Bengal, among the savage tribes of Malays and
+Moors; of perils by land and sea, and of the many human souls he had
+rescued from everlasting destruction.
+
+"I was a humble follower of St. Francis Xavier," he continued, "and
+strove to follow his example. Then, worn out and weary, I came to Goa,
+and would have returned to Portugal for a season, but new work at
+Moodgul was opened to me, and in my zeal I accepted it.
+
+"Holy fathers, when I arrived there I found a mockery of a Church.
+My coadjutor, more a heathen than a Christian, had suffered the
+most ordinary offices of the Church to be utterly neglected. He was
+incessantly employed in the study of Pagan languages, mythology, and
+Scripture, and of Moorish languages, and infidel books. To the people
+he invariably preached in a tongue they call Canarese. He read the
+services of the Church in the same tongue, and he desecrated the holy
+service by using it even in the mass. Instead of our own language,
+his sister taught it in the schools, and thus perverted the minds of
+children, who might have been made wise unto salvation.
+
+"It was all horrible! horrible! this perpetual study of books, which
+contain besides damnable theological dissertations; works on sorcery,
+divination, astrology, and all the evil sciences denounced by the
+Church, for which so many have suffered; and I warned him on many
+occasions, for I was willing to save them both, to abandon these evil
+courses and damnable heresies. And at first Francis d'Almeida strove to
+justify himself by declaring that he read Hindoo books to understand
+best how to controvert their doctrine; and declared that he was even
+translating the holy gospels and services of the Church into the
+language of the people, that they might understand what they profess
+to believe. Was any heresy ever so complete? Ye, O reverend fathers,
+know how the Scriptures are forbidden to be read except under ghostly
+direction and counsel, and how corruption and unbelief must needs
+arise under such proceedings as those of Francis d'Almeida towards his
+ignorant flock. I found remonstrance of no use; he avoided me with
+disrespect; and in the congregation a party was growing up against him
+which it was impossible for me to overcome; I therefore complained to
+the most reverend the Archbishop and the Holy Office, and a citation
+to Francis d'Almeida was sent.
+
+"Meanwhile a strange numbness of mind was stealing over me. I never saw
+Dona Maria without trembling and confusion. I could not pray; I could
+not think. I could not even eat; and I knew that her satanic influence
+was exerted after the heathen manner, to lead me to perdition. But from
+this I was mercifully preserved. On the day I delivered the citation,
+she and her brother left their house at night and took refuge with the
+Moorish Governor, who at once sent them to Juldroog, and thence they
+were taken to Beejapoor. I was then free; a great weight seemed to be
+removed from me, and I came hither to lay all before the Church and
+seek ghostly counsel. Fathers, my short statement is ended; but of
+heresy and sorcery of the most devilish kind I accuse them both, and
+demand that in consonance with the laws of the Holy Office they suffer
+death by fire, and that thus the Church be purged from their spiritual
+uncleanness. I could extend this address to a vast length, but it
+would needlessly occupy time. The books in Francis d'Almeida's and his
+sister's handwriting will satisfy you of the character of their work,
+and I have brought such as I could find; the rest were concealed before
+their departure."
+
+"Have you any witnesses to the truth of the accusation?" asked the
+Grand Inquisitor.
+
+"I have none," he replied, "but God, and one of the deacons who
+accompanied me, who has charge of the books. How was I to confide to
+anyone the misery I endured?"
+
+"Dost thou object to these being produced, Francis d'Almeida?"
+
+"No," he said, mildly. "If they are in my own or my sister's writing,
+they are homilies of the Church, the Vulgate as allowed to the people
+even here in Goa, and some extracts from the Scriptures such as are
+given to children."
+
+"Look at these," said the Archbishop. "Are these the same as thou
+sentest to us for approval?"
+
+D'Almeida opened the books one by one, and looked over the contents.
+"These are the rough drafts in my own handwriting of the translations
+as I made them, and here and there I find a small portion of my
+sister's manuscript. These are the drafts from which she made the
+fair copies, which in her beautiful characters and ornamented with
+initial letters are now at Moodgul, in the keeping of one Ramana and
+other deacons of the mission, and have the illustrious Archbishop's
+imprimatur on them."
+
+"Yes," said the Prelate and the Grand Inquisitor, "for we had them
+checked by the Fra Don Francisco da Pinto, who was the best scholar
+then in Goa. He is now in Madagascar; but, if I remember right, we all
+signed them."
+
+"They are here, fathers," cried a venerable old man, with long white
+hair streaming over his shoulders, who, with several others, now made
+their way into the room, and prostrated themselves on the floor.
+"Listen to our cry for justice! When our beloved Padre was threatened,
+and when the pure Senora Maria was insulted, and the Governor of
+Moodgul sent them away as prisoners, the books were given to us, and
+we hid them; but when the great Padre was going to Goa, to accuse our
+beloved friends, I and these with me followed him, and we arrived this
+morning, O holy fathers, that we may be in time yet to speak the truth
+before ye! Day and night we have travelled, and we have had no fear
+save of delay."
+
+"And who are ye?" asked the Grand Inquisitor. "Do ye know what ye have
+risked in intruding here unbidden? What do ye know?"
+
+"I know everything," replied the old man who first made his way in,
+speaking through the interpreter, and prostrating himself on the floor.
+"Let me speak! Let me speak for the love of God! There are a hundred
+more ready to say the same thing, and the Syud has sent me in time. Oh,
+my fathers, let us speak!"
+
+"I protest against him" cried Dom Diego, with a hard, shrill voice,
+very different to his usual tone. "I denounce this as a conspiracy."
+
+"We are the best judges of that," returned the Grand Inquisitor. "You,
+Diego di Fonseca, have already stated that you have no witnesses;
+and now, by a miracle as it were, one hath appeared suddenly, to whom
+credit may be given, a deacon of the Church. You can hear his statement
+and reply to it if you will. Let the Deacon Ramana be sworn and
+cautioned."
+
+Meanwhile the old man was sworn, and his first act was to lay open the
+books he had brought and point to them as Maria's writing.
+
+"Can you read these writings?" asked the Archbishop. "They are, I see,
+those which were confirmed by us after examination. I see my initials
+on every page."
+
+"Surely, my Prince," replied the deacon. "When the priest is absent
+it is my duty to read such prayers and passages of Scripture as have
+been marked;" and, opening one of the books at random, he put on his
+large spectacles and began to read from the fifth chapter of the gospel
+according to Saint Matthew:--
+
+"'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.'
+
+"'Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.'
+
+"Shall I go on, my Prince? These words are so holy and comforting that
+few of the flock hear them without tears. I trust they are understood?"
+
+"They are," replied the Grand Inquisitor; and, turning to Dom Diego,
+in a severe tone he continued, "and if this is the sorcery thou hast
+charged the prisoners with, thou hadst better be silent."
+
+"And now," continued the old man, "I will speak for our blessed
+Padre, and tell what happened on the day that he took refuge at the
+Governor's. I have no fear of him," and he pointed to Dom Diego, "and
+have no charge to make against him; but the Lord and the blessed Virgin
+give me power to speak, and I am not afraid before them or you."
+
+Then he related what he knew of the priest's plot. How he had engaged
+Beydurs and other lawless ruffians to carry off Maria; how on that
+Sunday night many of them had assembled at Moodgul, and one of them,
+being a friend of one of the shepherds, had told him what was to be
+done, and he went with some armed men to watch the Padre's church and
+house; how he heard Maria scream as she was alone singing vespers,
+and, looking in, saw her lying on the steps of the altar, and gave the
+alarm. We need not recapitulate all we already know; but the firmness
+and boldness of the narrator carried conviction with it to those who
+heard him. "And not only did I hear and see it all," he continued, "but
+these, my companions, know of it too, and will confirm it."
+
+"God of heaven!" cried Dom Diego, casting up his hands, "I declare this
+to be a conspiracy against me, instigated by the prisoners! Can it be
+believed in Thy holy sight? Surely Thou wilt blast their tongues ere
+they utter malignity against Thy servant!"
+
+But the Court heeded him not; and the letters of Dom Diego were now
+laid out for all present to see them, and read, one by one, in a
+sonorous voice by the secretary; while the Archbishop and the secretary
+of the Holy Office brought forward large packets of documents from
+various parts of the Indies, of the handwriting of which there was no
+doubt, and which exactly corresponded with the Moodgul letters. That in
+relation to Dona Maria and her seduction caused a profound sensation
+through the assembly, and there were cries of "Let her explain! Let her
+explain!" from many.
+
+"Let her swear what she likes," said the priest. "I only say these are
+forgeries made by herself to cover her own shame."
+
+But this assertion, vague as it was, had no effect upon the tribunal.
+One by one the members compared all the letters with former documents.
+Many of them had maintained correspondence with the accused, and
+after an impressive silence, only broken by occasional whispers and
+communications among the members themselves--
+
+"Do you know any of the associates of Dom Diego?" asked the Grand
+Inquisitor of the old deacon. "Speak truly and freely, but beware of
+slander or falsehood!" And this being interpreted to the old man, he
+broke forth at once.
+
+"Know them? Yes; I know many. I know Pedro di Diaz, who used to come
+from Elias Khan, before Eyn-ool-Moolk, with money and letters, and
+I and many other people have seen him drinking with the Padre there.
+There was another man called Bartholomew, who sometimes came with
+him, and sometimes with others. All were rude, violent men. Diaz had
+the name of 'Pirate' among them. All of them kept out of our good
+Padre's way; and perhaps he never saw them--he was too innocent; but
+among ourselves we wondered at the profligacy that was carried on;
+not near the church, but in the bazaar of the town, where the great
+Padre used to come. One day one of the bankers in the city said to
+me, 'Your great Padre is very rich; I have exchanged fifty thousand
+rupees for him for bills on Panjim (Goa), and other bankers have also
+made remittances privately for him. 'Where does he get this money?' I
+said I could not tell, but it was reported everywhere that the Padre
+was a soldier in disguise, who was going to bring up Feringis and guns
+against Beejapoor. If that was to be kept secret, he had better not
+have trusted Pedro di Diaz, for he used openly to boast of it to many,
+and it became public talk. Does the Padre wish to ask me any questions?
+I will answer them, my princes, as truly as I have sworn to do upon the
+holy books and the holy water."
+
+But Dom Diego made no reply. He had become ghastly pale, and his hands
+trembled.
+
+"What did I or we care about all this?" continued the old man,
+excitedly; "but what we and every Christian man in our Church did
+care for was the insult to our poor, kind, blessed, saint there, who
+ministered to our sick, taught our children, and helped her brother
+to write those blessed books. Ah, sirs! though we are but simple
+shepherds, yet our people have fought in many a frontier war; we have
+maintained our faith against Moslem and Hindoo, and in the cause of
+right fear no man. And I tell you, my princes, that had not Padre
+Francis enjoined peace upon us, we would have followed up Dom Diego
+that night, and brought him here to make him over to you."
+
+"And why did Francis d'Almeida and his sister leave so suddenly?" he
+was asked.
+
+"The citation to him had been read," replied the old man; "and after
+the service he told me he should have to go, and asked me to get him
+ponies to ride. In the evening, after the Senora's cruel insult, I took
+them temporarily to the palace of the Governor, Dilawar Khan, for I
+feared the Padre might return with the Beydurs and attack the Senora.
+Then, after a time, came an express from Beejapoor, and Dilawar Khan
+told them they must obey the Queen Chand's orders; and before daylight
+they were sent off to Juldroog in closed palanquins, whether they
+would or no. But for this they would have gone to you, for twenty-five
+well-armed youths of the congregation had volunteered their escort. Ah,
+sirs! it was a night of terror and alarm; and it was only when the
+Governor sent and put seals on everything, except these books, that we
+felt safe."
+
+"We had not heard of this alleged insult before, daughter," said the
+Inquisitor; "and thou must speak to it, however painful, on pain of
+torture, to extort the truth, for this is a point which cannot be
+overlooked."
+
+"My lords and illustrious fathers," said Maria, modestly, "if this
+truth had not transpired through the deacon I would have been silent,
+for I have innocence and my trust in the blessed Queen of Heaven to
+rely on; and whatever shame may appear in the narration belongs to him
+who caused it, not to me. We had never been intimate, as servants of
+the Church should be. My brother did not like what he heard, things he
+would not tell me of. I was pained by Dom Diego's licentious looks, and
+even, when in the Church, always sat near the children of my school.
+But one Sabbath evening he found me alone, teaching the children a
+hymn; and when they had gone he advanced towards me, and offered me
+such insult as no virtuous woman could endure, pressing his vile
+intentions with proposals to fly. And I sank down and fainted. I know
+not who rescued me, but when I was aroused I was at home again, and my
+brother, seizing his sword, rushed out to seek revenge, and was brought
+back; and I lay at the foot of my cross, praying that his hand should
+be withheld; and that was granted mercifully."
+
+Bravely and calmly had Maria upheld her dignity and composure up to
+this period; but now she failed, and burst into hysterical sobs and
+tears, upheld by the abbess of her lay order, who had, with other
+sisters, accompanied her. But presently, and while all awaited her
+recovery, she rose, and holding out her pleading hands, cried--
+
+"O fathers of the Church, as her child I come to you; as a woman who
+has been wounded in her honour I plead to you! There is not one spot
+of shame to my own perception upon my heart, and she can deliver me if
+I am true. If not, let the flame purge me, and may I be accepted! But
+leave me not to that vile man's machinations in after years."
+
+She was not immediately replied to, and the tribunal took up the
+examination of Francis d'Almeida with new interest. He described their
+happy life at Moodgul, the affection and docility of the people,
+the progress he was making in Canarese with learned scholars of the
+place, his first essays in translation, and which he had sent for
+confirmation; and lastly, the insult to his sister. "If I could then
+and there have proceeded to you, holy fathers, I would have come; but
+a long journey needs several days' preparation, and I was without any
+notice considered a prisoner and sent to Beejapoor, where my innocence
+was proved to the satisfaction of its noble Queen by these letters of
+my coadjutor, which, she and her nephew, the King, have forwarded by
+their envoy. They are before ye, O fathers, and ye will judge whether
+the writing is mine or not."
+
+Just then a messenger, who had been sent for Pedro di Diaz, returned
+and reported that his vessel had fallen down the river in the afternoon
+of the previous day, bound for Choule and Surat, and that Bartholomew
+Pinto, and others, with Diaz, were serving on board.
+
+Then the Court was cleared for about an hour, for the day was fast
+declining; and, on the prisoners being again admitted, the Inquisitors
+rose as one man, while their chief cried with a loud voice, "Ye,
+Francis d'Almeida, and Maria de Pereira, we acquit and expurge ye from
+all accusation of heresy, sorcery, contempt, and other crimes with
+which ye have been charged; and ye go forth without shame or reproach
+to continue your labours as ye have done among the heathen.
+
+"You, Dom Diego, member of the holy Society of Jesus, are found guilty,
+under your own handwriting, of falsehood and profligacy. You have
+insulted a virtuous and worthy daughter of the Church with infamous
+proposals. You have entered, as appears by your agreements, into an
+unholy and corrupt alliance with Moorish rebels to this kingdom; and
+you, by these papers, have acknowledged the receipt of vast sums
+of money. We condemn you, therefore, unless you make confession
+previously, to trial by the rack; and afterwards, on Sunday next, to
+death by fire, in order that the holy Church may be purged from your
+iniquity. Familiars, lead him forth; till the morrow he will have time
+to repent."
+
+Dom Diego replied nothing. He well knew it was of no avail to
+appeal to those stony hearts which, whether just or unjust, never
+changed. He only bowed his head, muttered something that could not be
+distinguished, and was led into the great corridor whence the cells
+opened.
+
+Can we describe the boundless thankfulness of the two who so lately
+were captives in the hands of that ruthless tribunal! As servants
+of God in their degrees, the brother and sister received the public
+blessings of the Archbishop and Grand Inquisitor; and, after that,
+falling into each other's arms, they wept like children before all.
+Before this, their feelings had been too highly strung to fail, but now
+they were weak with very excitement, and were considerately led back to
+their dwellings, to rest and receive those spiritual comforts in which
+their souls could now seek repose.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"And thou wilt come at last, Balthasar," said Dom Diego, as having
+arrived at the end of the corridor, he turned into a door which was
+open, and revealed a small bed, with a loaf of bread and a jar of
+water. "Thou wilt not be long." Balthasar was Dom Diego's cousin, who
+had been with him when he was formerly an officer of the Ajuba, and had
+taken charge of him.
+
+"I will come," he said, "though I risk my life and brave the fire. I
+will come, and bring the rope for thee. If thou art strong and brave,
+as thou used to be, yon miserable window will have little terror for
+thee."
+
+But Dom Diego had a surer plan in his mind than that.
+
+"Oh, you need not bring a rope," he said; "I can manage without it, and
+it would betray you."
+
+As his cousin entered shortly before midnight, and all the building
+was still, except for the wailings of wretches who sat alone in their
+misery, he closed the door, locking it inside. "Perhaps I can help
+you," he said, cheerfully.
+
+"Yes," said Dom Diego. "No one can move those iron bars. You dare not
+leave the door open, but you can submit to be bound, and I will do it
+gently. Lie down there. Ha! thou wilt not," he said, from between his
+teeth. "Thou, too, a traitor!" And he then threw him down on the bed,
+and stuffed a large portion of his dress into his cousin's mouth. "Dare
+to stir, and I will kill thee. See, here is my old weapon!" and he drew
+a keen poignard from his breast. "Nay, that would be the surest way,"
+and he seized the familiar by the throat.
+
+"Mercy! Mercy! Diego!" gasped Balthasar. "Spare my life! Oh, spare my
+life! Unshriven and unrepented, wouldst thou murder me?"
+
+"Be still, then. If thou stir hand or foot, I will slay thee,
+Balthasar, as thou liest there; but be still, and I will not harm
+thee." Then Diego took off his cousin's robe, swathed the upper part of
+his person in the coarse sheet of the bed, and tearing his shirt into
+strips, with them and two handkerchiefs tied his legs together, so that
+they could not be moved. "There!" he cried, "that is the way we used to
+tie up the captives whom we carried off for ransom. Rest quietly there,
+my son, till some one finds thee in the morning; and thou must tell
+them they did not make so much of me as they might when I was here;
+they may find it hard to take me now. Addios, brother, I know my way
+out, and have a vow to attend midnight mass in the cathedral. How well
+thy robe fits me; perhaps thou wilt take mine in exchange. Addios! and
+pleasant dreams to thee this night, Balthasar. When thou wakest, tell
+Francis d'Almeida and his sister that I go to pursue them. Not till he
+is dead at my feet, and she grovels there in a shame worse than death,
+will I cease to dog them, hide where they may. Forget not!" and taking
+up the small lanthorn, he locked the door behind him, delivering a
+solemn benediction as he entered the corridor.
+
+He knew his way perfectly. In years long before he had been one of the
+familiars, and knew every secret dungeon and torture chamber of the
+great building, every secret sign and password; and he made his way to
+the gate without opposition. The men on guard rallied him on going out
+so late; but he declared his vow of midnight mass, and passed on into
+the open air, unchallenged and unsuspected by his voice, for he had
+kept his cowl over his face, and his height corresponded so exactly
+with that of his cousin, that the detection of the imposture was
+impossible.
+
+There was no one else in the square before the Ajua but a few
+stragglers, and Diego quietly found himself on the quay. One sailor was
+lying in the stern of the ship's boat, who was at once aroused, and
+slipped over the priest's shoulder a rough sailor's dress, and for a
+few moments was absent seeking his associates. One by one they emerged
+from their hiding place, gained the boat unobserved, and lay down in
+its bottom; and when the last one came he loosed the painter, took one
+of the oars, and sculled off leisurely towards the opposite shore. Near
+that, the men started up, took the oars, which were muffled, and rowed
+with all their power, and with a strong ebb tide made rapid way down to
+the sea, passing the forts without observation. The brigantine was not
+at anchor, but cruising to and fro, as if about to enter the river with
+the flood; but Dom Diego was soon on board, and before the fresh land
+wind the beautiful little vessel heeled over to the breeze and sped
+swiftly northwards.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+A DEATH, A MARRIAGE, AND A DEPARTURE.
+
+
+When morning broke there was much confusion in the great building.
+Balthasar, whose duty was to open the doors of the cells, was not to
+be found, nor were the keys hung up in their accustomed place. The
+door of Dom Diego's cell was, however, locked and bolted without as
+usual; but, on listening, a faint moaning sound was heard, and after
+some difficulty the massive door was opened, and Balthasar found as he
+had been left, though nearly suffocated. He had contrived to wriggle
+from the low pallet, but to free his hands and to release himself from
+his cousin's bandages had been impossible; nor could he loose the gag,
+for it had been tied securely behind, putting him to great pain and
+distress. Even to the suspicious Inquisitors there did not seem to be
+the least indication of complicity, and after a severe and prolonged
+examination, Balthasar was released. All that he could say was that
+he had been suddenly overpowered by his cousin, whose strength far
+exceeded his own; that he had been threatened with death, and even
+slightly wounded in the breast; that, on account of the gag, he could
+not cry out for aid. And even had he done so, who could have heard
+him among the wailings of other prisoners, and the cries and groans of
+those that were to endure the torture on the day following?
+
+Then, under the information given by the old deacon, the transactions
+of the bankers of Panjim were examined by the civil and ecclesiastical
+authorities in conjunction. But no assets were found. They produced
+letters from Dom Diego remitting large sums by bills from Moodgul,
+and a considerable quantity of gold, and directing the whole, except
+a small portion to be kept for himself, to be paid to Pedro di Diaz,
+whom they knew as a trader to the East, and the owner of a remarkably
+fast-sailing brigantine, which he commanded. Some months before he had
+gone on a trading expedition with the Moors, and while some of the
+remittances belonged to him direct, others might have been the property
+of the Padre Sahib. It could only be conjecture, for it was no part of
+their business to inquire into their constituents' affairs; and for the
+rest, their books and vouchers were ample evidence. Finally, about four
+days before, the Captain Di Diaz had taken away all his money, partly
+in bills at sight, on Surat and Oman, but by far the greater part
+was in coin of various kinds, the majority being in gold. There was
+nothing to be made out of all this; nothing to afford the least clue
+to the course of the vessel Diaz commanded; or, indeed, that Dom Diego
+was with him, though it was supposed he might be; and he was never
+afterwards seen in Goa, nor did it ever transpire to the authorities
+there what had become of him. There was, however, long afterwards,
+a report prevalent that he had become a renegade from the Christian
+faith, and joined the ranks of the Mussulman army, and had fallen in
+some obscure battle.
+
+It was a pleasant duty for the Archbishop to reward Francis d'Almeida
+for all the trials which had arisen out of his association with the
+bad man who had so narrowly escaped a horrible fate. But the more the
+prelate saw of the zealous missionary the more he appreciated his
+singular, and at that period nearly unknown, powers of translation, and
+the evident love and veneration in which he was held by his devoted
+flock. Could there be a greater proof of that than in the sturdy old
+deacon's journey from Moodgul to Goa unasked, on the mere supposition
+that the long threatened proceedings against his priest were to take
+place? This more, perhaps, than any other circumstance touched the
+prelate most deeply, and he was not slow to confess it.
+
+In the cathedral a splendid high mass was solemnised for the delivery
+of Francis d'Almeida and his sister from the wicked machinations
+against them. Sermons were preached, setting forth their labours for
+many years, and the translations were exhibited on the altar steps to
+the public at large. The Viceroy bestowed a high order upon the priest
+at a banquet which was held in his honour; entertained the Beejapoor
+envoy very sumptuously; and, from the simple communications of Francis
+d'Almeida, grew to have a higher respect for the kingdom than had ever
+been held by any Portuguese before.
+
+Many arrangements about duties and trade generally were proposed; in
+fact, it appeared as though the present opportunity would throw open
+the two kingdoms to each other in a far more effectual and friendly
+manner. As to Dona Maria, we lose sight of her among her old friends,
+and the crowds of religious women who visited her. Many, indeed,
+volunteered to accompany her in her mission work, and teach in her
+schools; but European Portuguese, ignorant of any language but their
+own, could be of little use; and finally, before she left, she made
+choice of two of the sisters of her own convent, who, having been born
+in India, could speak the ordinary language of the western country with
+fluency.
+
+Finally came the grand distinction, so unexpected, that Francis
+was completely overpowered by it. The Archbishop, having consulted
+privately with his council, considered it very advisable to extend
+the mission, and to consolidate its several points under one head. At
+present there were but four churches, two under Moodgul, and two under
+Raichore; but there was a good chance of the establishment of one at
+Beejapoor, and perhaps another at Ahmednugger, under the auspices
+of Queen Chand Beebee. It was advisable, therefore, that Francis
+d'Almeida should be created bishop, with permission to travel and
+preach wherever he thought most advisable.
+
+At first, as we have said, the worthy priest was overwhelmed, and
+requested time for consideration; but it appeared both to him
+and to Maria, and to their best friends, that the honour and the
+responsibility could not be evaded. And again, if he declined it,
+neither of them would be sent to carry out the Archbishop's plans.
+Now, there was no one who knew the people or their language, manners,
+and customs, at all so well; no one who could compete with the
+Mussulmans and Brahmins on their own grounds of theology. He was, too,
+used to the courtly manners and modes of life of the Mussulman who
+ruled the country, and was the intimate friend of Queen Chand and her
+nephew, the King. What would not Taj-ool-Nissa do for the physician
+who had aided her recovery, or for the beloved companion who had
+cheered her loneliness? Then, again, there were Meeah and Zora, the
+old Syud, and their new schools at the painter's, and great numbers
+of other countrymen who had been absent with the King's army, and
+were altogether fallen into neglect. All these were new ties which
+a series of strange events had created, but which, nevertheless,
+were precious and binding. And these, with the boundless expanse of
+country before him, in which he should be free to act, caused Francis
+d'Almeida's heart to swell in grateful anticipation. He, therefore,
+submitted himself to the Archbishop's will, with earnest and sincere
+feelings of gratitude; and as soon as the ceremony could be arranged,
+he was consecrated in the cathedral at high mass, before all the
+ecclesiastical, civil, and military authorities of the city, and his
+patent made out and delivered to him. Nor would the Archbishop suffer
+him, poor as he knew Francis was, to pay any of the costs of the
+elevation, which were considerable; not even that of his robes, which
+were of their kind splendid enough.
+
+The Beejapoor envoy was a delighted spectator of all the pomp of the
+Church on the occasion, and the joy with which he greeted his former
+humble companion was very genuine. We are bound to say also, that once
+they were free from the terrors of the Inquisition, Maria, like a
+practical woman as she was, insisted upon making a complete inspection
+of her brother's wardrobe, and found it in a very dilapidated and
+defective condition. The patchings and darnings of old Pedro, who
+nominally united the office of tailor to that of cook and valet, were
+by no means of a distinguished order, and were, to say the least of
+them, in the last stage of decay; and in the cold weather of the
+Dekhan, her brother, though enjoying wonderfully good health, was often
+distressed by the cold. Materials, however, and makers of all kinds
+were plentiful at Goa. The ladies of her convent set to with vigour to
+make such portions of both their clothing as they could, and the result
+was so far beyond the good Padre's ordinary ideas of comfort, which
+were limited, that he could barely be induced to cast away the old and
+to adopt the rich new suits with which he was furnished.
+
+They were pressed much to remain for the great Church festival of
+Christmas. But this was impossible; time was precious; the Beejapoor
+envoy and his people were anxious to return, and the journey back was
+commenced. What peril they had endured and escaped, what new honour and
+love they had gained, was indeed wonderful to think on, and for which
+their thanks were due to Him whom they served; and their hearts were
+full of gratitude and hope for the future. And the reception they had
+at Beejapoor, when Humeed Khan and his nephew, with a host of other
+friends, one of the King's nobles of the court, ushers and others,
+were sent out to meet them and conduct them into the city, was almost
+overwhelming; and many people ran before their litters, crying out
+that the good Padre had come back, and was welcome. As to the children
+of the schools, they and their parents erected a triumphal arch of a
+humble character at Pedro the painter's gate; and, dressed in their
+best, sang a hymn of welcome very prettily, and were introduced to
+their new preceptresses. Pedro had made a great feast for the occasion
+too, and all were very happy; but they were grieved to hear that their
+dear old friend the Syud was rapidly sinking to his rest, and that
+the physicians had no longer hope of his life. Prayers had been made
+for him in every mosque, and supplications sent to all other shrines
+around, particularly to Gulburgah. But these were of no avail; the
+angel of death, the old man said, was already nigh, and he should soon
+receive his last summons. Weary nature was exhausted; and though the
+few last months' excitement had caused the lamp of life to flicker up,
+and even to shine brightly for awhile, it was now sinking daily, and
+must soon be extinguished.
+
+They did not delay further than to make a few arrangements. The King
+and the Queen had already sent kind messages, begging them to come
+as soon as possible; and in the afternoon they went when the usual
+palanquins arrived for them. They found Abbas Khan, his uncle, and
+a number of Mussulman priests, sitting in the ante-room of the old
+Syud's apartments, the latter chanting passages from the Koran in a
+low monotonous tone; and while Maria passed into Zora's rooms, Abbas
+Khan rose, and led the bishop, as we must now call him, into the place
+where the dear old man lay. He seemed to be dozing as they entered, but
+hearing the sound of a strange voice, he looked up and asked who had
+come.
+
+"I, your old friend, Huzrut," said the bishop, kneeling down. "I have
+returned to you safe from my journey and its consequences."
+
+"Oh, give me light that I may see you once more ere I pass away," he
+said, eagerly. "Give me light!" and when a corner of the curtain was
+lifted, the old man raised himself, stretched out his hands, and fell
+upon his friend's neck. He seemed to have forgotten that he was blind.
+
+"The darkness and the day are all one to me, my son," he said, feeling
+all over Francis' face; "all one now--so they are always to those
+who are trembling on the brink of eternity. Yet I shall see brightly
+presently, when these scales of death fall from my eyes. Fear not for
+me, dear friend; my time is run, my work on earth is finished, and I
+go to partake of that I have believed in. And thou hast escaped that
+fierce evil priest? Tell me how it was. First lay me down, for I have
+no strength."
+
+"You must not speak," was the reply; "it excites you too much;" and
+d'Almeida placed his fingers on the old man's pulse, which he found now
+weak and fluttering. "Rest awhile, and I will tell thee."
+
+"Is he dying?" asked Abbas Khan.
+
+"No," returned the bishop; "he will yet live some days; and I will send
+him or bring him early some cordial I have brought with me. Now no one
+can get at it."
+
+"Now tell me all, Francis; and how thy dear sister, Maria, hath fared.
+Is she well?"
+
+"She is well," returned the bishop; "but I have said you must
+be silent;" and he then related briefly the particulars of the
+investigation of the tribunal. "I could have done nothing," he said;
+"he was more powerful than I; but I had truth with me, and out of his
+own vile letters he was condemned; nor could he make any defence. He
+was sentenced, and would have suffered, but he escaped."
+
+"Escaped! Protection of God! he may follow you and Maria."
+
+"I do not fear him, Huzrut. The same power that defended us at Goa will
+defend us should we meet hereafter. Meanwhile, he fled in a companion's
+ship to sea, and is believed to have gone to Persia, where we have
+churches. He escaped, too, with all his wealth."
+
+"Shookr! shookr! thanks, thanks! and praise to God that our poor
+prayers were heard; prayers in which Zora joined, as for brother and
+sister. Hast thou no thanks, no congratulations, Meeah?"
+
+"I said them at first, Abba, when he told me on the road. But see the
+justice of God! On all that number of vile conspirators justice hath
+descended. And on this priest last of all, though he hath life and
+wealth, yet shame hath fallen upon him among his people; while this,
+our honoured friend, hath been exalted by them to high rank, and is now
+a noble of the Church."
+
+"He is no greater now before me than he used to be, nor before God. Is
+he, too, a Wallee?"
+
+"Not a saint, Abba," returned Francis, smiling; "but I have the
+overlooking of all the churches from Ahmednugger to Raichore and
+Moodgul, and can reside where I please. Before God I cannot change, but
+before men I have that dignity in the Church which it hath pleased my
+fathers in God to bestow upon me."
+
+The old man smiled happily, and they saw his lips moving silently
+in prayer; but he did not speak, he only held out his hands once to
+Francis, as if to bid him farewell, and turning round seemed to sleep
+easily and comfortably.
+
+Zora and Maria were together once more, and what could exceed their
+happiness? Zora's great brown eyes looked wistfully at her, like a
+dog's, as after the first weeping and thankful embrace they sat down
+together. But this did not suffice, and as Maria held out her arms
+once more, Zora fell into them, looking up every now and then with her
+happy, loving face, though her eyes were constantly brimming over, as
+she heard Maria's history, as Abba had heard her brother's. Only about
+three months had passed, yet Zora's figure and countenance appeared to
+have expanded under the influence of the certainty of Meeah's love.
+At last her own, her very own. "And he loves me, too; for one day I
+was coming from the Queen Mother's apartment alone, and I met him on
+the stairs, and he told me so; and though I could not answer him, I
+remember all he said, and now I can tell it to you, Maria. We have
+never spoken again; and I dare not if I could, for it would not be
+modest in a girl betrothed to do so. Then Abba began to fail after you
+left, and yearned for your brother; and we thought he would pass away
+from us. But he is still here, though they tell me he may be called
+any time; and we must let him go. Day and night Meeah watches him, and
+when he is tired he sends me word by a servant, and I go to him. But
+he seldom speaks, only prays; and all he has been saying for several
+days has been: 'It is time they returned. Why do they linger away? Have
+they escaped?' But we could not make out then, though we now understand
+your peril." And then Zora's tongue ran on almost without intermission,
+until a message came from the Queen Mother that they should go up to
+them, as she and the young Queen were both ready to receive them.
+And they went; Maria kissing the feet of both the Royal ladies, and
+making her obeisance, as she used to do. They, too, had to hear of her
+trial and her deliverance; and Zora said plaintively, "We were sisters
+together from the first, though we belonged to different faiths; and
+God appointed me my trial, when I did not fear Osman Beg, and she
+had her own with the wicked priest we used all to hear so much of in
+Juldroog; and she was not afraid of him. And now God hath brought us
+together again; and we will never separate."
+
+Then the Queen had to hear of Francis d'Almeida's new dignity; and it
+was very clear to Maria that he, perhaps both of them, had acquired
+additional honour in the Royal eyes.
+
+"My King will be glad, indeed, to hear this, for Beejapoor hath never
+had an ambassador from your nation, or any accredited person on whom
+reliance could be placed; and much mischief has been the consequence.
+Now things will be different."
+
+"I know," said Maria, smiling, "that he has been entrusted with a
+whole budget of matters to lay before His Majesty; and he will do this
+to-night, perhaps, at the durbar."
+
+"And," added Zora, with a merry twinkle in her eye, "bid him, mother,
+to come in his new robes, for Maria says they are magnificent; and
+then he can come and make his obeisance here also to you and his old
+patient."
+
+So, after a while, Maria took her leave, and went home to carry out
+this little plot, and to set out her brother's finery; and, after much
+persuasion, the simple bishop did as he had been requested, and went in
+his grandeur of gold embroidery and purple satin, and lace, and biretta
+instead of a mitre, which, with his staff, was not ready when he left
+Goa. He was, however, sufficiently splendid to attract the attention
+and admiration of all the nobles of the durbar; and even the Chishtee
+priest, who had been so uncivil to him at their first meeting, but who
+had gradually learned to respect his character, now welcomed him with
+sincere congratulations.
+
+It was a pleasant evening for the Bishop. He felt himself to be now
+more on an equality with all the nobles by whom he was surrounded,
+and their respect was unmistakeable. He was the representative of his
+nation, too; there was much to be settled between his Government and
+the King's; and in all respects, in outward circumstances, he felt
+he was a very different person at the King's Court than the obscure
+priest and physician that had come there at first. The schools were
+flourishing, and Maria felt the help of her new assistants to be very
+material. The Bishop, too, found ample occupation among the Portuguese
+artificers and gunners, and the time was fast approaching when he must
+seek his new flocks at Ahmednugger and elsewhere. Would it be safe or
+prudent to take his sister with him? What he heard of the condition of
+Ahmednugger was not satisfactory. The place was not at peace within
+itself, and many reports were abroad. He had a refuge for her already
+at Beejapoor, or he might send her to Moodgul, to the old deacon's
+charge; but the last message of Dom Diego to his cousin, which had
+been duly repeated to him as a warning, though Maria knew not of it,
+often weighed heavily upon him. Dom Diego was free; free to join any
+lawless bands in the country; and he had wealth, too, to further any
+plan he might form. In Beejapoor Maria would be safe, under the King's
+protection; but then the dire separation, distressing alike to both,
+was hardly to be contemplated. Maria would not hear of it; whither he
+would go she would go with him, and in her opinion the better plan was
+to wait till Ahmednugger was once more settled.
+
+But all these plans were destined to come to a more rapid end than
+either thought; and the first link of the chain broken, was the dear
+old Syud's death. For several days the new medicine which Francis
+had brought with him appeared to give new energy, and they all hoped
+he might rally; but he was not himself deceived. "I have received my
+warning," he said, "and do but wait the angel's coming--be that when it
+may." He made his will, bequeathing to Zora all his worldly goods and
+such of his estates as the King might permit. He also made provision
+for the religious ceremonies at his tomb, the site of which he had
+selected when he first came, in the Roza, or garden, in the precincts
+of the great mausoleum of the King, and had appointed a poor disciple,
+who had followed him in his wanderings from Gogi, to the charge of it.
+A small tomb or mausoleum, with a vault, had been prepared, and was
+nearly finished; and the old man on one of his best latter days had
+been gently taken there in a palanquin, having a particular desire
+to see it. To the last he preserved his faculties entire; and after
+hearing portions of the Koran read one night, he repeated the two
+creeds with a firm voice, and lay down quietly. But his breath came
+heavily, and Abbas Khan saw that the end was near; and Zora came to
+him with Maria, who was sitting with her. The physicians and Francis
+felt his pulse, but it was fluttering; and one of the Moollas raising
+him up, poured a little sherbet into his mouth, which he swallowed
+and lay down again, saying, "It is enough," and seemed to sleep; nor
+could those who watched by him tell when the humble, loving spirit
+left its earthly tenement. There was no struggle, or even a sigh; and
+again and again during the day he had said he had no pain, and could
+see the flowers of Paradise and the river flowing among them. Finally
+the chant of the Moollas without ceased, and those who perform offices
+for the dead came in and did their ministering. Crowds followed him to
+his last resting place. Nothing that love or respect could suggest was
+wanting to the end; and as the Moollas chanted the peace of God to the
+thousands who had gathered round, they separated sadly, many weeping,
+and with a conviction that a faithful disciple of their faith had gone
+to his rest in Paradise.
+
+For a time, during the forty days of ceremonial and mourning, Zora
+remained with the Queen Dowager, though apart, so as not to cause
+inconvenience; and for the first few days Maria had not left her except
+at short periods, and to carry on her own duties. She had now many
+friends; and the grief at her loss, which at first lay heavy on her,
+gradually gave place to brighter thoughts. Often and humbly did she
+think on the few months that had passed, on the hopelessness which must
+have been her lot if her grandfather had died at Juldroog or during her
+wanderings. Yes, she had been mercifully protected, and was grateful
+to her heart's core; and as she wept out her grief on Maria's breast
+or that of the Queen, who had adopted her, there was ever present
+the secret hope and trust that she had found a true refuge, which
+was not far distant. For as the forty days of ceremonial were about
+to conclude, the Lady Fatima, urged by her nephew and husband, again
+protested against further delay. Zora should have one who had a right
+to protect her, and in whose love a new life would open to her, and she
+put herself unreservedly into her friends' hands. She had pledged her
+faith, and had she needed to do so a hundred times over, or under any
+trial, she would have only been more confirmed in it. Enough that the
+time was come; and with all the pomp that her Royal patrons and the
+wealthy house of her husband could furnish, all the dressing, feasting,
+merry-making, processions, and distributions of charity practised on
+such occasions, the marriage ceremonies were at last concluded. Are
+not the loves of this happy pair sung by bards and dancing-women to
+this day? For the poets of the Court poured forth their amatory lays
+and epithalamiums without stint, sure of ample largesse. Many of these
+were set to music, and linger still to charm others, though even the
+traditions of the nobles of Beejapoor have passed away.
+
+And still the good Bishop and Maria remained. Maria pleaded that she
+had promised Zora to stay with her till the ceremonies were completed,
+and she, with much interest, and not without amusement, had helped
+her through all the events of each day. But when all was over, when
+the bright, radiant, happy girl had been carried away in a grand
+procession, with fireworks, torches, and firing of guns, escorted by
+the whole of her husband's and his uncle's household troops--the play
+played out, and the curtain dropped--then they turned to their work
+again.
+
+Meanwhile the Queen's letters from Ahmednugger grew more and more
+uneasy; and she received a petition, which was signed by all the
+principal nobles and officers of the State, asking her to come to them
+and assume the administration during the minority of the young and
+rightful Sovereign, who as yet was little more than an infant. This
+was necessarily a much more serious subject for contemplation than the
+heretofore task of assuaging national disquietude, and uniting the
+power of the State under one regency, not her own, which should have
+the goodwill of the people. But this was put before her as a solemn and
+patriotic duty, which could be effected by no one but herself. At her
+name, they wrote in her native city, every well affected person would
+unite to support her; the few malcontents would disappear or fly the
+kingdom, and peace and prosperity would reign once more. Day by day, by
+special messengers, and by every other possible means, the frequency
+of these communications, as well as their urgency, increased. They had
+commenced before Francis and his sister had returned from Goa, and were
+much more frequent and more urgent now.
+
+She had concealed nothing from her nephew, the King, or from his long
+tried and faithful Ministers of State. Every letter, every despatch she
+received, was laid before them; but the last general petition seemed
+to leave no loophole of escape. So long as Ahmednugger was disturbed,
+Beejapoor could not be at rest. The frontiers were uneasy, and events
+took place which no precaution could avert, and which might at any
+time plunge the kingdoms into one of those interminable and bloody
+wars which had often nearly brought both to the brink of ruin. The
+last war was finished, peace everywhere prevailed, and under ordinary
+circumstances, there was every prospect of its maintenance; but if
+misrule at Ahmednugger continued, there was no surety. Again, the
+Moghuls of Delhi were gathering in ominous clouds in Malwa and Guzerat,
+without apparent reason; and were they to march upon the Dekhan, there
+was no one to resist them on its frontiers; while at Ahmednugger each
+party seemed ready to sell their country to the enemy, so that a
+temporary local advantage might be gained.
+
+It was a perilous time for the whole Dekhan; and the Queen, with her
+habitual fortitude, determined to meet it, as she had done every
+political and public danger of her life. She would devote herself to
+her native State, for her presence was no longer needful at Beejapoor,
+and her Regency had closed in thankful peace. Nay, there was no time
+to be lost, and it was at once known, by the preparations ordered,
+that Queen Chand was about to proceed to her native place. We need not
+say that Abbas Khan and Zora were to accompany her. They would take
+no denial, and Abbas Khan, in public durbar, claimed the command of
+her escort, as a point of right and duty. Could he leave his adopted
+mother, and idle away his time in inaction at the capital? Even that
+he had endured since the King's return had been in the last degree
+irksome. We know why the Bishop and his sister desired to go too; and
+even had that reason not existed, Maria must have gone, for the Queen
+had become alarmed, and she viewed with pain a revelation the King had
+made to her that he loved Maria.
+
+As the time drew near for her departure, the Queen Chand had received
+many visits from her nephew the King, and had observed his listless
+manner and his evident anxiety in regard to some subject. He did not,
+however, complain of being ill, and his Queen, Taj-ool-Nissa, had, as
+well as the Queen Dowager, pressed him to consult the good Bishop on
+the subject. To both the Queens, the departure of the elder one, on
+whose counsel in all affairs he had so firmly relied, appeared to be
+the cause; but it lay deeper than that.
+
+One evening, just before the march began, the Queen, Taj-ool-Nissa and
+Maria were sitting at the great window alone, and Maria was putting the
+last finishing touches to a drawing of flowers for her Royal companion,
+when she observed the tears well up in her eyes; and, with a sudden
+impulse, she put the drawing aside, and cast herself upon Maria's
+breast, sobbing piteously. It was in vain that Maria asked her to
+explain the cause of her grief, or tried to soothe her with assurances
+of speedy return, the Queen only wept the more passionately.
+
+"He does not love me, Maria," she said, between her sobs, in broken
+words. "My lord the King does not love me. To thee, O sister, he has
+given his heart, and he will die without thee. I am but a child,
+Maria, and have no beauty or talent to charm him; but thy loveliness
+and accomplishments fit thee to become his Queen. Oh, do not hesitate,
+darling sister; consent to be mine in reality, and we shall be joined
+in his love till we die. Maria!" she cried, looking up through her
+tears, and brushing them away, "dost thou hear? He dreams of thee; I
+hear thy name on his lips as he sleeps, murmured in love. It is no
+deception, and I say it before God; and I know how essential thou art
+to his happiness. Kiss me, and say thou wilt consent, and I shall be
+happy. A few quiet prayers and some preparation, and thou art his wife
+as well as I."
+
+"It cannot be, it cannot be, my darling!" said Maria, very sadly, and
+kissing the gentle, patient face upturned to her. "I am vowed to God's
+service; I repeated and confirmed those vows at Goa, and I go forth,
+with my brother, to perform them. A little while and he will forget me,
+and thou wilt live with thy child to come, happy in his love as thou
+hast been. Nay, urge me not," she continued, as Taj-ool-Nissa was about
+to speak again; "by the love that is between us urge me not again, but
+let me depart in peace, and with thy blessing, on my way. Keep this,
+and all I have left, in memory of me; and hope, as I do, that we may
+meet again in happiness." Then, placing the picture in the Queen's
+hands, she kissed her fervently, with a silent prayer, and, rising up,
+departed. Yet ere she reached the door, she looked back once more. The
+girl was lying with her face among her cushions, weeping bitterly,
+while the sun's light, falling upon her rich brocaded dress, covered
+her as with a glory of gold.
+
+END OF BOOK IV.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK V.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+A SKETCH OF LOCAL HISTORY.
+
+
+Out of the disruption of the great Bahmuny dynasty of the Dekhan
+in A.D. 1489, four independent kingdoms arose. The first secession
+was that of Yousaf Adil Khan, who founded the Adil Shahy dynasty of
+Beejapoor in that year; the second, that of Nizam-ool-Moolk Bheiry,
+in the same year, and Berar had even preceded them. Golconda followed
+in 1512, thus completing the alienation of the four largest and
+most important provinces of the Bahmuny kingdom, and leaving only a
+comparatively insignificant portion in the hands of the remaining
+representative of the Bahmunies, who lived and reigned at Beeder, and
+whose successor was afterwards set aside by his Minister, Ameer Bereed,
+who usurped the throne, and the great Bahmuny family became extinct.
+
+Nizam-ool-Moolk Bheiry had been Prime Minister of the Bahmuny kingdom,
+and his son, Mullek Ahmud, was Viceroy in the large western provinces.
+After the act of dismemberment had been accomplished, Nizam-ool-Moolk
+Bheiry died, and his son, relying on his local power, and possessing
+the requisite boldness and ability, ably maintained his position; and
+there being no capital to the province except the hill fort of Joonair,
+which was inconvenient, as well from position as construction, he
+founded a new city and capital near the village of Bingar, which lay
+between Joonair and Dowlutabad.
+
+Here he built a fine fort and several palaces, laid out gardens, and
+named the place Ahmednugger--or the fort of Ahmud--which appellation
+it still bears. Ahmednugger is now one of the large military stations
+of the Dekhan and of India, and is deservedly celebrated for its
+salubrious climate. It is, in fact, situated near the crest of one of
+the great trap waves of the Dekhan, which breaks into the valley of the
+Godavery, a few miles distant. The country around is open, fertile, and
+free from jungle; and in the times we write of, the position commanded
+the passes from Khandeish, and Guzerat, and Berar, into central Dekhan.
+It had been most judiciously chosen, and, while the kingdom endured,
+it ruled a fair country which stretched from the sea to the confines
+of Berar and Golconda, and was possessed of an ample revenue. Its
+people, too, were the sturdy Mahratta peasantry, who made excellent
+soldiers; and it maintained considerable bodies of Abyssinians, as well
+as Turks, Arabs, Persians, and Central Asians, and their descendants
+of mixed blood, who, as at Beejapoor, were called Dekhanies, and held
+much power in their hands. In this point therefore the two kingdoms
+were very similar, though local customs and parties might not be in
+all respects precisely so. The Ahmednugger State also employed the
+indigenous Mahratta soldiery to a much greater extent than Beejapoor,
+especially as cavalry, and frequently found them of great use in
+checking the turbulence of the foreign levies. They were considered a
+portion of the regular army, and thus the hereditary native chieftains
+of the Mahratta people rose to power, which was afterwards rendered
+conspicuous when the Mahratta people, living upon the ruins of the
+local Mussulman kingdoms, became a nation in themselves.
+
+We do not purpose to write the history of the Nizam Shahy kingdom.
+The Kings were rough, warlike, and quarrelsome with their neighbours
+beyond any others, and were very rarely at entire peace with any of
+them. And while in some of these wars the kingdom had narrowly escaped
+annihilation, yet because a balance of power among these kingdoms was
+necessary for mutual existence, no one of them could be annexed by
+another, and for more than a hundred years they had existed in pretty
+much the same condition as that in which they had commenced in 1489.
+
+They had of course intermarried, and the families for the most
+part were nearly related; but the principal event of this kind was
+the marriage of Chand Beebee, daughter of Hussein Nizam Shah, of
+Ahmednugger, in 1564, to Ally Adil Shah, of Beejapoor, in order to
+cement the political alliance between the States, on the occasion of
+the crusade against the Hindoo powers of northern India. And though the
+object of that coalition and campaign was fully carried out, yet the
+peace of the two kingdoms was by no means assured; and we have already
+had to trace the cause of wars which ended in the death in action of
+King Ibrahim Nizam Shah, the seventh King, in the field of battle near
+Puraindah. After this event the affairs of the unfortunate kingdom fell
+gradually into greater and greater confusion. There was no successor of
+mature age to succeed; and a boy, said to have been of Royal birth, was
+sent for from Dowlutabad and placed on the throne under the auspices
+of the Dekhany party and their chieftain. But this was opposed by the
+foreign faction, who claimed that the infant son of the late King
+should succeed. As usual, both parties betook themselves to arms, and
+many lamentable and bloody engagements took place, not only in and
+near the Royal city itself, but also in other parts of the Ahmednugger
+dominions; the result of which was the general appeal to the Dowager
+Queen, Chand Beebee, to come to Ahmednugger, assume the Regency,
+and govern the kingdom with her well-tried ability and sagacity on
+behalf of the minor Prince; and, as we know, she had, after many deep
+considerations, consented to do so.
+
+There was, however, a more pressing, and, to the Queen's perception,
+more dangerous crisis at hand. The Emperor Akhbar, of Dehli, who was
+gradually annexing all smaller independent dominions to his own empire,
+had already shown a desire for interference in Dekhan affairs. He had
+despatched a large army under his son the Prince Moorad to Guzerat
+and Malwa, to watch the course of Dekhan events, and to invade the
+country should he find pretext or opportunity for doing so; and of this
+invasion the Queen was in dread. Domestic broils and disagreements had
+before on many occasions been adjusted, but the presence of so powerful
+a force as the Great Moghul's army, in the distracted state of local
+politics, was an evil which could not be overrated. Already the leader
+of the Dekhany party was known to have addressed letters to the Prince
+Moorad, imploring his intervention to uphold the claims of the boy whom
+he had placed on the throne; and it was impossible to conceive that
+the astute Prince would neglect the very opportunity he had so long
+waited for. True, afterwards the Dekhany leader perceived and bitterly
+regretted the false step he had taken, more especially when the boy
+whom he supported had been discovered to be spurious. But the mischief
+done was irreparable, and the Queen Regent now knew that she should
+not only have to subdue local disaffection, but oppose the progress of
+the Imperial Prince with all the force and all the energy she could
+command. She had undertaken the duty, however, and cast ease and other
+personal considerations unselfishly aside. She had done what she could
+for Beejapoor, and was wanted there no longer, except to make part of
+her nephew's happiness and share in his prosperity. And now, if in days
+of advancing age she was again to be thrown into those scenes of war
+which had accompanied her early life, it was, she said, the will of God
+and her duty; and she bowed to both with a submission and fortitude
+which never deserted her to the last.
+
+We trust the foregoing sketch of the period, as far as Ahmednugger is
+concerned, will not be out of place. Without it, indeed, the course of
+this tale would hardly be intelligible.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+A PLEASANT JOURNEY.
+
+
+The first halt made by the Queen was at Sholapoor, which, formerly
+belonging to Ahmednugger, had been given to Beejapoor as part of her
+dowry on the occasion of her marriage; and the Royal lady once more
+took possession of the small but elegant suite of apartments which look
+out on the lake or tank which washes the eastern side of the fort,
+and was evidently intended as part of its defences. Sholapoor, for
+the most part, has even now no pretensions to beauty, and the country
+around it, and that which had been traversed since the Queen left
+Beejapoor, is bare and monotonous; but the immediate vicinity of the
+fort, including the lake, with its island covered by a large Banian
+tree and a Hindoo temple, is undoubtedly pretty; and the pleasant sound
+of the tiny wavelets as they plashed against the walls and bastions was
+refreshing to hear, while the wind which played over the water came
+through the windows which looked over the lake very refreshingly. The
+Queen did not, however, tarry here, nor did she take the direct road
+from Sholapoor by the valley of the Seena to Ahmednugger. It was not
+only hot, but the country had been wasted by the previous war, and had
+not had time to recover; she, therefore, turned eastward to Nuldroog,
+or Shahdroog, as it had been called by her husband, Ali Adil Shah, and
+which he had improved by new fortifications and a noble dam of masonry
+across the river, a place in which many of the happiest hours of her
+life had been spent while the great works were in progress.
+
+Nuldroog, for it has reverted to its own old name, occupies a crest
+or knoll of basalt, which juts from the main plateau into the deep
+valley of the small river Boree. After passing the narrow neck which
+connects it with the plateau, the knoll spreads out with a tolerably
+level surface, the north, east, and south sides being for the most part
+perpendicular; while the neck, through which a wide and deep ditch has
+been cut, is fortified by a heavy wall with curtains and bastions.
+These walls and bastions continue all round the crest of the precipice,
+and the result has been a very strong fort of an eminently picturesque
+character, which might not make much defence against modern artillery,
+but which at the time we write of was considered one of the strongholds
+of the country, and usually held a large garrison, especially of
+cavalry. And it was an important military position, too, serving to
+check the forces of Ahmednugger on the one hand and Golconda on the
+other.
+
+King Ali Adil Shah had done much for the place. Besides the
+strengthening of the fortifications, and building near the east end
+a huge cavalier upwards of ninety feet high, ascended by a broad
+flight of easy steps, he had built a dam of stone and mortar of great
+strength and beauty across the river, which held back the waters, and
+created a long, narrow, but deep lake, which gave a plentiful supply
+of water to the town and both ends of the fort. Before this the only
+water procurable had been from the bed of the river, which flowed in
+the bottom of the deep ravine below the fort, and which in the hot
+weather was very scanty and impure. The new dam, therefore, gave a
+new value to the strong fort, and water became not only plentiful but
+easy of access. It is a noble work, stretching from one rocky point of
+the valley to another beyond, upwards of a hundred yards in length,
+and upwards of ninety feet in height. Over this the river falls in an
+unbroken sheet when in flood; at other times, the surplus water is
+carried off by a channel formed in the crest of the dam, which falls
+into the large deep pool that has been hollowed out at the foot. By an
+ingenious contrivance, a pretty Gothic apartment has been left in the
+body of the work, over the windows of which the waters in the highest
+floods can pass without entering, as they are diverted from the top
+down a tunnel, and escape at the base. At the northern end of the
+dam is another fort, or _tete-du-pont_, formed by the fortification
+of a considerable knoll, which is in itself a strong position, and
+materially assists the other defences.
+
+It was a great delight to the Queen to revisit the place. The
+Governor's house was cleared out for her, and for several days the
+whole fort was made private; and she wandered from place to place with
+her companions and attendants every day, pointing out to Maria and Zora
+where she had sat for hours together with her lord the King, watching
+the works in progress, breathing the pure fresh air, and taking their
+simple meals on the top of a bastion, or on the high cavalier when
+it was finished, where a great canopy used to be pitched. Nor was it
+possible for the two girls not to be interested in the place itself.
+It was, indeed, very beautiful: the lake shimmering in the sun, with
+the black precipices, hung with many-hued creepers, reflected into it;
+while, after it had shot through the arch on the dam, the river brawled
+down the valley till it was hid from view by the projection of the
+hills below. The air here was cool and refreshing, for they had risen
+to a considerable height above Sholapoor: and this was another reason
+why the Queen had chosen the upper route instead of the lower. Here and
+there, from points on the table land without the fort, where the Queen
+took her companions, the dim blue plains of Beejapoor could be seen
+stretching to the horizon like a sea, and the fresh cool wind would
+come to them freely and soothingly. These, too, were old haunts of her
+husband and herself; and it seemed often to Maria and Zora that, in the
+dreamy mood of mind in which she often sat alone, she appeared like
+one who had a consciousness of seeing these well-remembered scenes for
+the last time, and carrying away every possible recollection of them in
+her loving heart. Often, indeed, she would draw one or other, or both
+of them, to her side, and with her eyes brimming with tears, would say,
+"Look, children! here my lord received such a letter, or told me such
+a thing, and you must not forget even a stone of it; but, should I ask
+you even when my eyes are dim in death, you must describe it all to me
+as you see it now in the bright glowing sunlight."
+
+I need not follow minutely the daily march in early cool morning, nor
+the succession of beautiful mango groves in which the party rested
+every day, affording cool shade and refreshing rest. They were, indeed,
+seldom in their tents till nightfall, for around the enclosure was a
+screen of tent walls, which made the whole private. The tent pitchers
+selected the shadiest portions of these groves, and usually contrived
+to enclose a number of large leafy trees, beneath which carpets and
+soft cushions were spread; and reading, or the Queen's business, with
+her clever secretary, Zora, who had gained confidence by experience,
+went on as usual; and embroidery, too, and Maria's paintings, except
+when she retired to her own tents to share her devotions with her
+brother; while overhead the birds chirped, or sang, or cooed, and
+screamed in their glee and freedom.
+
+To Zora in her new happiness this march was a perpetual elysium. Abbas
+Khan could not always be with her, for he had his own work to do in
+the regulation of the camp, the obtaining of supplies, and the payment
+for them, and all other current business. Sometimes, too, and indeed
+generally of an evening, the large Royal tent was opened; and the Queen
+received in durbar all the officers, zemindars, and chief inhabitants
+of villages around. The Queen had quitted the dominions of Beejapoor
+soon after leaving Nuldroog, and passed into those of Ahmednugger.
+Abbas Khan by no means liked what he heard from all quarters in regard
+to the position of Ahmednugger and the parties there, who seemed to be
+at constant and bloody feud; and he earnestly strove with the Queen to
+induce her to turn back. But she upbraided him. "Would she have the
+world think her a coward? and had she not brought Beejapoor through
+worse troubles than those?" So he was silent thenceforth. It was her
+fate, and whatever was to be, would be fulfilled.
+
+The leader of the Dekhany party, Mean Munjoo, who had set up the
+spurious prince, was not at Ahmednugger. He had taken the boy with
+him, and gone beyond Owsa, towards Golconda, to urge the necessity
+of supporting Ahmednugger; and he was bitterly repentant that he had
+invited the Prince Moorad. He wrote to the Queen for forgiveness, and
+declared he would not return except with troops from Golconda and
+Beejapoor, to drive the Moghuls back. The Queen, too, wrote to her
+nephew, King Ibrahim, to send a heavy force of cavalry, in which the
+Moghuls were said to be weak, and to watch affairs from Nuldroog;
+and subsequently as many as twenty-six thousand of the best cavalry
+of Beejapoor, with six thousand from Golconda, assembled there, and
+occupied the crests of the plateau which stretched northwards.
+
+With these precautions taken, which had occasioned several days' delay
+at Patoda, the Queen now marched on, faster than before, for it was
+impossible to overrate the importance of her presence at Ahmednugger.
+But it was the same pleasant journey throughout, the same succession of
+cool, shady groves and crisp bracing air. Often would the Queen wile
+away the march with her hunting leopards and falcons with her, and
+enjoy many a gallop over the undulating downs, where Abbas Khan and
+the officers of his small force, and even the good Bishop, would ride
+with her and enjoy the sport. Sometimes, too, Maria, when the march was
+a quiet one, rode with her brother, to the great envy of Zora, who,
+from an elephant allotted to her, looked after them as they cantered
+past her, longing to be with them. If there were anything remarkable
+to be seen, the Queen would diverge from the beaten track, as she did
+at the temple of Pukrode, and, looking over the crest, could follow
+the line of hills to Ahmednugger itself. There she had stayed an extra
+day to wander about, as was her wont, and enjoy the keen air of that
+elevation, which, while it put roses into Maria's cheeks, and made
+Zora ruddy, tinged even the Queen's pale countenance with pink, and
+restored the bright beauty of her youth. Again from Patoda they made a
+day's excursion to the waterfall of the Incherna and its gloomy abrupt
+ravine; and they would sit for hours on the short smooth sward above,
+and watch the rainbows playing over the pool, nearly four hundred feet
+below them, and those which seemed to start out suddenly from the
+column of water, flash for an instant, and disappear. How glorious it
+all was! Even the heavy state cares which weighed upon the Queen seemed
+to be put aside for the time; and the noble lady's cheerful, nay, even
+playful disposition diffused a joy among her little party which they
+had never felt before. To Zora it was perfect elysium, as she told her
+husband in their quiet hours; she often felt her heart too full for
+speech. "I had hoped, dear lord, to be happy with thee, and to make
+thee happy; but this reality transcends all my expectations, for you
+are all too kind and too indulgent to me."
+
+"No, Zora; all the love which inspired me as thou watched over me that
+first night doth but heighten by time. When I had it not, I hungered
+and thirsted for it. Now I have it, it groweth fresher every day, and
+more precious to me. Enjoy these happy days, therefore, to the full,
+for the time cometh, I fear me, in which there may be weeping and woe."
+
+"Why dost thou think so?" she asked.
+
+"I read much in the mother's sweet face," he returned. "When she gazes
+on these scenes of her old happiness, there is a wistful, lingering
+look in her eyes which seems to say, 'I am looking at ye for the last
+time.' When she rises to depart, it is not with a merry remark, as it
+used to be, but with a sigh and a silent tear, which I can read, though
+you may not be able to do so. But it may be only one of those gloomy
+forebodings which torment us sometimes without real foundation, and
+from which the Lord, if He finds us faithful, delivers us happily; and
+so may it be with our beloved mother. There will be lip service enough
+to her when we go; but there are, of all about her, only ourselves upon
+whom she can depend. O wife! when I think on all she hath been to me
+since a child, I could give my life for her, even though I were to lose
+thee, my darling."
+
+"And I would follow thee, my lord. Life would be death without thee;
+for, besides thee and our mother, whom have I in all the world to
+protect me against that bad, terrible man, whose last threatening still
+often seems to ring in my ears?"
+
+A few days more, and through a pass in the Manikdown Hills, they
+reached the considerable town of Ashtee, and thence Bhatoree, a pretty
+village lying at the foot of the mountain, which is crowned by the
+noble mausoleum of Sulabut Khan. There was a comfortable summer palace
+there, now much decayed, but still habitable, which was then perfect,
+and the Queen found it ready for her reception. Groves of mango trees
+around afforded ample shelter for her followers and escort; and the
+situation was so beautiful that many from Beejapoor, who had expected
+to find only a savage wilderness of mountains, were now charmed with
+the prospects before them. One more march, and the Royal city would be
+gained in safety.
+
+Here, too, all the officers and functionaries of State, with their
+followers and troops, came to pay their respects and offer their
+"mezzins" to the Royal lady. And though some had never seen her, yet
+there were many who remembered her marriage; and by none was the
+glorious campaign of 1564 forgotten, and all--old or new--were charmed
+with her grace and dignity, the wisdom of her counsels, and, as far as
+she could decide them, her own intentions; and she assured all that she
+should leave them no more until God willed to take her, and exhorted
+them to be faithful and true. So as soon as the palace in the citadel
+could be prepared for her, the Queen made a triumphal march into the
+city and fort.
+
+Outwardly Ahmednugger presents no imposing appearance like Beejapoor.
+There are no lofty palaces towering over the walls, no tall minarets
+or domed mosques like those she had left behind her; but the city
+had an aspect of comfort and peace, and the gardens of the Furhat
+Mahal, the Bihishtee Bagh, or Garden of Paradise, were inviting and
+pleasant to view, and though comparatively low, the Royal palace in
+the fort was full of comfort. The faithful Mullek Umber, governor
+of Dowlutabad, had sent from his new capital, Kirkee, large baskets
+full of oranges and delicious grapes, writing that in the course of
+a few days he would come himself; and there was no person whom the
+Queen more earnestly desired to see, or in whom she reposed higher
+confidence. Mullek Umber was, indeed, a remarkable man. From the
+condition of an Abyssinian eunuch he had raised himself to the rank of
+a viceroy of the kingdom, and governor of one of the largest provinces
+of the Ahmednugger dominions. He had--following the example of the
+Emperor Akhbar--surveyed and assessed all the lands in every village
+of the country, and reduced the whole to a system which operated most
+beneficially to the State as well as to the people. To this day the
+original settlements exist in many a village record, and are proof
+of the skill and patience with which they were executed, requiring
+little alteration to suit modern demands. A humane, devout man, as well
+as charitable and just, but not one to be drawn into the intrigues
+and dissensions of a Court. Whatever happened there, he preserved a
+dignified neutrality; too strong in his local position, and in the
+devotion of his numerous troops, to be meddled with by anyone. He had
+infinite respect for Queen Chand. He had followed the events of her
+career with profound interest, and he could see that except through her
+the affairs of the State had little chance of settlement or indeed of
+salvation from ruin; and he watched with much anxiety what the result
+of Queen Chand's first acts would be, though his counsel, when asked,
+was given freely and honourably.
+
+For the first week or more events at Ahmednugger were without
+excitement, and nothing occurred to disturb their even current. The
+Queen and her companions made excursions to the Royal palaces and
+gardens without the fort; and even to one at some little distance,
+in a ravine of the eastern range of hills, built near a pretty
+cascade, which is well known to all present inhabitants of the English
+cantonment as the "Happy Valley." There the broad plain of the Godavery
+lay out before them; and even the grim rock fort of Dowlutabad, and
+the tall white minaret of the Emperor Mahomed Toghluk, were distinctly
+visible on a clear day. Maria and her brother were already longing
+to proceed thither, and visit the Portuguese who had settled there,
+many of whom were vine-dressers and orange cultivators; and the Queen
+promised that when Mullek Umber should arrive she would despatch them
+with him. Meanwhile, among the gunners and artificers of the local
+army the Bishop and Maria had found many fellow-Christians; and as
+no feeling of bigotry appeared to exist against them, they promised
+themselves much success in their mission work; while some of the
+Aurungabad Christians came over to partake of the sacraments of the
+Church, and were heartily welcomed.
+
+Thus passed many weeks. The Queen had received answers to all her
+despatches. The Dekhany leader had not returned, but remained with the
+Golconda troops, who were to take up their position at Owsa, while
+those of Beejapoor occupied Nuldroog. Although some pretenders to
+support the party of the spurious new King were known to exist, yet
+for the most part the succession in the right direct line, by causing
+the child Prince Bahadur to be crowned, and appointing the Queen Chand
+formally to be Regent during the boy's minority, as she had been at
+Beejapoor, was the desire of the majority. And of this course the sage
+Mullek Umber entirely approved. There was no doubt of the purity of the
+boy's descent, who, with his mother, had been confined in the fort of
+Chawund; and when he arrived he was welcomed with joy, and on a given
+day was crowned King in the great audience hall of the fort, with every
+demonstration of satisfaction.
+
+There is no doubt, however, that this bloodless revolution gave secret
+umbrage to many, and some severe measures had to be taken. Ansar
+Khan, the governor of the fort, was detected in active correspondence
+with the Prince Moorad, representing the Queen as an abandoned woman;
+the boy she had adopted as the son of a minion of her own; and that
+the people, though they dare not complain, were in the last state
+of discontent; and Ansar Khan being arraigned before the chiefs and
+nobles, was convicted and suffered death. Secure in her position, the
+Queen wrote to the Prince Moorad, recapitulating the past, quoting
+the recantation of the Dekhany leader who had invited him. As a noble
+and an honoured guest of the son of the great Emperor, whom it behoved
+to protect an infant minor--he would be welcome, most welcome, and a
+friendly embassy and escort would be sent to meet him; but if hostile
+intentions still filled his mind, and force were resorted to, she was
+well supported by her neighbours, and had made every preparation to
+repel what she could not avert by conciliation.
+
+But the cloud afar off only thickened, and became more and more
+threatening week by week, and the Queen strained every nerve to
+preserve the fort to the utmost, and prepare for what could not be much
+longer averted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+THE PROGRESS OF THE SIEGE.
+
+
+The rainy season had ceased, and operations could now be undertaken
+without danger of interruption from the weather. For some months
+past the Prince Moorad Mirza had watched the progress of events at
+Ahmednugger with the keenest interest; and had the Dekhany leaders been
+united in regard to the election of the first King, it is probable
+he would not have sought to disturb it, but would have made his
+own terms with them. But their withdrawal from their position, the
+spirited movement of the Queen Dowager in the coronation of Bahadur,
+the infant King, and the rallying about her of parties who had before
+been disunited, promised a very formidable coalition for defence. And
+when, in addition to local unity, it became certain that the very
+formidable cavalry of Beejapoor and Golconda had taken the field to
+cover Ahmednugger, the Prince saw it was time, if he was to strike in
+at all, to do so at once, before the eastern and southern forces could
+arrive at their purposed destination. He had with him thirty thousand
+of the flower of the Moghul cavalry, a large body of Rajpoot infantry
+and artillery, and several of the most celebrated generals of his
+father's army led different portions of the troops; and the prospect of
+a campaign in a new country, and with the celebrated cavaliers of the
+Dekhan, infused the highest spirits into all classes.
+
+Two men had joined the Prince, in whom he had now much confidence.
+Not long before, as he was hunting, a cavalier, well appointed, and
+attended by a small body of spearmen, rode up to him, and offered his
+services for the Dekhan campaign. He and his family had been, he said,
+in the service of Beejapoor for some generations; but enemies had
+prevailed against him, and he had left a service in which he could not
+stay with honour. He knew the whole country of the Dekhan, and most of
+the leaders of parties, Dekhanies and foreigners, and could direct the
+Prince to means of success to which he would, with his own people only,
+remain a stranger.
+
+This brief colloquy had been followed by a private interview, in which
+Osman Beg--for it was the man whom we have already seen degraded and
+dismissed from Beejapoor--laid before the Prince and some of his most
+esteemed councillors the condition of the whole of the Dekhan, that
+of its armies and parties, and the position of the Queen Dowager at
+Ahmednugger, which he did not undervalue. He told them that they should
+not despise the power of a woman like her, whom no danger could appal,
+nor ordinary resistance overcome; and that in the Dekhan there was
+no commander to equal her in the field; while the people loved her,
+and would, most of them, support her to the last. The great object,
+therefore, should be to shut her up in Ahmednugger before she could
+withdraw the infant King to the protection of Beejapoor, which had
+ample means for defence.
+
+"And what, sir, may be your motive for offering your services to me?"
+asked the Prince, doubtingly.
+
+"Revenge," returned the other. "Ask me not for what; that may appear in
+time even to thee. And, for the rest, accept this poor sword, or reject
+it, as seems best to your Highness. To serve in the army of the King of
+kings, under his famous son, has long been a dream of mine, wherever
+that service might lead me. And now that it turns upon my enemies,
+can I refuse? If my star is not fortunate to gain a place under your
+Highness, I will seek my fortune elsewhere. I am a soldier, and know no
+occupation other than my sword gives me."
+
+"Such men are among the necessities of war," said the Prince to Khan
+Khanan, his commander-in-chief, when they were alone. "What think you
+of him?"
+
+"I see deceit and treachery in his face," was the reply. "But what can
+that signify to us? He has some scheme of private revenge to carry out,
+and he will be faithful to that if not to us. Give him a command, for
+he has undoubted knowledge of the country which no one else possesses,
+and in this he will be of use."
+
+So Osman Beg was attached to the division of Khan Jehan, and
+accompanied the army in the capacity of guide and director of the
+marches towards Ahmednugger.
+
+Meanwhile Dom Diego had not been idle. Acting under the advice of his
+banker at Surat, he had written a petition to the Prince, representing
+himself as a soldier of fortune, recently arrived from Europe, who
+had knowledge of the attack and defence of fortified places, and the
+direction of artillery in the field; and, anxious for employment,
+offered his services to the Royal army. While at Surat he had heard
+from his cousin at Goa of the appointment of Francis d'Almeida as
+Bishop of Ahmednugger, and subsequently, that he and his sister had
+accompanied Queen Chand to her destination. What better opportunity
+could be afforded for carrying off Maria than the turmoil of a siege
+and assault. He had seen much service as a soldier in the East.
+Personally he was brave, and in his own land had studied for the
+profession of artillery and fortifications. There was no doubt as to
+his probable usefulness. European adventurers had often rendered very
+essential service to the Royal armies; but the best of them were at
+Dehli, and should the applicant be what he described himself, his
+presence against one of the most celebrated forts of the Dekhan,
+improved, it was said, by the Portuguese, would be invaluable.
+
+A few days after this, Dom Diego, accompanied by Pedro di Diaz and a
+party of his sailors accustomed to the use of large guns, arrived in
+the Royal camp, and was heartily welcomed. The fine martial figure of
+the new comer made a favourable impression upon the Prince; and the
+complete suit of mail in which he made his entry into camp, seated
+on a noble Kattiwar charger, was remarkable and imposing. As before,
+Pedro di Diaz was his interpreter, but he found the Prince to possess
+a considerable knowledge of Portuguese, which he had learned at his
+father's, the Emperor's Court; and Dom Diego, after a short interview,
+found himself not only much more at his ease than he had expected to
+be, but appointed to a lucrative post, as inspector and regulator of
+the artillery.
+
+As he was leaving the Prince's tent, an officer, apparently of the
+Royal army, came up to him and said, "I ought to know that face. Hast
+thou forgotten the mission of Moodgul and the plan of Eyn-ool-Moolk?"
+
+"No; thou art Osman Beg," was the reply, "and I have not forgotten. But
+thou here, my friend? Methought the fair Zora, whom thou used to tell
+me about, would have more charms for thee than war?"
+
+"What has brought thee, O friend," returned the other, "has brought
+me, strange as it is. There are two women in Ahmednugger whom we would
+have. Nay, deny it not; and we may easily take them when there is none
+to defend them. Your Maria is there; and what matter if you appear as a
+soldier to gain her?"
+
+"Thou hast guessed shrewdly, friend," was the reply; "it is even so. I
+find my life dull without her, and such devotion as I offer to her may
+be accepted at last. And if not--well, we shall see. I have no relish
+for priestly offices, and war and its excitement suit me much better.
+Will the Queen fight?"
+
+"As far as a woman can, she undoubtedly will fight. Men may feel fear,
+but she does not even in the face of imminent danger. If the people
+with her are only true to her, you will see that the result will
+flutter some of these silken love-birds of Dehli. Our Dekhan ways are
+rough, but the men of Ahmednugger are roughest of all; and some of thy
+countrymen made the fort what it is."
+
+"Then it will require one of them to open the casket. Who knows where
+to find the key? And if my old knowledge has not departed from me, I
+may be able to do what force cannot do, or these wretched guns which
+the Prince thinks so much of."
+
+"And the guns of Ahmednugger foundries have ever been famous since the
+days of Chuleby Roomy Khan, the Turk, and many have been bought from
+your countrymen. I would advise caution, Senor; and may Alla send us
+a good deliverance! When the time comes, we may be able to help each
+other; till then we may meet seldom, or not at all, for my place will
+be the advanced division."
+
+"And mine with the main body and the Prince, where you will always find
+me, Osman Beg, at your service. If you will keep your own counsel, I
+can keep mine; and though we care for what we hope to win, there are
+many here who would laugh at us if they knew our desires; and, from
+what I hear, the Prince sets his face against any abduction of the
+enemy's women."
+
+"I, at least, can demand my wife, after the custom of our law," said
+Osman Beg, with a swagger.
+
+"When she is the wife of another? Ha! ha!" returned the priest, with a
+sneering laugh. "You are not particular, perhaps, though I am. But we
+need not interfere with each other; and so, farewell!"
+
+While the great army was in slow but certain progress towards the goal
+of its desire, we must return for a brief while to the personages
+in this tale whom we left there. Since the coronation of the boy
+King, Bahadur, there had been no violent disturbance of the public
+peace; and though some of the leaders of parties still held aloof,
+watching the course of events, others had frankly joined the Queen
+and declared for her policy. The fort was now full of men, and one of
+the best soldiers of the State, Nihung Khan, who had been confined
+at Dowlutabad for several years, was released by Mullek Umber, and
+sent, with six thousand good cavalry, to keep the frontier, and, if
+necessary, to join the Queen. The Queen herself, with calm fortitude,
+collected provisions till the fort granaries were quite full. Every
+piece of ordnance was thoroughly inspected, and made fit for service.
+Shot, powder, entrenching tools, and gabions were prepared; nor,
+in consultation with her artillery officers, was any measure left
+incomplete for defence. All walls, huts, and some houses which had
+encroached upon the esplanade were levelled, and nothing existed to
+obstruct the fire of the place. She was fearful of exciting jealousy
+in the minds of her troops, and did not therefore appoint Abbas Khan
+to the command of the fort, as she wished to do; but he was her
+indefatigable assistant in every department; nor was there a day in
+which the Royal lady did not visit works in progress, or go out on
+visits of inspection to points where it was suggested trenches might be
+made, or other hindrances to the enemy's advance contrived.
+
+There continued, however, one permanent source of disquietude and
+anxiety to her, which was the inactivity of the Beejapoor and Golconda
+forces, for as yet they had made no forward movement; and as the
+weather was now open, they ought to have taken up the positions she had
+suggested. Once, indeed, when she wrote to Soheil Khan, the Beejapoor
+officer in command, that the Moghul cavalry were about to make a
+movement to turn the flank of the general defences of the kingdom,
+twelve thousand cavalry were despatched from Nuldroog, by way of Bheer,
+to hold them in check; but the movement proved futile, the Beejapoor
+force was defeated and routed by six thousand Moghuls, under Khan Jehan
+Lody, one of the best generals of the army, and the Beejapoor troops
+fled back from the Godavery in confusion, to tell tales of Moghul
+prowess, which considerably added to the existing alarm. In truth,
+Osman Beg had rendered essential service in this movement. By a rapid
+march he had turned the flank of the forces which covered Dowlutabad;
+he had prevented the junction of Nihung Khan's troops with those of
+Beejapoor; and by the defeat of the latter, the rear of Ahmednugger,
+the fertile plain of the Godavery, and several easy passes up to the
+very precincts of the fort, were left in almost perfect tranquillity
+to the invaders. Thenceforth the Queen knew she had no one from whom
+she could expect aid, but she did not relax her preparations or her
+vigilance. She knew her nephew could not leave Beejapoor, for without
+one or other of them the capital could not be trusted; and Soheil Khan,
+the general who had been sent with the cavalry, though a brave man, was
+by no means an enterprising officer, or one on whom she could depend
+in an emergency. Oh! that it had been Humeed Khan, or anyone of the
+devoted friends who had ever supported her, then there would have been
+neither doubt nor hesitation. Soheil Khan was a calm, reflective man,
+and it was on this account, perhaps, that he had been sent. He could
+perceive clearly enough that if Beejapoor took any open part in the
+war, the Moghuls, when Ahmednugger fell, would infallibly declare war
+against it, and that, under all considerations, would be the safest
+policy.
+
+At first, our friends the Bishop and his sister had thought that peace
+would not be broken. The Queen seemed so firm in her position, the
+fort was so strong, and the enemy so distant, that Francis d'Almeida
+did not like to defer taking up the charge he was responsible for to
+his Church; and, taking advantage of the arrival of Mullek Umber, they
+travelled in his suite on his return; but they found only comparatively
+very few Christians at Dowlutabad, who were cultivators of grapes
+and oranges, and a few at the new city of Kirkee, which was then
+being built--who were gunners and soldiers. Many years before, a lay
+monk had settled among them from Goa, and had contrived to keep the
+little flock together; but both Francis and Maria saw that it could
+not readily increase, and that it would be a waste of time to remain
+there longer than would be necessary to establish the foundations of
+what might arise hereafter; and when a small chapel in the city of
+Kirkee was completed under Mullek Umber's assistance, who, it was
+believed, had greater reverence for his old faith than was consistent
+with his profession of Islam, they took their departure, and arrived
+at Ahmednugger shortly before the irruption of the Moghuls and the
+defeat of the Beejapoor forces had closed the valley of the Godavery to
+general travellers.
+
+The Queen was rejoiced at her friends' arrival. If for a brief
+time she had doubted whether the comparative quiet and security of
+Dowlutabad would not prove more attractive to them than the imminent
+risk of war which menaced her, their arrival dispelled all such
+thoughts, and she estimated at its full worth the devotion and good
+faith of the Bishop and his sister. They had not only returned to their
+flock, but were prepared to render such assistance as their peaceful
+calling enabled them to do very usefully and practically. As there
+was no apparent chance of being relieved by Beejapoor, and an attack
+by the Moghul army appeared more and more imminent every day, from
+the reports of progress by the enemy, the worthy Bishop set himself
+to organise something in the form of a hospital, in which Maria, from
+former experience at Goa, was able to render her brother very essential
+service. A large magazine was cleared out, and fitted as well as
+circumstances would allow for the purpose. Bandages, splints, and such
+other necessaries as could be obtained, were stored in it; and while
+the result was watched curiously by the garrison, yet it gave assurance
+in no small degree that the wounded would be cared for, and not left to
+chance, as was too often the case.
+
+We need not, perhaps, follow the daily routine of lives which had no
+change, nor any alleviation of anxiety common to all. The Queen held
+her accustomed durbars, and received reports; she visited the posts as
+often as was possible, especially at night, to guard against surprise;
+and with the danger growing nearer and nearer, appeared to display
+increasing fortitude and resignation, and this demeanour had incited
+in her garrison the highest spirit of devotion and loyalty. Maria
+and Zora, her indefatigable assistants, had their hands full of work
+of their own; but at times of comparative leisure they met together,
+read to or conversed with their Royal mistress, or often in the still
+evenings sat with her on the terrace roof of the palace, looking over
+the wide country, and watching the bodies of troops marching to their
+posts, or exercising in the open space in the centre of the fort, till
+the evening watches were set, and all at last was at rest.
+
+If Nihung Khan and his Abyssinians could but arrive, the accession of
+strength would prove an additional security. But day after day passed,
+and he came not. There were no means of communicating with him, while
+messenger after messenger was captured or cut off by the force of Khan
+Jehan Lody, which seemed to be as ubiquitous as it was vigilant. But
+the Queen did not abandon hope, she knew Nihung Khan to be wary and
+vigilant, and should he confine himself to the duty of harassing the
+besiegers and cutting off their supplies, important services would be
+rendered.
+
+And at last no doubt remained. On December 12, according to the local
+history, the leading troops of the Moghuls advanced within sight of the
+fortress. All the morning their kettledrums and trumpets had been heard
+in the distance, and by a little after noon the crowd of officers, of
+cavalry, with the Prince's royal canopy in the centre, borne upon a
+lofty elephant, appeared in the vicinity of the Hushti Bihisht Gardens,
+which had been the scene of many a pleasant day's festival for the
+Queen and her companions. It was in vain that Abbas Khan, and spirited
+young leaders like himself, pressed her to allow them to make a sally
+and endeavour to throw the enemy into confusion; the Queen positively
+forbade the attempt. If Nihung Khan did appear, they might advance
+to assist him; but any reverse now would make her situation more
+desperate, and render the defence of the fort--in which she, perhaps,
+placed too much confidence--out of the question altogether.
+
+Early next morning they watched the great army form in line--a
+magnificent though terrible spectacle--and the Royal Prince,
+accompanied by some officers, rode round the fort, out of reach of
+shots, pointing out to the leaders of each division the ground it was
+to occupy. One officer, who acted more boldly than the rest, advanced
+near enough to be within reach of shot, but escaped unhurt. As they all
+watched him from the roof of the palace, Abbas Khan felt sure he was a
+European; but the Royal army contained many such adventurers, and the
+Bishop, though he could not distinguish the features, felt a conviction
+that it could be no other than Dom Diego. He, however, kept his own
+counsel, and said nothing to his sister.
+
+During that day and part of the next the investiture of the fort was
+completed on three sides--north, west, and south; but the east side
+was not closed. Now Nihung Khan, whose advance had been so eagerly
+looked for, had made a rapid march to Beejapoor, and had represented
+to the King Ibrahim the extreme danger of the Queen's position. He had
+succeeded in obtaining some cavalry, which with his own levy made up
+about seven thousand men; and with this he had hoped to arrive before
+the fort was invested, but if not, to cut his way through the enemy's
+lines. He had also, when within twelve miles of the fort, sent out
+spies, who not only reported to him that the east side was as yet
+unoccupied, but contrived to inform the Queen that he was at hand, and
+would, God willing, be with her next day; and we may imagine with what
+intense anxiety he was expected.
+
+The Queen had arisen before daylight, and was watching with Zora from
+their usual place, when they heard suddenly a great but distant clamour
+arise to the eastward of the fort, which continued for some time. At
+last a body of horsemen, some few hundreds only in number, emerged
+from under cover of some hedges, and at headlong speed crossed the
+esplanade. It was Nihung Khan, who had marched during the night with
+his whole body, but found that, instead of an open passage to the fort,
+he became engaged with the Khan Khanan's powerful division of the Royal
+army. He himself, with his immediate body-guard, had cut his way
+through the enemy to join his Royal mistress, leaving the main body,
+which had retreated, to retire upon the Beejapoor forces. Welcome as a
+gallant soldier like Nihung Khan was, even with a comparative handful
+of men, yet, on the other hand, there was no longer any doubt that the
+investiture of the fort was complete, and that the siege had commenced.
+
+The enemy's operations were conducted with skill and military science.
+No other measures would have been available against such a place
+as Ahmednugger. Dom Diego, after several feints, established his
+head-quarters and trenches on the south-west side of the fort, and
+thence continued his approaches by regular parallels to the crest of
+the glacis, or as near as possible to the point, whence, eventually,
+the breaching batteries were established; but the defenders' artillery
+was infinitely superior to his own, and the operations had been slow
+and difficult. Not only did the artillerists of the fort maintain their
+ancient reputation, but the practice of the Arabs in the garrison
+was very fatal. With their excellent matchlocks nothing could show
+itself in the Moghul trenches without being hit, and the real terror
+they inspired was very great. Then the garrison became more and more
+confident, and their courage rose in proportion. Day and night the
+Queen herself patrolled the fort, watching the terrible game with a
+kind of fascination. Nor could her ordinary companions be restrained
+from sharing the danger with her; while, at night, the well-known
+slight figures, passing from post to post, were greeted with many a
+fervent blessing and prayer for their safety. And who shall tell of
+the gentle ministrations of Maria and her brother; the care and skill
+with which wounds were dressed; the soothing and thirst-assuaging
+drinks that were composed and ministered? Sometimes the worthy Bishop
+would accompany Meeah in his rounds, or sit with him at his post,
+offering a hint here, a suggestion there, as far as his small military
+skill enabled him to do; and when the point of attack was finally
+established, his directions as to the flanking fire to be maintained,
+in case any breach was made, were eminently useful. "Priests," he
+said one day, laughing, "need not be soldiers; yet in my country many
+a Bishop has been obliged to fight for the cause of his Church, and
+why not I for my little flock?" Thus, in the semi-circular bastion at
+the angle, which was large and roomy, and held a number of guns, he
+succeeded in placing two of the best pieces in the fort; and for the
+defence and the cover of the gunners he used large gabions filled with
+earth, which afforded complete protection. It was in vain that Dom
+Diego directed his guns upon this and other large bastions defended
+in the same manner. The nearer he approached, the more deadly was the
+defenders' fire. His trenches were raked by it, and by no means could
+it be silenced. Nor were the Ahmednugger gunners forgetful of the
+legend of the employment of bags of the heavy square copper money of
+the country, and occasionally a shower of it was sent hurtling through
+the air with a screaming noise which inspired more terror, perhaps,
+than it did actual mischief, except at very close quarters.
+
+In truth, Dom Diego's position was not an enviable one. The Prince had
+looked to him to discover some easy manner in which the fort might be
+at once assaulted and taken by storm. Any sacrifice of men he would
+have considered of no consequence; but the admirable construction of
+Ahmednugger forbade any attempt at escalade with hope of success. Its
+lofty walls, its deep and extremely broad ditch, the height of the
+counterscarp and defences for musketry were unapproachable. The Moghul
+artillery, too, was none of the best, and was too light for siege
+purposes; very little effect had been produced upon the lower part of
+the fort. Here and there a few stones had been broken and displaced,
+but the facing only covered and marked the real strength which was in
+the earth, solidified by age, of which the rampart was composed. Day
+after day guns melted at the vent or at the muzzle, and became useless,
+and no progress was made.
+
+On the part of the commanders of the Royal army, two anxieties of a
+very serious character were ever present. Provisions were getting
+very scarce, scarce enough to reduce the ordinary rations of the men
+and horses. For although the Beejapoor troops did not advance to the
+capital, they had command of the most fertile districts, from which
+grain and forage could be derived; and the circle grew narrower. This,
+however, was kept a profound secret, and the operations were continued
+as usual.
+
+The beginning of February had now arrived, and progress in the siege
+was as dilatory as ever; and at a council of war the whole chances of
+success were discussed calmly. Should the Beejapoor troops advance, the
+siege must be raised; and in regard to the siege itself all seemed to
+depend upon the success of mining, which Dom Diego had counselled from
+the first, but which the native excavators declared to be impossible
+on account of the firm, stony nature of the soil. If mines could be
+carried under even one of the central bastions, and a breach made,
+there would, it was considered, be no doubt of success.
+
+Just then the Queen wrote in the most urgent terms she could to the
+Beejapoor officers. If they advanced at once, and operated against the
+rear of the Moghul lines, nothing could save the enemy from defeat,
+and most likely destruction, for their cattle were already dying of
+starvation; the fort was still intact, and there had been but few
+casualties; in short, that victory was within their grasp if they would
+but take it. These letters were intercepted by Osman Beg, who took them
+to the Prince, who added a few lines of his own in a chivalrous spirit,
+to the effect that he had marched from Dehli on purpose to cross swords
+with the cavaliers of the Dekhan, and was waiting for them, and
+trusted they would not delay the opportunity he had so long desired.
+
+But no result followed on these letters, and the Queen almost began to
+despair of the good faith of Beejapoor. Why should they allow such an
+opportunity to escape? Again and again did Abbas Khan and Nihung Khan
+press her to allow them to depart secretly and make their way through
+the hills; but the Royal lady felt that the danger to the fort must
+draw to a head, and whether the Moghuls raised the siege and departed,
+or whether the crisis of an assault arrived, their presence was alike
+indispensable.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+THE ASSAULT.
+
+
+For several days the fire of the besiegers had much slackened, and the
+spirits of the besieged rose in proportion to the highest pitch. Were
+the Moghuls in reality preparing to abandon the attack and retire?
+It might be so, indeed, for a considerable body of Beejapoor cavalry
+had at last moved forwards and taken post in the Manikdown Hills,
+from whence their operations against the Moghul supplies and distant
+outposts were beginning to be seriously felt; but they were by no
+means strong enough to effect any considerable diversion, and, up to
+the night of Feb. 20, affairs continued in the same position. But the
+inactivity of the enemy appeared unaccountable to the Queen and her
+council. Upon what could they be relying? The allied armies were at
+Bheer, and by a sudden and energetic march might be with her in three
+days; but it was impossible for the Queen to communicate with her
+friends, every egress from the fort being so vigilantly watched night
+and day. But the suspense only lasted till the night of the day we have
+named, when, as all were watching on the walls, a loud manly voice was
+heard from the opposite side of the ditch, which cried out--
+
+"O ye brave friends and brothers in the faith, no longer make a vain
+resistance. Ye have fought well for your honour, and may save the
+shedding of more blood. Under the five bastions whereon ye stand five
+mines have been silently driven. They are loaded and ready, and they
+will be fired to admit the army of the King of kings. Beware, then, for
+I have warned ye; and your fate cannot be averted but by surrender."
+
+Then, amidst the profoundest silence, the voice ceased. No figure was
+seen, for it was a profoundly dark night, and some, overcome with awe,
+cried, "It is a warning from the Lord; it is the voice of an angel;
+who shall resist it?" and a great fear fell upon all. But the strange
+incident only seemed to inspire the heroic Queen with new courage, and
+mounting a slight elevation of the parapet, her clear, sweet voice was
+heard above all murmurs.
+
+"Shall we who are unhurt, and have victory in our grasp if we
+persevere, give up our swords, and like frightened women betake
+ourselves to the feet of the invader and beg for our lives? Shall we,
+with arms in our hands, cease to use them to protect all dear to us.
+Your women and children, O my sons, will hardly thank ye for abandoning
+them to the brutal violence of the Moghul soldiers. Behold! I am but
+a woman, and a weak one; but I leave not this spot with my life; and,
+come what may, I rely upon the most just Lord to deliver us and ye all
+from this tyranny. Away, bring up the miners; we know the places, so
+there is no doubt. Bring tools, and set to work. I would rather tear
+up the earth with my weak fingers, than suffer this danger to exist
+while we have the time and the means to avert it."
+
+Then arose a hoarse cry of "We will not desert thee, O Mother. We will
+die if it be God's will, but we will not yield. Fear not then, but see
+what we do."
+
+At first there was some little confusion, but gangs were speedily
+organised, and with a hearty good will they set to work, led by the
+Queen, who, with a pickaxe in her hand, descended into the shaft, and,
+with those dearest to her about her, worked like the rest; going from
+shaft to shaft, distributing draughts of cool water and sherbet to
+those who suffered thirst. It was impossible to exceed the enthusiasm
+which her heroism inspired.
+
+Nihung Khan, Abbas Khan, and even the pacific Bishop, excited by the
+turmoil, ran from place to place and encouraged all. Nor was the result
+disappointing. While they were thus employed, another voice called to
+them from the bottom of the wall to surrender, for that at daylight the
+mines would be sprung. But the warning passed unheeded; two mines had
+been laid bare, and the charges of powder removed after sharp contests
+under ground; and the Queen was in the act of distributing rewards
+for the removal of the charge of a third, when, with a fearful report
+and crash, a fourth mine, as yet undiscovered, was sprung just as day
+dawned on the scene, and a few yards of the wall fell.
+
+When the first mine had been struck by the counterminers, and the
+persons driven out of it had gained the trenches, the alarm was at
+once given in the camp, and the Prince Moorad hurried to the spot at
+a moment of extreme peril to the Moghul army, for the first mines had
+occupied the better part of a month. But the skill of the counterminers
+was so evident from the rapidity with which they had discovered and
+disarmed them during the night, that it seemed hopeless to continue
+the work, as well on account of the nature of the ground as because
+provisions were on the point of exhaustion. His adviser, Dom Diego, had
+not foreseen such a catastrophe as failure. He had visited the mines
+the evening before while they were being charged; he had watched the
+skill with which the native miners laid the charges and tamped them;
+and the result would, he thought, inevitably be that three at least
+of the mines must destroy the bastions under which they were placed,
+and furnish three practicable breaches for the stormers, who would be
+composed of the flower of the Royal army. But these plans had failed.
+All that remained was one small mine under a part of the curtain, which
+had been intended to enlarge another of the main mines. It might make a
+practicable breach, but it would be a narrow one, and it might possibly
+fail altogether.
+
+The Prince and Dom Diego stood together on one of the parapets of the
+temple looking over the fort, the interior of which, as the day was
+breaking, could be seen distinctly, with the thousands of men like ants
+hurrying to and fro, carrying earth in baskets, in cloths, and as best
+they could, from the countermines. Parties of them were collecting, and
+even breaking the surface of the ground near the small mine we have
+mentioned. Dom Diego pointed out the place to the Prince.
+
+"There is our last resource, for the other mines are not charged; and
+they would be useless if they were. Shall I fire it? We shall at least
+see what sort of a heap it makes; and I, for one, am ready to lead any
+party your Highness may appoint to storm it."
+
+"Well said, sir," exclaimed the Prince, "and like a gallant soldier.
+When thou art within thou wilt have the treasury and Royal jewels to
+help thyself from, and I hear they are both rich."
+
+"My treasure is of another kind," replied Diego, "and I do not intend
+to neglect it. Shall the mine be fired?"
+
+"Bismilla!" cried the Prince. "Lose no time."
+
+"I have laid the train," said Pedro di Diaz, who came up at the
+instant; "but the chamber is not half charged, not enough tamped, but
+it will do something."
+
+"Then fire it in the devil's name," cried Dom Diego. "I will watch."
+
+A few moments more, and two thin columns of smoke issued from the fort
+wall, and from that part of the counterscarp which was opposite. These
+places heaved slightly upwards, and earth and stones arose with a
+muffled sound, casting into the air the bodies of a number of men who
+had been walking on the fort wall. The effect of these explosions was
+a clear road into the ditch from the counterscarps, and an apparently
+practicable though steep breach in the rampart of the fort.
+
+"It is done!" cried Dom Diego, with a wave of his plumed hat to the
+Prince. "If your Highness will send for the stormers I will lead them
+at once, if they will follow me."
+
+In the fort, as the smoke and dust of the explosion cleared away, some
+of the garrison seemed to have given up hope, and were girding their
+loins for flight; but the Queen was equal to the emergency. While she
+called to those about her to remember their oath to her, to rally their
+men, for the gates were closed, and there was no egress for flight,
+she cried, "And whither would ye fly, O sons and brothers? To the
+plain yonder, to perish by the swords of your enemies? Nay, for your
+honour's sake, desert me not now; and to the latest day of the Dekhan
+your deeds shall be sung by bards and minstrels. See, we women blench
+not from the storm; and she who brings my armour and my sword, a holy
+Syud's daughter, will die here with me, and her husband, my children
+both, rather than yield while we have life." Then, as Zora, clad in the
+old green dress of the Turreequt, approached, the Queen withdrew for
+an instant, and putting on her morion and a suit of light chain mail,
+with gauntlets, and waving a naked sword, came forward among them,
+crying the old battle cry of her husband. Over her face, as it was
+becoming light, she had cast a transparent veil, but every feature was
+visible, glowing with a rapt enthusiasm and confidence.
+
+"To the breach, my friends, with me!" she cried. "Who will follow my
+veil? Behold it will lead you to honour, if to death; never to infamy.
+If we die, we shall sip the nectar of Paradise ere night."
+
+No one attempted to resist this appeal. With passionate cries of
+devotion, with tears and sobs, the leaders and men, with her beloved
+Abbas Khan, pressed forward to do their best in her defence. The rough
+veteran, Nihung Khan, with tears flowing down his cheeks, besought her
+to retire to a place of safety, but she cried the more that she would
+remain; and in her own Battle of the Veil it behoved her to lead, and
+no other.
+
+But it was yet some time before the Moghuls advanced to storm, and
+the delay enabled the besiegers to make some defence for the breach
+available. A double row of gabions was placed over the crest, and
+filled with earth; the best marksmen among the Arabs and the garrison
+were posted on the wall above its sides; wall pieces were brought from
+other parts of the fort; rocket-men plied their rockets on the crest of
+the glacis opposite, through which a road had been sloped from above.
+Behind the gabions, and sheltered by them, dense bodies of spearmen
+stood in serried ranks. In short, no precaution that Abbas Khan and
+his companions could bethink themselves of was neglected. Even the
+Bishop, who the whole night through had been at work, ran from his post
+on the large bastion to see that all was in proper order, and his few
+directions were practical and useful.
+
+Every preparation had been made that could be contrived. Every gun
+that the fortifications allowed of had been trained on the breach and
+the enemy's road thither. The garrison had been divided into bodies,
+so as to relieve each other as quickly as possible without crowding;
+and though the enemy fired occasionally from the trenches against the
+breach and the parapets of walls, the precautions which had been taken
+of covering the men with gabions and sandbags almost entirely prevented
+casualties. As to the breach itself, though the enemy fired continually
+at it, they produced no effect, as their shot, knocking up a cloud
+of dust, only sank into the earth harmlessly. Presently, also, Abbas
+Khan and some of the boldest Arabs contrived to let down some gabions
+below the crest of the breach, where they established themselves,
+thus affording increased matchlock fire of a fatal character, besides
+opposing an additional obstacle to the stormers.
+
+"He is sending us his best soldiers, mother," said Abbas Khan, settling
+his turban more firmly on his head, as he prepared to descend to his
+post; "but fear not, none will come near thee."
+
+"Rather let one blow of thy good sword release me, son," she said.
+"'Twould be but kindness, if God will."
+
+He made no reply; but the tears welled up in his eyes as he left her
+and his beloved wife together, and heard their cries of "Deen! Deen!"
+as he entered his perilous position.
+
+Still they waited and no advance was made; and the Queen was not
+unmindful of the necessity of furnishing food for the men who had
+watched with her all night. Since very early, before daylight, the
+cooks had been busy preparing pilaos and boiled meats, which now
+began to arrive in huge cauldrons, and was distributed to the men by
+companies; and all sat down and ate their plattersful, or gathered
+round huge dishes, and ate their fill; but no one moved from his
+appointed station; while the Queen and her attendants, disdaining more
+delicate viands prepared for them, partook of the general mess of
+camels' meat and rice, plentifully seasoned with pepper and onions, and
+which was by no means to be despised by hungry folk. Indeed, for the
+time, the area of the fort in the vicinity of the breach was a place of
+feasting. Elephants moved to and fro with large water-skins, and men
+bearing jars of cool sherbet gave freely to those that needed it; and,
+taking example from the Queen's forethought, every private house in the
+fort sent its quota of food or of drink.
+
+So noon came, and the voice of the muezzin chaunted the call to prayer
+from different quarters of the fort, as if no deadly strife were
+imminent, and the Moslems spread scarves or waist-bands where they
+stood or sat. The Queen had not stirred since the morning from the
+place she had taken up near the gabions; and the only protection she
+would allow the people to make for her and Zora against the sun was
+a few cloths tied to spears. Once Maria had come to see her from her
+own post, the hospital, but there was no time for much speaking; and,
+committing them to the care of God, she returned to her post with her
+brother, the masses of rough soldiery making way for her with the most
+profound respect. One look with her brother she took from the great
+flanking bastion along the side of the fort attacked, and it gave her
+an assurance she could hardly have expected.
+
+The whole side of the fort was uninjured, except near the breach, where
+there had been much pelting by the enemy's shot, but no fracture.
+The _debris_ of the mine had spread out as far as the bottom of the
+ditch, and partly lay on its level floor; but it seemed, even to her,
+a perilous place for people to ascend. Some part of the counterscarp
+had apparently been dug down or blown in, and it was evidently the way
+by which the enemy would approach. All along the wall, every gun that
+could be aimed was directed upon the breach, and the two beautiful
+bastions which formed the Queen's post.
+
+One reason for delay was the indecision in the Moghul camp. Many
+experienced veterans declared that it was waste of life only to
+attempt to storm Ahmednugger by such a breach as had been made.
+Reproachful epithets were freely banded about, and it seemed a question
+whether any attack would be made that day. But Dom Diego's savage
+temper would brook no control. "I will take the place with the five
+Europeans I have," he cried, "and cowards can follow at their leisure;
+as if breaches in fort walls were to be made like beaten highways for
+dainty fops to strut upon." Dom Diego was, in truth, weary of the
+idleness of the Moghul officers. There was not a true soldier among
+them, and he often thought failure imminent; but Maria was there, and
+while it was possible to win her, even a soldier's death would be
+better than the hell of tumultuous feeling which raged within him.
+
+At last the signal for assault was given from the enemy's camp. First,
+the huge imperial kettledrums sounded a march in their deep booming
+notes, and a general discharge of all their artillery in the trenches
+followed; while, in the bastion of the fort, the Portuguese and Hindoo
+native gunners stood or lounged among their piles of shot and bags of
+copper coin. Many of them were known to Maria; their wives were helping
+her in her own work, and all saluted her reverently and affectionately
+as she left them with a prayer that the Lord would protect them all.
+
+All through the Moghul trenches the silence was almost oppressive. The
+muezzin's call to prayer was proclaimed like that in the fort; and,
+for a brief space, only a distant hum from the town and camp could be
+heard. As Maria stood on the steps of the great bastion, she could hear
+flies buzzing about her, the birds chirruping in the trees near her,
+and even the lowing and bleating of the cattle and sheep which were
+grazing in the broad ditch on the sheltered side of the fortress. The
+sun shone through the thunderous air with a fierce hot glare over all,
+and the plain and glacis were quivering in the trembling light. The
+wind had fallen, and the stillness and heat were so oppressive that she
+was glad to gain the cool shelter of the large vaulted building. Many
+fresh guns that had been brought to bear upon the breach aroused the
+echoes even of the distant hills; but the shot had little effect upon
+the extemporised defences of the breach, or upon the parapets anywhere;
+and the Queen and Zora, looking through a loophole that commanded the
+breach, saw, with a thrill of delight, that Abbas Khan in his perilous
+post was safe.
+
+Suddenly, on the crest of one of the trenches beyond, a tall, powerful
+figure, dressed in European costume, stood forth, waving a naked sword,
+which flashed in the sun; while with the other hand he removed a plumed
+morion from his head, and made a courteous salute to the fort. He wore
+a bright corselet of steel, with gauntlets, and a buff coat and boots,
+richly embroidered. In his left hand he carried a stout stick, but no
+shield or other defence whatever. For an instant there was a shout of
+"Shabash! Shabash Feringi!" and, instantly, a crowd of men scrambled
+over the trenches, and, as he pointed to the breach, followed him.
+And these, some hundreds in number, Europeans and native volunteers,
+formed the forlorn hope. Again, others came on in denser array: Arabs,
+Pathans, Afghans, Rajpoots, dressed in yellow tunics; and other tribes,
+many singing their war song, others shouting their national war cries,
+armed with matchlocks, sword, shield, and spear, flashing in the
+afternoon sun, which poured its hot rays on all. It was now somewhat
+past four in the afternoon, and the sultry heat of the day had become
+almost sickening, when a slight breeze from the west waved the banners
+of the advancing host, and slightly displaced the cloud of dust which
+had arisen over them. It was a glorious, awe-inspiring spectacle truly;
+but the defenders blenched not from it; every man grasped his weapon
+more firmly, and stood at his post prepared for the worst, should it
+come. On the far side of the ditch, along the crest of the counterscarp
+and covered way, clouds of skirmishers spread themselves, pouring their
+shot upon the defences; but the fire had little effect, and gradually
+slackened.
+
+Scrambling down the road prepared for them by the mine, and without
+order, large bodies of stormers now poured across the ditch, the tall
+figure of the European bounding before them all to the very foot of the
+breach, when suddenly one of the large guns on each of the flanking
+bastions sent its deadly discharge of round shot and copper hail
+among the crowds beneath with fearful effect. Hundreds fell, writhing;
+while from every bastion rockets, fire-balls, and musketry smote them
+as they lay or straggled onwards. There was no chance of retreat, for
+the masses in the rear, which came on in a continuous stream, were
+not checked, and any of the foremost who faltered, or turned to fly,
+were thrown down and trampled into the dust. Again and again did Dom
+Diego attempt the breach, but the earth was so loose that footing could
+hardly be maintained; and the grim serried ranks which covered the
+crest of the breach gave little hope that could he and those with him
+reach the bristling ranks of broad spears beyond, they could force an
+entrance, while Abbas Khan and his body of Arabs plied them with shot,
+few of which missed their mark.
+
+But still none of the stormers turned; on the contrary, thousands of
+men charged down the counterscarp, to be met with the same volleys from
+the great guns, which proved so deadly and so effective. Once Dom Diego
+and some hundreds of men, collected hastily, made a rush up the breach,
+and interchanged blows with its defenders; and Abbas Khan, struck with
+his devoted bravery, called to him to take quarter, and come to his
+post; but the humane effort was rejected with an oath, and he fell back
+among the struggling masses to seek volunteers for a task which was
+beyond the power of man.
+
+Can we, even in imagination, realise in any degree that fearful
+maddening scene--the discharges of the great guns at intervals carrying
+destruction to hundreds at every shot, assisted by the rockets, the
+musketry, and the fire-balls from the walls? Even these were little
+in comparison with the frantic struggles of the masses as they were
+urged on by the Prince in person and his generals--the shouts, the
+screams, and cries of wounded and dying men, the fierce thirst which
+consumed all! The ditch, from the first almost covered by the dead
+and dying, was now rising under the heaps beneath, which every moment
+augmented. There was no escape and no progress; the masses contrived to
+descend, ignorant of what was before them; and as it was industriously
+circulated by the Prince and his advisers that the breach had been
+stormed and the fort was being plundered all rushed on to gain a
+share of the riches it was supposed to contain--only to be met by the
+withering fire which destroyed them, and the horrible heaps of carnage
+grew higher and higher as the evening wore on.
+
+As to Queen Chand, we read in the old chronicles how--fearless among
+the storm of shot, dauntless among the horrid cries and shrieks which
+filled the air--she was seen everywhere, distributing rewards, giving
+water to the wounded and thirsty, and encouraging all. Nor was the
+green figure beside her less active or less useful. Sometimes they were
+at the breach, down which they looked, with a fascination which could
+not be repressed, upon the masses of struggling forms beneath them.
+But still Zora saw her brave lord safe; and he even smiled and waved
+them back, as the Queen, mounting the parapet of the gabions, spoke
+a few words of encouragement to their defenders. All saw her as she
+defended the breach in person; and the flutter of the "standard of the
+veil," which she still wore over her bright morion, was watched by many
+an one of the enemy's officers, and even by the Prince himself, with
+unqualified admiration of her heroism.
+
+At last night began to fall, and here and there a star peeped out from
+the pure ether through the thick, heated vapour from the combatants
+which filled the air; and the baffled Moghuls, leaving their heaps of
+slain as they were, retired beyond the crest of the counterscarp into
+their own lines. They had lost thousands, for the ditch was a mass of
+carcasses which no one could reckon; they had lost arms, standards,
+officers, and, above all, reputation. That the hosts of the King of
+kings should have been repulsed from a Dekhan fortress commanded by a
+woman was a result which none had anticipated, much less the haughty
+Imperial Prince who had urged on his devoted troops to destruction.
+Gradually, those that remained of the invaders retreated up the slope,
+harassed to the last by the rain of copper hail with which they had
+been tormented; and the Queen and Zora, with some of the bravest of the
+women and eunuchs, watched the last retreating figures which staggered
+up the slope beyond; or a man here and there extricating himself from
+the horrible masses like one rising from the dead, followed them alone,
+or sank down and perished with the rest. And then, as if seeing each
+other for the first time during the fearful day, they cast themselves
+upon each other's necks and wept for joy. Then, too, Abbas Khan came
+up from his post bearing in his hand a standard he had taken from an
+Afghan, who was almost the only man who had reached the little fort.
+"He was a brave fellow, mother, and would take no quarter, and there
+was little time for thought; but he died like a brave man under my
+weapon, and departed to Paradise. O Mother! what can we render to the
+Lord for these mercies? for ye are unharmed, both of ye."
+
+"Yes," said the Queen, with her eyes overflowing, "thousands and
+thousands lie yonder dead and dying; but we are safe, and have lost but
+few; and the good Padre and Maria tend those who suffer."
+
+"If I may, I will go and see Maria," said Zora, timidly. What would
+she not have given to fall into her husband's arms and weep out her
+thankfulness, but that was not the time or place.
+
+"Go, child," said the Queen. "Go! greet her from me, and say all is
+safe and well; but do not let her see that," and she pointed to the
+ditch, "it might appal her tender nature." And Zora went, attended
+by Yasin Khan and some others to fulfil her tender mission, and gain
+relief for her overcharged mind.
+
+"And now," said the Queen to Abbas Khan and those near him, "let us
+leave nothing undone. The breach has, indeed, been saved; but it must
+be made sure. I, for one, will not leave it till it is built up against
+any chance of surprise, or even of attack. Do not talk to me of sleep
+or rest. My best sleep would be here beside the workers. My best rest
+can only come with security. Ye will see what endurance this weak body
+hath when danger is present. It is an old employment of mine repairing
+breaches; but at Beejapoor I worked three days and nights without sleep
+and here, with so many men, all should be ready by daylight; and then
+when the Moghuls see their labour has been in vain, they may leave us
+in peace. See and get Zora some food and rest," she whispered to Abbas
+Khan, "she will need it."
+
+"Not while thou art here, O Mother," was the reply. "She is young and
+strong, and can bear it better than thou. But why remain? Canst thou
+not trust Nihung Khan and myself to do all?"
+
+"No!" she replied, firmly; "it is my work and I will do it. Nor shall
+Zora leave me; she will be better for seeing Maria. But my turn has not
+yet come. Hark! there is a cry from the heap of dead. 'For the love of
+God! for the love of God! water!' it cries. Does no one hear? It is
+some Feringi."
+
+"It may be the cavalier who led the assault," said Abbas Khan. "I saw
+him sink down, but he may have survived."
+
+"A gallant fellow," said the Queen. "I, too, watched him. Go, one
+of ye, for the Padre Sahib; tell him to come with his bandages and
+medicine. Quick! quick!"
+
+Abbas Khan, and some men with blankets, descended the breach to the
+foot, but among the dead on the slope they could find no one living.
+They dare not take a torch for fear of drawing upon them fire from the
+counterscarp. They listened, and at last the faint cry of "Aqua! Aqua!"
+was repeated, but in a fainter tone.
+
+"He is here," cried one of the men, "lying under others, and he is
+warm. I see his face now; it is the Feringi."
+
+The Queen was right. Her quick ears had heard a low cry in a strange
+accent, which had escaped all others around her. It was from Dom Diego,
+who, as we know, had led the forlorn hope. When the mines had been
+sprung, he would have advanced at once under the cover of the smoke and
+dust which hung over the wall and ditch, but he found to his vexation
+that the men were not ready. The hour was not propitious, and the Court
+astrologer could not discover a fitting time till the afternoon. No one
+would follow him till the signal was given from the Royal pavilion. And
+though Dom Diego cursed the delay, he had no alternative but to await
+the general order, which came at length.
+
+Dom Diego had done his part bravely. He had led three separate assaults
+of the breach, but was as yet unwounded. Nor was his example lost
+on the brave men who, as one party was beaten back, or sank down to
+make a fresh portion of the horrible bridge, still formed afresh,
+and, reinforced by others crowding on from behind, were led only to
+perish in their turn. At last, in one of the desperate rushes up the
+breach, Dom Diego fell from a matchlock shot, but for a moment only.
+He rose to his feet, and strove to rally those with him, when his leg
+was shattered by a round shot, and in the discharge of copper hail
+which came with it, his left arm was broken, and he fell insensible
+among the heap of dying and dead, and was trampled down with the rest.
+Presently, however, his consciousness returned; but it only revealed to
+him more certainly the hopelessness of his situation. Extrication from
+the mass of dead and dying was impossible, and he must die--unshriven,
+and without hope. We dare not follow his thoughts nor his cries, now
+defiant, now despairing, nor the struggles of a Christian soul which,
+believing in the hell which seemed opening before him, saw no hope of
+repentance or forgiveness. At first it was beyond his power to move;
+but several men above him in their death agonies had loosened the pile
+he lay under, and with his right arm he had been able to push aside
+the dead who most oppressed him, and thus he gained space to breathe.
+It was, however, but a prolongation of his misery, for he felt that
+his leg was shattered, and even to crawl, could he be freed, would be
+impossible. He could see the forms of men on the ramparts and in the
+breach moving about, and even hear them as they spoke one to another;
+but his cries for help and for water had grown fainter and fainter till
+the Queen's ear had distinguished them.
+
+Then Abbas Khan, and the rest who had gone down the breach, lifted away
+the dead from above him and raised him up, placing him in a blanket,
+and carried him up into the fort. At the top they laid him down at the
+foot of the Bishop, who anxiously looked at the face of the sufferer,
+who was now insensible.
+
+"Merciful God!" he cried, lifting up his hands to heaven; "it is Dom
+Diego, and he still lives! Bring him to the rest of the wounded. Quick,
+quick!" he continued, to Abbas Khan, "or he may die without help."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+DIEGO'S DEATH AND THE BISHOP'S EMBASSY.
+
+
+They carried the wounded man gently in the blanket as he lay. It was
+impossible to attempt a palanquin, as the motion would have caused him
+additional agony. But he was now more sensible than at first. He had
+drunk greedily from a cup of the Queen's own cool sherbet, which she
+had kindly sent him; water had been plenteously sprinkled on his face
+and hands by the Bishop; his pulse had somewhat rallied, and he was
+even endeavouring to speak, but was forbidden. "Maria! forgive!" were
+the only words he could utter. Thus they took him on, nor was it far
+to the place. There were lamps lighted inside, and wounded men lying
+on mattresses on the floor; and some, which were the worst cases, upon
+small truckle beds; and on one of these they placed the dying man,
+supporting him by pillows. There were several Portuguese soldiers there
+also, who were tending wounded comrades, and all gathered round to
+assist. Then they carefully unfastened the morion and steel corselet,
+took off the heavy boots, and the coat of buff leather soaked in blood;
+and the Bishop supplied some soft underlinen from his own stock with
+which to dress the wounds. But this seemed hopeless, for several were
+fatal in their nature, and the loss of blood had been enormous. Maria
+had been busy at the other end of the wide, long room, and had not
+seen the new comer; but her brother sent word to her not to come till
+he sent for her, as the sight would be too shocking. All that she had
+heard was that the sufferer was a Portuguese officer, and she knew
+there were some such men in the Prince's army.
+
+D'Almeida's cordial, which had been administered at once, had revived
+the sinking man in some degree, and for the first time he opened his
+eyes and stared vacantly about him. Some of the men were bathing his
+wounds, and this, and the removal of his armour and heavy clothes,
+had somewhat restored him. Francis d'Almeida was bandaging one of the
+wounds, which was bleeding afresh, and Dom Diego recognised him, and,
+with a wan smile, put away his hand and said faintly,--
+
+"It is of no use, brother Francis, I bleed within me, and I am dying.
+Hear my confession, which I will make to thee truly as long as I can
+speak; and then let me die."
+
+"It is, indeed, needful, my poor brother," said the Bishop, gently,
+"for no man living could help thee now, and a brief time must close all
+thy earthly sufferings. Take this cordial, and it will revive thee. Is
+there aught that should be written?"
+
+"Something," he said; "that my wealth may be secured to the Church.
+But write quickly, or I faint. Can masses be said for my soul, that I
+may be forgiven? The writing should be in Persian, for the banker at
+Surat to read."
+
+Who could write Persian there except himself? But the Bishop had seen
+Zora with his sister, and he sent word to her to come to him, but
+not to bring Maria. And she came. A sheet had been spread over the
+sufferer, and his ghastly wounds were not apparent.
+
+Writing materials were at hand, and seating herself by the bed-side,
+the girl looked up with a scared face, and asked what she was to write,
+while Francis interpreted the words as they dropped slowly from his
+patient's mouth.
+
+"Write," he said, "to Hemchund Premchund, banker of Surat, 'I am dying,
+my friend, and I will that all my effects in your charge be made over
+to the illustrious Archbishop of Goa, or whoever he may depute to
+receive them. Pedro di Diaz is dead, and all there is belongs to me.
+The ship is to be sold, and the crew paid their wages. Five thousand
+rupees are to be remitted to my brother, Francis d'Almeida, of this
+place, for the use of his Church. I am in my full senses, and have
+this written in Persian that thou mayest comprehend. Be faithful, and
+discharge thy trust honestly.'"
+
+Zora's rapid pen soon traced these words, and it was put into Dom
+Diego's hand by the Bishop. "It is complete," he said; "sign it."
+
+For an instant the dying man rallied, passed his hands across his eyes,
+and then, taking the pen, wrote in his bold hand,
+
+    "D. DIEGO DI FONSECA, S.J.
+    "My own writing.
+
+"Written at Ahmednugger by Zora, the wife of Abbas Khan.
+
+"Witness, Francis d'Almeida, Bishop of Ahmednugger, &c.
+Before us, 3rd Rujub, A.H. 1004, 22nd February, 1596."
+
+"That will do, my brave child," said the Bishop, patting Zora on the
+head. "Go back to Maria, and tell her I will send for her soon." And
+Zora rose, ran quickly to Maria, and delivered her message.
+
+"Who can he be?" she asked. "Didst thou see his face?"
+
+"I dared not look," Zora said; "he was too terrible to look on; and
+thou wilt soon be told. But the Padre Sahib seemed to know him."
+
+"Blessed Mother of God!" exclaimed Maria, sitting down hastily; "it
+cannot be Diego. What could have brought him here?"
+
+"Diego! Yes, that was the name thy brother called him. But why dost
+thou ask?"
+
+"He was my malignant enemy, sister."
+
+"And Alla hath delivered thee from him. And thou wilt forgive him,
+Maria, even as I forgave mine."
+
+"Yes," she replied, slowly, "I will indeed forgive him. See, my brother
+hath put on his vestment; he is holding up the cross, and the men
+about are kneeling, and the dying man is confessing his sins. Look!"
+
+It was as she said. And the ghostly confession was proceeding, one of
+the men holding a cup of cordial to the sufferer's lips as he made
+motions for it--a broken tale of sin and crime, which we dare not
+attempt to record. Yet it came forth from the dry, parched lips hardly
+without a break till its close. Francis d'Almeida had not missed a
+word; though, from his extreme weakness, Dom Diego had sometimes spoken
+in low, broken whispers, gasping for breath.
+
+"There is no more to tell," he said, faintly, at its close. "As I shall
+answer in the judgment, no more. I have hidden nothing; but, with the
+absolution of the Church, I pray thee let thy sister say, while I can
+hear and see, 'I forgive thee, Diego,' and I shall then die happy."
+
+Then Francis sent for his sister, and whispered, "It is he. Dost thou
+forgive him, Maria?"
+
+"Freely and truly," she said, firmly, "as I may be forgiven."
+
+Dom Diego could not speak now, but he could hear the words which fell
+from the woman he had loved so madly and with so sinful a purpose. He
+tried to raise his hands, but they fell back on the sheet helplessly
+and his large bright eyes were glazing fast, and becoming dim. "Maria!
+Maria! forgive--pardon!" they heard him say in a whisper scarcely
+audible. And while the Bishop was holding up the cross before him, and
+preparing to recite the _Beaticum_, she could not resist the impulse,
+but took the cold hand of the dying man, and said, "I forgive; fear
+not." Then a soft smile of peace and resignation seemed to pass over
+his features. "Forgiven," he murmured; and as the words of "Depart,
+Christian soul, in the name of God the Father Almighty who created
+thee," were spoken, the spirit passed away with a slight shivering
+convulsion, and the body lay still in death; and the Bishop and his
+sister, their sweet voices mingling, chanted the Litany for the dead,
+which seemed to linger amidst the small domes and grooves of the high
+roof, echoed, as it were, by angels.
+
+Zora had stood by spellbound. She had never seen a Christian die; and
+Maria, who had taught her many hymns, had never chanted to her the
+Litany for the dead. "Come away," she whispered, when silence fell on
+all; "come away, and weep in my arms as I have done in thine. Yea, art
+thou not my sister? and he knew that he was forgiven, and died happy.
+Surely it was the Lord's doing, and his fate brought him to thy feet.
+Come away." And Maria, weeping passionately, suffered the girl to lead
+her to the chamber she had fitted up, and saw her cast herself at the
+foot of her cross and pray fervently.
+
+Yes, it had been a vast relief to Zora to go, as her husband and
+the Queen told her to do, to Maria, and endeavour to keep out the
+impression which the horrid sights she had seen and the fearful bridge
+of human carcasses had caused. All day long the girl had never left
+her Royal mistress's side, and the green dress of the Syud's child
+had shared the honour of the day with the armour of the Queen and the
+"standard of the veil." But she hardly in truth knew what she had done;
+and when, after her prayer, Maria rose calm and at peace, and, taking
+Zora to her heart, told her what the wounded who were brought in said
+of the slight lad who gave cups of water to wounded men, helped them
+into litters, and still cried his boyish war cry, Zora hid her blushing
+face in her sister's breast, and said, "It was not I, Maria; some
+other, perhaps." But Maria said she need not deny it, for that Abbas
+Khan would tell her more, and be proud of her to the end of his life.
+Then Maria bade her return to the Queen; and she departed, saying, "If
+he will let me come to-morrow, and the Mother does not want me, I will
+help thee to tend these poor fellows."
+
+Zora found the Queen where she had left her, but she was more at
+rest. Her attendants had brought her a small carpet and a pillow,
+but she had not laid aside her morion and shirt of mail, and she was
+sitting close to the breach, where the relays of masons were working
+by the now bright starlight; and the broken wall was rising rapidly
+course by course. Fortunately the old wall had not been shaken to its
+foundation, and on clearing away the rubbish the firm portion was soon
+struck. All through the night the work proceeded steadily; and as
+day broke about twelve feet in height of the wall had been filled in,
+and the breach was secure against all chances of sudden attack and
+surprise. The trenches were not even manned by the enemy; and as day
+dawned messengers came from the Prince Moorad with a flag of truce,
+congratulating the Queen on the heroic defence she had made, and
+informing her that she would hereafter be addressed by the Emperor as
+Chand Sooltana, the Queen Chand, instead of, as before, the Beebee,
+or Lady Chand, and begging her permission for the dead to be removed
+without molestation. And this was granted at once without hesitation.
+It had, indeed, become necessary to do so, for a sickening stench
+had already begun to arise from the festering mass, which would have
+become insupportable had the operation been delayed. But it was a heavy
+labour. Large gangs of men came by relays; and it was not till the day
+after, though they worked unremittingly, that the ghastly contents of
+the ditch were cleared away.
+
+At last, as day was breaking, and a cold fresh wind arose refreshingly
+from the north, the Queen was persuaded to retire and take rest.
+What she had gone through, both in body and in mind, during the last
+two days and nights of the siege and assault, was almost superhuman;
+but the heroic spirit had never quailed, and she appeared to have no
+sense of fatigue or want. There was no exultation in her manner, but
+to Nihung Khan, to Abbas Khan, and the crowd of officers who poured
+forth their congratulations, she simply said, "I thank the Lord, on
+whom I depended, and who, by the bravery of ye all, has given us the
+victory. Be ye as humbly grateful as I am." Zora helped her to lay
+aside her armour, bathed her, and clad her in cool garments, and led
+her to her little King, who was awake, and asking for her. Then as the
+boy stretched out his arms to her, and she took him, and he stroked her
+face, with a child's compassionate fondness, the emotion which had been
+so long pent up in her loving heart burst forth with a violence which
+terrified those about her. But Zora laid her down, and soothed her as
+she would have done an ailing child, till she fell into a deep sleep.
+There was no tumult of shouting, and cannon, and musketry to arouse
+her, and peace seemed to have fallen gently upon all.
+
+But for a while only, for the Queen was soon in her accustomed seat
+in the hall of audience, doing her usual work; and she again wrote to
+the Beejapoor commanders, informing them of the repulse of the attack,
+the safety of the fort, and the perilous position of the Moghuls. She
+urged and entreated her friends to advance at once, when she should
+be able to make a sally to meet them; and she sent these letters by
+bold, careful messengers, who, dropping from the fort wall, mingled
+with the crowds who were removing the dead from the trench, and gained
+the Moghul lines. Here, however, they were intercepted, and taken
+to the Prince, who read the letters, adding what he had done on a
+former occasion, and inviting the reinforcements to hasten to their
+destination, as he was most anxious to meet them. "The sooner the
+better." And they did march at last.
+
+But so slowly. The impetuous Queen, who knew they were near enough
+to be with them in three days at most, would fain have had them
+arrive even sooner, and would have helped them to drive the enemy
+ignominiously from their position. But they scarcely moved at all;
+certainly not with the desire of crossing swords with their enemies,
+and it still seemed as if they overrated the power of the Moghul
+cavalry.
+
+And perhaps they were right, for the cavalry much outnumbered the
+whole of the Beejapoor forces in advance, and there had been few
+casualties comparatively out of the thirty thousand horse with which
+the Prince had left Guzerat. The effect of the nearer approach of the
+southern forces told, however, seriously on the Moghul camp, which
+was more straitened than ever for provisions. Prince Moorad would
+have welcomed heartily any attack by the Beejapoor forces; he could
+have beaten them easily in the field, and the scope of his action
+would have been enlarged. He might have gained possession of the upper
+valley of the Seena, now teeming with plenty--nay, he might have
+pushed on to Purenda, and established an advanced post there; but it
+is most probable that the Beejapoor commander had foreseen this, and
+preferred guarding the approaches to a weak point, rather than obeying
+the Queen's hasty summons to attack. The Mussulman historians of the
+period blame the Beejapoor troops heavily for not attacking the Moghuls
+the day after the assault, or during the assault itself; and their
+sympathies are entirely with the Queen, who chafed sorely at their
+delay. But the probability is that their officers were better generals
+than the Queen, and could see where hidden danger existed clearly
+enough to avoid it. When she wrote her despatches, however, the morning
+after the assault, she was in the highest degree sanguine; and when she
+received her officers at the afternoon durbar there was not a sign of
+fatigue or care upon her cheerful countenance.
+
+Among others was the Bishop, who, with Maria, had come up to see her
+before the durbar should commence; and they told her of the death of
+Dom Diego, in whose gallant advance she had been so deeply interested.
+Of course the Queen remembered the tale, as she had heard it before
+her friends went to Goa; but she could hardly be brought to believe
+that the man who had been mortally wounded in the assault was the same
+person, until the general outlines of his confession had been related
+to her. Then, indeed, she took Maria into her arms and congratulated
+her on her escape. Surely God had specially preserved Maria's honour
+and her own, and Maria's gratitude had not been lack of expression.
+
+"And now," said the Bishop, "I must acquit myself of my duty to the
+dead and to the Church and State I serve. I cannot go to Surat myself;
+but the Prince, who has the reputation of being frank and honourable,
+may be induced to interest himself for my Government, with whom he
+is on friendly terms, and receive my explanation of these affairs. I
+would, therefore, solicit a note to him from your Majesty, and be the
+bearer of it while the truce lasts."
+
+"It is dangerous, Padre Sahib," returned the Queen, musing. "My own
+opinion is that he would extort the money, which you say is very
+considerable, from the banker, and appropriate it to his own use; or
+that his people, who are notoriously corrupt, would make away with it.
+But let not this rest on my opinion alone; let us send for Abbas Khan
+and Nihung Khan, on whose ability and discretion you can depend, and
+hear what they advise." And they were sent for. Both were hard by,
+still working at the breach, and they came directly; and the Bishop
+related to them the facts we already know.
+
+They did not apprehend any personal danger to the Bishop in his
+proposed visit to the Prince Moorad, but they were decidedly unanimous
+in advising that he should not be told of Dom Diego's hoard of wealth.
+The Imperial Government, they said, is, by long established law and
+usage, heir to all the property of persons who die or are killed in
+their service, particularly if they are foreigners; and the issue
+would be that this treasure would be lost for the purpose for which it
+is designed. There would be no hope of saving it.
+
+"But suppose," said Nihung Khan, whose opinion, being the elder,
+carried the most weight, "that you ask the Prince for the horses,
+arms, and moneys of the deceased now in camp. That will only be a
+fair demand. If granted, it may open your way to a disclosure of the
+remainder at another audience. But you will see, Senor Padre," he
+continued, laughing, "that that will be refused on the grounds I have
+mentioned. And it is better you should be prepared for the truth,
+though it may be told in fair words which will give you no offence."
+
+"I dare say you are right, Khan," returned the Bishop. "Dom Diego was
+buried early, with the rites of the Church, and I am at liberty. There
+is no time to be lost; and if I go at all, I would beg that the flag of
+truce be prepared, and that a palanquin be got ready for me."
+
+Maria was very anxious, and now could not restrain her feelings. "Go
+not, Francis," she cried; "go not among those savage men. Why not wait
+a few days, and when they are gone thou canst write to the authorities
+at Goa, and send the letter to King Ibrahim, who will forward it, when
+the necessary steps can be taken, through the bankers of Goa, to obtain
+the effects of brother Diego from Surat without giving any power to the
+Moghul Government to interfere."
+
+"Thou art the wisest counsellor among us, Maria," said the Queen,
+smiling kindly on her, "and I will send thy brother's despatch to King
+Ibrahim myself; there will be no doubt he will do what is needful.
+Bankers are always true, and I see no difficulty whatever. Go, Padre
+Sahib; my mirdhas shall attend thee with honour, and it may be that
+the Prince will make political disclosures to thee which may be of
+importance. Go, prepare thyself, and lose no time, for the day is yet
+ample for thy purpose."
+
+So the good Bishop set out. No armed men were sent with him, but only
+four silver mace-bearers, as a sign that he was a Royal ambassador.
+They were stopped at the first picket near the west end of the
+trenches, and thence passed on cautiously through the busy camp to
+Furhut Mahal, where the Prince had taken up his residence, to which a
+bridge of rough pontoons, or boats, had been thrown across the moat.
+He had to wait at the head of the bridge till permission was given to
+advance, and, attended and preceded by the mirdhas, he was ushered
+into the entrance hall, and thence, following the officer on duty, he
+ascended the steps which led to the upper storey where, for the sake of
+its coolness, the Prince had taken up his quarters.
+
+The Prince Moorad, a fair young man of pleasing appearance, but plainly
+dressed in white muslin, was seated on a pile of cushions, accompanied
+by three elderly officers, who were evidently of high rank. He partly
+rose as the Bishop bowed low before him, returned the salute, and
+bidding him be seated, said, "You speak Persian, sir?"
+
+"Imperfectly," was the reply; "but I am used to speak it to my Queen
+and in the Court at Beejapoor. I can write it also as I speak it."
+
+"Good," said the Prince; "then tell me why you have come. Are you the
+ambassador of the Sultana?"
+
+"I have the honour to bear a note from her," and he withdrew it from
+the sash of his robe, "which will explain the object of my intrusion
+upon your Highness. Will you be pleased to read it?"
+
+The Prince took the envelope. After having examined the seal, he
+carefully opened it and read the contents.
+
+"This only states that thou art a Bishop of the Christian Church at
+Goa; and, as such, thou art welcome. Wilt thou proceed to tell thy
+business? Is it secret or political?"
+
+"Neither, my Prince," was the reply; "but personal only as regards the
+effects of one Dom Diego di Fonseca, who was a priest of the Christian
+Church, and who died of wounds received in the assault yesterday."
+
+"Dead!" cried those present. "Dead! and thou knowest this of a
+certainty?"
+
+"I dressed his wounds during the night, my lords; but it was hopeless;
+and I buried him this morning before the sun rose.
+
+"He was a gallant soldier, if a Nazarene priest," said one of the
+elder officers. "Peace be with his memory, and the peace of God rest
+upon him."
+
+"Ameen!" murmured the others. "With a hundred like him we had won the
+fort."
+
+"And thy business, Senor Padre?" asked the Prince.
+
+"The effects of the deceased; his horses, arms, pay. These are for
+masses, which he willed should be said; and to give peace to his soul,
+it is necessary they should be performed."
+
+"Yes," said the Prince, smiling; "the Padres do that at Agra, where the
+Asylum of the World has built them a church. It is called mass. But
+what effects had he, Senor Padre?"
+
+"I know not, your Highness; but, he said, though only a humble priest,
+he had attained rank. He had not speech to tell me what he had, and was
+too weak to be questioned."
+
+"It is against the law, your Highness," observed one of the secretaries
+present, "to surrender the effects of one who has died in the State
+service; but it is competent to you to give any gift in recognition of
+his death as a gallant soldier, and that will be more acceptable to the
+good Padre than horses, arms, tents, or elephants, all of which have
+been appropriated to the Government use."
+
+"I demand nothing," said the Bishop; "but whatever His Highness's
+generosity may dictate I will take thankfully, be it the smallest sum."
+
+"Nay! the son of Akbar Padshah knows how to be generous," said the man
+who had just spoken. "Permit your slave to send for two hundred mohurs,
+which will be equal to the value of the Christian's effects;" and,
+writing a few lines on a slip of paper, the Prince's seal was affixed
+to it, and calling an attendant it was sent to the treasury.
+
+Most profuse were the Bishop's thanks for, in his estimation, the
+princely liberality with which he had been treated; and for an instant
+he thought he had better have brought Dom Diego's document; but the
+other course, suggested by Maria, was most feasible, and freed him from
+all responsibility.
+
+"And now," said the Prince, "as thou art a discreet and well-spoken
+person, and accustomed, no doubt, to the political affairs of Courts,
+we have a proposition to send, through thee, to the heroic Chand
+Sooltana, whose fame is spread over Hind, to which we invite her
+serious consideration." Then he paused for awhile, and resumed--
+
+"Although," he continued, "by the fortune of war we have suffered a
+repulse from the fort with heavy loss, which has deprived us of many
+brave comrades and soldiers, yet the might of this army is unimpaired;
+and I am prepared to resume the siege as soon as the present truce is
+expired. The Sooltana, we know, is relying upon succour from Beejapoor;
+but we have read her letters, written only this morning, and forwarded
+them to their destination. But she will see that it is impossible
+for the friends she expects to arrive in time to save her. They do
+not exceed six thousand horse, without artillery; and we have with
+us thirty thousand of the Imperial cavalry. But we are without cause
+of war with Beejapoor; and those who watch us we have respected, as
+they have respected us. If we attack the fort again, which we have
+determined to do if our proposal is refused, the consequences will be
+deplorable; for our soldiers, remembering the events of yesterday, will
+allow none to escape from it, and all must inevitably perish, including
+the Queen herself and the boy King. The consequences, therefore, rest
+with her alone; and as a humane and merciful woman she will not provoke
+them by a false estimate of her own power.
+
+"Listen, therefore, Senor Padre; and you, a man of God and of peace,
+will not refuse to exert your powers of persuasion with her, too. My
+generals and myself, that is the Khan Khanan and Khan Jehan Lody--and
+he introduced them--have this morning, with the aid of my learned
+secretary, drawn up the draft of a treaty between the kingdom of
+Ahmednugger and the Imperial Government of Hind, which, if executed,
+will not only perpetuate the mutual good will of both States, but
+cement their attachment to each other as long as the Sun and Moon shall
+endure. This is it," he continued, taking a roll of paper from the
+secretary's hand; "and I will briefly explain its purport to you.
+
+"We demand no expenses of the war. All the treasures and jewels of
+Ahmednugger remain in the young King's possession.
+
+"Our Royal army will quit its present position, and retire to its own
+territories, on guarantee by the Queen of no molestation, and orders
+for grain and forage to be paid for on delivery.
+
+"In return we demand cession of the province of Berar, which
+Ahmednugger cannot defend, and which is a scene of disorder and
+rapine, and a cause of suffering to the country at large. It is not an
+ancient possession of Ahmednugger, whose proper hereditary dominions
+are guaranteed, it is a province retaken by treachery from Duria Imad
+Shah, who asked for aid against an usurping Minister, was imprisoned,
+and foully murdered. No one can deny this, Senor Padre, for it is as
+notorious as the Sun at noonday, and has long cried for justice at the
+hands of the Asylum of the World, my father.
+
+"And now, Senor Padre, you have permission to depart. Take these in
+memory of the son of Akbar Padshah, who presents them to you;" and,
+taking a small rosary of pearls from his neck, he hung them round that
+of the Bishop, while a mirdha in attendance threw a light Cashmere
+shawl over his shoulders. "And my good wishes for your success with the
+Sultana, to whom I forward by you my sincere admiration and respects.
+The sum on account of the Christian cavalier you will find in your
+palanquin."
+
+Then the Bishop rose, and took leave. "I will do my best to stay
+further carnage, O Prince," he said, "but the question must rest with
+Her Majesty the Queen and her advisers." Then he was conducted to his
+palanquin, and passed out of the camp as he had come.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+PEACE FOR AWHILE.
+
+
+It was yet day when Francis d'Almeida again reached the fort; and,
+after giving an account to Maria of the result of his embassy, and the
+liberal conduct of the Prince Moorad, he looked round his patients, and
+sent word to the Queen that he had been entrusted by the Prince with a
+political message which he could deliver to no one but herself; and, if
+she were at leisure, he would come to her presence directly, and would
+prefer seeing her alone at first. The result of the Bishop's mission
+had been what the Queen expected, and she did not hesitate to request
+his attendance as quickly as possible.
+
+"I have only Zora with me," said the Queen, when the Bishop was ushered
+into her presence. "There has been much to dictate, and I always feel
+more confidence with her, and more at my ease than with the men. But
+what news hast thou brought, Senor Padre? and how didst thou succeed in
+regard to the effects of the cavalier?"
+
+"They would not give them to me," he replied, "as I was told they would
+not; but the Prince gave me a heavy purse of gold instead, which is
+amply sufficient--nay, a munificent gift; but methinks," continued the
+good man, simply, "if I had told him of the rest, it would have been
+confiscated. I had better obtain it through the banker with whom it is
+in deposit. But that is a minor matter altogether; I have much more
+important news to communicate to your Majesty, which relates to peace."
+
+"Ha!" cried the Queen, clapping her hands; "so they are tired of war
+after the game they have played, and its consequences."
+
+"No; your Majesty must not be deceived nor deceive yourself," returned
+the Bishop. "They are determined to renew the war, to reopen the siege,
+and to continue it until the fort is taken, and every one in it put to
+the sword. This is what the soldiers demand, and cry out for almost to
+mutiny."
+
+"Yes," said the Queen, sadly; "we might perish, all of us, but never
+yield; there the Prince is right. But what terms of peace does the
+Prince offer?"
+
+"He gave me this memorandum, which hath his own seal," was the reply.
+"Perhaps you had better read it yourself."
+
+"Let Zora read it, Senor. I have not patience to think of it. Remember
+how unprovoked this war was, and how I strove to avert it. But read,
+Zora, and let us hear the worst."
+
+Except for an expression of impatience now and again with her hands,
+the Royal lady heard the document to the end. "Some of it is fair,
+and some unfair," she said at length. "It is true we have no hope of
+aid from Beejapoor. When its troops might have struck in and made the
+Prince's position untenable, they kept aloof, and abandoned me to my
+fate. Oh, that Abbas Khan had led them! or why not the King himself?
+Has he forgotten the many times this poor life has been imperilled for
+him and his? But now," she continued, bitterly, "a new building, a
+new ornament to his palace, a new falcon or hunting leopard, has more
+attraction for him than his mother who made him what he is. Let it
+pass, it is my fate; and we have--thanks be to Thee, just and merciful
+Alla!--been able to defend ourselves hitherto, and may defy the worst,
+even death."
+
+"If it were thine own only, noble Queen," said the Bishop,
+respectfully, "it might be welcome to thee amid all the factions,
+intrigues, and perils thou hast to endure; but, remember, thou art
+accountable to God for the lives of all who are entrusted to thee as
+His viceregent, and there are thousands here who look to thee."
+
+"Death!" she cried, excitedly; "did I not court it in the assault? Can
+anyone say that I blenched from it, or hid myself in my zenana?"
+
+"No one, lady," returned the Bishop. "On the contrary, thine enemies do
+thee ample justice, and were even full of praise of thy heroism; and
+they would not have it subjected to the last trial in death. Consider,
+honoured lady, how many lives may be saved if terms can be made. But
+forgive me if I have spoken too freely on this matter."
+
+"Nay, but only as a peaceful minister of the Lord," she returned,
+gracefully. "As to the cession of Berar, I for one would not oppose it.
+Its annexation was the act of a madman. He who murdered his own father
+cruelly, to whom massacre was familiar, and who destroyed the Royal
+family of Berar, was hardly accountable for his actions upon earth; and
+I for one would cheerfully resign all pretension to Berar, which from
+the first hath carried the consequences of its sin-laden possession
+with it. The country never belonged to this kingdom, and its retention
+only embroils us with other parties, and it also lies too distant to be
+defended as it needs with these troubles to meet at home."
+
+"And were Berar ceded, your Majesty will observe that the King Bahadur
+will be guaranteed his throne, and there will be no interference
+with any part of his ancient dominions--which is worthy of especial
+consideration."
+
+"It would be if I could trust those that make it; but my soul tells me
+that the lion has only tasted blood, and would have more. Nevertheless,
+I will lay all before my council in durbar this evening, and will not
+delay an answer."
+
+The evening durbar was numerously attended; all the principal officers
+and Ministers were present, and brought forward their recommendations
+for rewards to those who had distinguished themselves by acts of
+valour; and these having been granted, the general assembly was
+dissolved, and those only remained whom the Queen specified.
+
+"First, my lords," said the Queen, "I desire to know from you all,
+unreservedly, in what condition you find the fort to be after the
+siege, up to the present time. My reasons for the question are urgent,
+and I will state them presently."
+
+Then every department was reviewed. Except at the breach where the mine
+had been sprung, the fortifications were uninjured, as there had been
+no attack on three sides; but the mine, though but little of the wall
+had fallen, had shaken it for a considerable distance on each side,
+cracks were opening in it in various places, and it would require to be
+taken down and built from the foundation ere it could bear any fresh
+cannonade, even from smaller guns than had been employed; "and," added
+the engineer (for so we may call him), "any chance shot might strike a
+weak part and bring down masses of the masonry, which would render the
+fort defenceless on the side that has been attacked. I and the chief
+builders have examined the whole, and that is our decided opinion."
+
+Many others followed. The powder and shot were much expended, and most
+of the new powder had been used. The old was not sound, and must be
+renewed, and shot was needed, but all the guns were in good condition.
+
+The already long-continued siege had caused the expenditure of much
+provisions. About two weeks' supply remained, which might be extended
+for some days more, but there was no possibility of receiving any from
+without, as the enemy guarded the approaches to the fort so closely,
+and had already intercepted several large convoys of grain and ghee.
+
+In fine, the general result of the report was unsatisfactory. If half
+the garrison could be dispensed with, provisions might hold out; but
+the condition of the wall was a peril which could not be remedied, and
+in regard to it there was not one dissentient voice. Then the Queen
+produced the draft she had received from Prince Moorad. "If," she
+said, "our condition for defence had been what I hoped it would be, I
+would have destroyed this paper, and allowed affairs to go on as they
+have begun; but as it is, ye, my lords, should know of it, and bear me
+witness that I have concealed nothing from you. Had my unworthy people
+of Beejapoor behaved as I expected they would, we should not have been
+reduced to these straits; but as they are, they are of no use to us,
+and the few that watch the Manikdown Hills are too weak to advance
+against thirty thousand Moghuls."
+
+"It is true," said Nihung Khan, with a sigh; "they are too weak to
+effect more than they are doing now, straitening the supplies of the
+Moghul army. Yet that cannot be depended upon, since the King of
+Khandesh, it is well known, is now sending up large convoys from his
+dominions by the northern passes, which we cannot prevent, and with
+them come some heavy guns. All these will arrive in the course of a few
+days at furthest, and the Prince does not exaggerate his resources to
+prolong the siege. And how could we repair the wall to meet it?"
+
+"They are clever men, these Moghul engineers," said the engineer
+officer who had before spoken. "We found, this morning, as we examined
+the counterscarp, that five other places had been mined to be blown
+in. There was not time apparently to complete or load the mines, else
+we should have been attacked in several points at once. They depended
+upon the effect of the five mines, which, but for the humane man who
+proclaimed them, would have been fired at once, and the side of the
+fort blown completely open; and they can do the same again."
+
+These ominous words fell with terrible effect on the ears of all that
+heard them. The question was no longer one of opinion, it was one of
+necessity. Was the fort tenable at all?
+
+"Let your servant," said Abbas Khan, "go to Soheil Khan, who commands
+the forces at Shahdroog. If he could be persuaded to march to our aid,
+all these proud Moghuls might be chased from the field."
+
+"But that would involve a delay of nearly a month, even if he marched
+at once," said the Queen.
+
+"And in the condition of the wall, I could not guarantee it to stand
+under fire for two days," said the engineer. "I have no thought of
+life, as I say this; but I think on the helpless women and children,
+and the men who must perish before a ruthless assault which the Prince
+suggests, and which we, were we in the place of the Moghuls, should
+make. Remember that though the fort is hard of access, yet it is
+impossible of egress. No one can escape from it."
+
+The Queen then laid before all assembled the question of Berar. For
+her own part, she desired not to retain it. Ever since the kingdom had
+possessed it, misfortune and war had come with it, as was known to all.
+It need never have been taken; and cruel murder had been necessary to
+its retention.
+
+Thus the subject was debated for some hours with animation. The Bishop
+was called and asked whether he had been directed to carry any message
+to the Prince Moorad from the Queen; but his account of the object
+of his mission and its results, and his assurance that the draft of
+the treaty must have been prepared beforehand, as the Prince's seal
+was only affixed in his presence, assured all that the proposal was
+spontaneous; and after a further brief consultation, it was accepted,
+with some slight modification, and despatched by the hands of Abbas
+Khan and Nihung Khan the next day. And no further objections being
+made, the treaties were mutually exchanged the day following, when a
+great portion of the Moghul army had already marched.
+
+What a relief their departure was to all! How quiet the fort was now!
+No discharge of cannon night and day; no danger from missiles; no
+distress for water, which had before become serious, and for which
+there was no remedy. The people of the city, who for the most part had
+all retired to the villages at some distance, flocked back, opened
+their shops and secret stores of grain, and all was once more as it had
+been; while the public rejoicings at the victory of the assault and
+the departure of their bitter enemies were splendid, and attended by
+munificent distributions of charity in every portion of the kingdom.
+
+The Queen's first care was for the wall, which was found, as the
+engineer officer of the fort had declared, in a perilous condition, and
+was taken down with difficulty, and not without risk to life. It was
+rebuilt, wherever necessary, from the very foundation. All the mined
+galleries of the Moghuls were traced, and inspected by the Queen in
+person, who could the more perfectly understand, with gratitude for the
+escape, the danger that the fort and all within it had escaped. In the
+guarantee of the dominions of the kingdom, too, she felt an increased
+assurance for the future; and could she only avert the misery arising
+from domestic faction, a terror always present, she might expect a
+peaceful minority, and the respect and sympathy of all surrounding
+kingdoms. Of the Moghuls she had no dread then. The man who had
+originally written to the Prince Moorad to invite his interference was
+detained at Beejapoor, and evinced no disposition for fresh intrigue.
+She therefore caused the young King Bahadur to be crowned again, and
+his further residence at the fort of Chawund was no longer necessary,
+the Queen herself taking charge of him.
+
+It was wonderful to see, too, how rapidly and surely the internal
+administration was reformed--in fact, re-created. The revenue survey
+and assessments that Mullek Umber's great genius had suggested were
+carried on as fast as possible, to the satisfaction of the people, and
+the revenues were collected without unequal pressure, and were ample
+for all expenses of the State, affording, indeed, a large surplus.
+Outwardly, therefore, and to all appearance, the kingdom was at peace.
+
+Nor was there any change in the circumstances of the persons whose
+affairs have supplied the events of this tale. The Bishop and his
+sister, as the country became quiet, were able to make excursions to
+Aurungabad, always a source of gratification. And once the Bishop,
+taking advantage of the return of some cavalry to Beejapoor, visited
+his flock there, and was satisfied at its progress. He found the Queen
+Taj-ool-Nissa the mother of a fine boy; and as she put it into his
+arms, she besought his blessing on the child, which he gave solemnly.
+All his old friends welcomed him; and even the bitter priest had many a
+kind word for the man who, as all believed, had fought valiantly on the
+side of the truth of Islam in the battle of the "Standard of the Veil,"
+for so the defence of the fort against the Moghuls had become known
+among the people of the country.
+
+With the King he had many earnest private conversations in regard to
+the future, which to his view was full of apprehension and danger. "It
+was not that I would not, but that I dare not provoke a war with Prince
+Moorad which would set the whole of the Dekhan in a flame. One by one
+the kingdoms of the north--Guzerat, Malwa, and Khandesh--have fallen.
+The Queen-Mother does not see her danger; but the Nizam Shahis and
+all that belonged to them have ever been treacherous, and she may yet
+rue the hour in which she trusted them. But I know--we all know--her
+heroism and self-devotion, and she will die at her post rather than
+abandon it. And yet, Padre Sahib, if she could be persuaded to leave
+Ahmednugger and come to us she would be received with all our old
+affection and loyalty."
+
+"I will do what I can," was the invariable reply to many such
+conversations; "but your Majesty knows her inflexible and honourable
+nature, and nothing less than being driven from her position would
+induce her to abandon it." I think, however, that had it not been for
+what had transpired in regard to his sister, that the Bishop would
+have been well content to have settled finally at Beejapoor, visiting
+Moodgul and a new mission at Cheetapoor, among the distillers and
+saga makers, which his zealous coadjutor had organised; but there
+was no mention of his sister, nor any invitation from the Queen
+Taj-ool-Nissa, and it was evident that for some time to come Beejapoor
+was no place for her.
+
+Of Osman Beg the Bishop could hear nothing. His father had returned
+from Mecca, and, at first, resided on a small property which he had
+retained; but he had died, and his possessions had lapsed to the State.
+Osman Beg had, it was supposed, joined the Moghul army, but where he
+was serving in its wide empire no one seemed to know or care.
+
+There was no change whatever in the situation of Abbas Khan and Zora.
+He continued to hold the command of the fort and the troops within
+it, and so long as the Queen lived, or remained there, he determined
+to abide with her. He was not ambitious of employment in civil or
+political affairs, and he had an instinctive dislike and mistrust of
+all the hereditary offices of the Ahmednugger State; of those constant
+petty and vexatious intrigues against each other which seemed to him,
+though peace from without appeared more and more confirmed, to be
+dangerous in their machinations, and which must, ere long, burst into
+open contention. Except this, nothing occurred to disturb the serenity
+of their lives. Their little excursions to villages round about, such
+as Bhatoree and others, to the Royal gardens, and to the pretty little
+country palace, which is known now by the name of "The Happy Valley,"
+all served to pass the time pleasantly; and the Queen Regent had ever
+work for Zora to do in the drafts of private correspondence which she
+carried on. Zora, too, was now the mother of a fine boy, and the pride
+of her husband and herself in the thriving, crowing, little fellow
+cannot, I think, be exaggerated. They were lovers in the truest sense
+of the word, cheering and supporting each other: she, a companion to
+him, whose bravery and work had been amply tried; he, to her, the same
+as she had watched over first in the fearful night at Juldroog, which
+had had so deep an influence over their lives. But the political events
+of the time were more and more threatening, and were not to be averted
+either by former treaty or by the wisdom or heroic perseverance of
+the Queen; and the details of the local historian, Ferishta, form a
+melancholy record of the last struggles of the unhappy and distracted
+kingdom. Without entering too much into historical details they may be
+briefly sketched, so as to render Queen Chand's position intelligible.
+
+Retaining Nihung Khan as commander of the forces, as he lacked
+administrative ability, she had appointed Mahomed Khan, an hereditary
+officer of much experience, to the general direction of affairs, and
+for a time all went prosperously. But the ambition of Mahomed Khan
+was not proof against the temptation to increase his power, and he
+confined Nihung Khan, aspiring himself to become Regent, and to deprive
+the Queen of all authority whatever. This the Royal lady resisted,
+and wrote urgently to her nephew, King Ibrahim, to send her such a
+force as would keep the rebellious Minister in check. To no one better
+than Abbas Khan, whose friendship for Nihung Khan was sincere, could
+she entrust this delicate negotiation. The King would hear from him
+the true state and danger of affairs at Ahmednugger; nor would he,
+she knew, be slow to urge, or lack eloquence in urging, the necessity
+of interposing to prevent further pretext for intervention by the
+Moghuls, which was the point most especially to be dreaded. We need
+not describe particulars of this journey to Beejapoor, nor of the
+political discussions there; nor yet of Abbas Khan's happy meeting with
+his uncle and aunt, and many old friends; but he was successful in the
+object of his mission. Soheil Khan was despatched with a sufficient
+force, which arrived at Ahmednugger in safety; but the Beejapoor
+troops found that their entry was opposed by the usurper, but the
+garrison, being faithful, seized him and made him over to the Queen.
+Meanwhile, however, Mahomed Khan had despatched letters to Khan Khanan,
+the Moghul general then in Berar, praying for assistance, as he was
+holding the country in trust for the Emperor of Dehli. Had this been
+discovered at the time, it is hardly possible that the usurper would
+have escaped with his life; but he was spared, Nihung Khan was released
+and appointed to the chief authority, and the Queen's power being
+reestablished, the troops from Beejapoor were dismissed with handsome
+presents and grateful thanks.
+
+The Moghuls, however, as Soheil Khan learned on his way back, had
+occupied districts much to the south of Berar, and he wrote to the King
+of Beejapoor for instructions. The King ordered him to stand fast on
+the Godavery river, and sent a large reinforcement aided by troops from
+Golconda. These allied troops advanced against the Moghuls; but after a
+bloody general engagement, which lasted for two days, victory remained
+with the Moghuls. Now the Queen Chand had sent to the assistance of the
+Beejapoor troops a number of her own for defence against aggression,
+and it is possible this was considered a cause for the new war which
+had commenced so inauspiciously.
+
+Strange as it may appear, Nihung Khan, regardless of danger from
+without, now endeavoured to destroy the power of his benefactress.
+Indeed, he had attained so much local power that, inflated by pride, he
+sent a force to invest the town of Beer, which is situated to the south
+of the river Godavery, and to which the aggressions of the Moghuls
+had extended. He also made an attempt to invade Berar, but both these
+movements being unsupported, failed of effect, and he returned to
+Ahmednugger.
+
+These continued disturbances naturally attracted the attention of the
+Emperor Akbar. His son, the Prince Moorad, had died during their
+continuance, not long, indeed, after the victory over the combined
+forces of Beejapoor; and the Emperor, now determined to prosecute the
+war in person, marched to the south, captured the important fortress of
+Asseergurh, and directed his second son, Prince Daniel Mirza, with Khan
+Khanan, his chief general, to undertake operations against the fort and
+kingdom of Ahmednugger.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+THE SECOND SIEGE OPENS.
+
+
+The political events sketched in the last chapter occupied upwards of
+two years, and bring down the action of this tale and the Queen's life
+to the close of 1598, or commencement of 1599. Nihung Khan, foiled
+in his ill-considered attack on Berar, in which he had been entirely
+unsupported by the allies of Ahmednugger, and out-manoeuvred besides by
+the General Khan Khanan, burned all his heavy baggage on the borders
+of Berar, at the head of the pass he was unable to descend, and fled
+back to Ahmednugger. Here he vainly tried to make terms with the Queen
+and regain his old place. But she refused to admit one to her councils
+who, though a man of high renown, was fatally rash and untrustworthy;
+and having no other place of refuge, he fled the country and was seen
+no more. After their bloody defeat in the Godavery, the Beejapoor and
+Golconda troops made no further attempt to check the advancing enemy;
+and that defeat had, there is no doubt, already decided the fate of the
+Ahmednugger kingdom; and as the monsoon of 1598 broke up, the Emperor
+Akbar ordered the forces under his son Daniel and Khan Khanan to
+advance without delay. With Queen Chand no commander of note remained
+in the field. All the troops on which she could have relied to check
+the enemy's advance were broken and much separated, and to bring them
+together would be a work of labour for which there was no time, and
+neither Beejapoor nor Golconda were in the humour to risk further
+collisions with the Imperial army by an advance. What troops it was
+possible to collect and organise, Abbas Khan, ever steady and faithful,
+collected about the city, and the fort was put in as complete order as
+possible, and provisioned liberally for six months.
+
+To the command of the garrison Humeed Khan was appointed, originally
+a Beejapoor eunuch attached to the Queen's palace for many years. She
+had brought him with her on the last occasion; and, as he had been well
+educated and displayed soldier-like qualities, he had been employed in
+the field, and had on all occasions distinguished himself by valour
+and sagacity. In the first siege of the fort he had been selected
+both by Nihung Khan and Abbas Khan for command of a large portion of
+the garrison; and his valour on the repulse of the attack and in the
+general defence was as valuable as it was remarkable. Nor with these
+antecedents was it at all strange that he should be selected for the
+post he now held, with the approval of all, for he was popular with the
+soldiery; and had succeeded in uniting all in a determination to stand
+by the young King to the last, and defend their fortress to the utmost.
+
+But it was seen and observed by all that a tone and manner of
+despondency possessed the Queen which was new to her character. Her
+only solace seemed to be the boy Bahadur, who, now about five years
+old, returned her affection with tenderness and a child's, loving
+consideration; and as she often strained him passionately to her
+breast, would cry, "Weep not, O grandmother; when I am a man I will
+make all bad men thy slaves; and we will be so happy, and no tears
+shall come again." Yes, the little fellow seemed to be a great solace
+and comfort to her. Not that she put Zora aside, or Maria, for they
+were her daily companions as before; but she made no new friends,
+and the old ones she felt had their own vocations and cares in life,
+which occupied and interested them more than those of, as she said, a
+worn-out old woman.
+
+Yet it was not so. Never at any period of their lives had Maria or Zora
+loved her more devotedly or fondly; and the patience and submission
+with which she endured all her vexatious troubles, and the heroism and
+cheerful trust with which she now prepared to meet new perils, gave
+her additional interest in their eyes. To all others she preserved
+her old calm demeanour. She held her durbars as usual. Every point of
+the administration was reviewed and checked as of old; Zora had her
+appointed private tasks allotted to her, and, with Abbas Khan and his
+officers, every question regarding the completeness for defence and
+organisation of the defenders was discussed with her usual wisdom. But
+in the quiet hours, when business did not occupy her, it was plainly
+visible that anxiety very often cast her down, almost beyond the power
+of raising herself again. At such times, if they asked her why she
+wept, she could not tell them, except that it seemed to her she was
+being drawn away from earth and all she most loved, and so the Lord was
+preparing her for Paradise; and as the present was her true Paradise,
+it grieved her to change it, and so she wept. Before her was a mystery;
+here there was no mystery, only the homage of loving hearts. They
+are wrong, she used to tell them, who prayed for death as a release
+from trouble and suffering. Rather let all live on that life may be
+purified, and the spirit exalted, till God sees fit to take it, as He
+will when He has purified and chastened it. And thus, she said to all,
+she was being prepared, and they were to rejoice when she wept rather
+than sorrow.
+
+How thoughtful was she for them all! She was evidently most anxious for
+Maria. "Thou art more tender of heart," she would say, "than we tough
+Moslems. Thy faith is more tender; and the scenes thou hast endured
+with us here are not fit either for thee or thy brother, and ye must
+leave me till the peril be past. If it pass, and we have peaceful lives
+before us till my boy grows up, thou and thy brother shall roam where
+ye will, and preach as ye will; for who does not love and honour ye?"
+
+It was a bitter parting; but the Queen sent Maria and her brother
+away. A body of men came from Dowlutabad, sent by Mullek Umber to
+escort treasure for the pay of the troops with the Queen; and the Queen
+sent the Bishop and his sister with them to her faithful friend. It
+was the only opportunity there might be for many weeks; and if peace
+ensued, they could at any time return again in a few days. And Maria
+had been absent before, and had returned safely; so Zora was comforted,
+but not the Queen.
+
+The evening before the small force marched, Maria and the Queen were
+alone together, and the Royal lady, taking Maria's head on her breast,
+said gently, "Thou hast been a true and loving daughter to me, child.
+All the women of my country are feeble and impetuous; but from the
+first even unto the last thou hast been the same. Thou hast borne with
+a weak old woman's waywardness; thou hast put sweet loving thoughts
+into my heart, and told me truths which well up, and teach me mercy.
+And oh, Maria! though I have never mentioned it to thee, how can I
+thank thee for thy conduct at Beejapoor; so gentle, yet so firm. Thou
+dost not know, thou never canst know, how he pleaded with me for thee,
+or what he offered me for thee. And he, too, is loving, and would have
+been kind and faithful to thee; and at first I grieved that it could
+not be. But thou wast right. The Lord vouchsafed wisdom to thee, and
+thou art blessed with that thought, O, my daughter; for when ye meet,
+all will have passed away in peace. He is the father of children now,
+and is happy; though he hath not forgotten her who was a joy to him.
+I would often fain have spoken to thee about that eventful passage in
+thy young life; but these are my last words to thee, and thou wilt not
+forget them."
+
+"Never, never! my more than mother," she returned, sobbing bitterly.
+"And may the Lord grant that we meet again in peace." She would have
+said more, for her heart was full of gratitude; but the Queen said
+gently,--
+
+"It may not be, daughter. My message is coming nearer to me; nearer,
+nearer, day by day, and I am content. Go now, and leave me, with but
+one embrace--the last. I shall think of thee in safety, till the angel
+summons me. Lo!" and she stretched her hand on high, while a smile of
+triumph spread over her features, and her still lustrous eye glowed
+brightly, "Lo! he is near me, even now."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+We have already said there was no force in the field which could
+pretend to check the advance of the powerful army which was now
+approaching by safe and easy stages. The siege train was especially
+powerful and its equipment complete, and the Emperor had sent a large
+body of the famous miners of the northern provinces, who in their
+peculiar vocation were unsurpassed in skill and daring. Khan Khanan,
+who knew the ground perfectly, had determined to risk as few of his
+own troops' lives as possible, and he had already seen proved how
+comparatively easy and how certain it would be to destroy the fort with
+gunpowder.
+
+Osman Beg was in his place as general leader and director of the
+marches, and he had gained the confidence of the commander-in-chief
+with singular adroitness and plausibility. All these intervening years
+the mad craving of his heart for Zora had never diminished, nay, it
+had fed on its own imaginings. What would she not be now in the full
+possession of her matured beauty? How different to the poor Fakeer's
+daughter of Juldroog, whom he had so madly loved. No one, he believed,
+knew that he belonged to the Moghul forces at all. His name was a
+common one among the bodies of Turcomans who served in the Imperial
+army, and in the first siege he had kept himself aloof from the camp
+and the siege operations. Dom Diego had asked him to command a portion
+of the storming party, and even taunted him with cowardice when he
+refused; but Osman Beg had laughed at the possibility of taking the
+fort as the priest imagined, and he heard of his death without surprise
+and without regret. "Mine shall be a sure game," he thought; "one in
+which the risk will be small and the reward certain. Then I shall gloat
+myself with revenge, and my virtuous cousin shall die at my feet or be
+hurled into the air to feed the vultures. Let but our position become
+securely taken up before the fort, and I will see what Moghul gold may
+not effect within."
+
+The last march was made. The people of the city and its environs,
+warned by previous experience, had deserted their homes for some days,
+and nothing was left in the streets but starving, homeless dogs, who
+howled piteously night and day. There was nothing on the plain but
+the grim old fort and its defences, which the Moghul commander could
+see were in much more complete order than they had previously been.
+The wide esplanade was cleared of every vestige of cover; trees all
+around had been cut down; the defences of the parapets had been newly
+topped with clay; loopholes had been narrowed, and embrasures protected
+by sandbags and gabions. Even the covered way at the crest of the
+counterscarp had been cleared out and fitted for musketeers, and larger
+guns than before mounted in many places on the broad rampart and the
+bastions. The work had been that of months, and Abbas Khan was not one
+who would trust to others to see it performed. He and the Queen had
+passed their days on the ramparts, and during working hours the red
+umbrella of the Queen could be seen by the whole garrison, moving from
+point to point; while at night she went the accustomed rounds in her
+turn, with other officers, generally accompanied by Humeed Khan. So
+far as human means and the science of the time could ensure security,
+Ahmednugger was safe.
+
+And the Moghul commander felt that it was so, and that all the skill
+of his own engineers would be needed to meet the preparations. After
+the first reconnaissance, in which he lost many men from the combined
+fire of the fort and the garrison of the covered way, the trenches were
+carried on by sap as before. But the defenders of the covered way, led
+by brave and enterprising officers, attacked the trenches at night, cut
+off the workmen, and vexed the whole operation until it made very slow
+progress in comparison with what it had done on the first occasion.
+These skirmishes, too, cost the defenders little in comparison with the
+terror they inflicted. The hardy Mahratta Mawalees, from the western
+ghauts, who afterwards became so famous under Sivagee, fell on the
+enemy with their national shouts of "Hur! Hur! Mahadeo!" sword in hand,
+and seemed insensible to danger. Showers of arrows were shot into the
+trenches, and if pursued by the Moghuls, the lightly equipped Mahrattas
+ran back into their galleries, and crossed into the ditch and fort by
+the sally ports which had been opened. As yet no attempt had been made
+upon the defences of the fort, and the garrison grew more confident
+even than before. The siege did not progress, and the young Prince
+Daniel and Khan Khanan grew impatient, for they well knew if there were
+the least sign of failure the Beejapoor and Golconda armies would be
+again in motion.
+
+One of the chief leaders of these daring night attacks was a young
+Mahratta chief, one of the Sirkay family, who, with his cousin
+Peelagee, were hereditary officers of the Nizam Shahy kingdom, and
+had brought their own retainers to the defence of the fort. Both were
+famed for personal valour of no ordinary kind, and the Sirkay Mawalees
+had established a reputation for boldness in their peculiar manner of
+attack, which had gained them deserved fame. Their post was in the
+covered way in the south-east angle of the ditch, which enabled them
+to make flank attacks which were most annoying to the enemy; and this
+being part of the particular command of Humeed Khan, he had several
+times brought them to the Queen's notice, and had them rewarded by
+rings and anklets of gold, and other valuable gifts. As if to vex
+Abbas Khan, with whom he had had some slight difference, he said to
+Sirkay one evening, "Let me come with ye to-night, and witness what ye
+let Abbas Khan share in, but not me." So it was arranged, and taking
+as few of his followers as possible, Humeed Khan went to the post at
+night, and, led by Sirkay, the Mawalees were soon on the crest of
+the glacis, crouching like wild animals, to watch their opportunity.
+That night, however, the breaches seemed deserted. The men had been
+withdrawn, probably expecting an attack; and Sirkay would have
+returned, but Humeed said, laughing, "As we are here, we may as well
+see for ourselves what is doing, and whether the general is mining, as
+I shrewdly suspect he is."
+
+So they proceeded warily and cautiously, leaving the men behind; but,
+on turning the angle of a trench, a party of men burst upon them
+and secured them. Both gave themselves up for lost, for under such
+circumstances life was little worth; but, instead of putting them to
+death, they were taken roughly to an officer who sat near a covered
+way, which some men by the light of torches were driving on. It had
+been Osman Beg's turn of duty that night in the trenches, and he had
+taken up as secure a position as possible; and he recognised Humeed
+Khan in an instant, who at once saluted him wonderingly.
+
+"Dost thou know that I could behead thee at once as a spy?" said Osman
+Beg.
+
+"I know it," returned the other; "and there would be one man in
+Ahmednugger the less, that is all. Nor would Abbas Khan, perhaps, be
+sorry to lose me."
+
+"Then ye are enemies?"
+
+"Not so, openly; but he hates me. He it is who hath vexed ye with
+sallies; and as I would not be sent on one by him, I have come myself
+to-night."
+
+"And the Queen?"
+
+"She is much what you remember her, but, methinks, weary of the war.
+She would like to get safe to Joonair, and give up the place. She does
+not say this openly, but that is in her heart."
+
+"We shall take it from her, brother."
+
+"Never," replied Humeed Khan. "She will perish in the ruins, but she
+will never yield."
+
+"And Abbas Khan?"
+
+"You know what he is, Meeah, only prouder and haughtier than he was;
+and he will never leave the Queen."
+
+"And his wife, Zora? Dost thou see her?"
+
+"I see her, Meeah! She is more beautiful than ever she was; and he
+dotes on her like a fool."
+
+"I owe him revenge for what happened at Juldroog, and for what happened
+in the Palace."
+
+"And thou sayest she is thy wife. What wouldst thou give me for her?"
+
+"I have little to give; but hark! ere we part. Give me the fort by any
+means thou wilt, and we may both be rich and free. Canst thou come
+again?"
+
+"Not as I have done to-night; but I may be able to send a message. Now
+let me escape, and pretend to pursue me;" and Humeed Khan dashed on
+at his utmost speed, striking down one of the men who had held Sirkay
+apart. Sirkay shook himself free of the other, narrowly escaping a
+sword cut, and they soon rejoined the men they had left behind, who
+fired a volley of arrows to check the pursuers, and made their way into
+the fort.
+
+"That was a narrow chance, my friend," said Humeed Khan, when he had
+regained his breath; "but the fellow was too busy asking me questions
+to see that his men held me fast. But they seemed half asleep, and I
+watched my opportunity to shake myself free."
+
+"I had given up hope, my lord," was Sirkay's reply; "and I have to
+thank you for your part in my escape. We must be more cautious in
+future."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+THE LAST TRAGEDY.
+
+
+The eunuch reflected deeply on the strange adventures of the night. He
+had known Osman Beg from boyhood, when he was the companion of Abbas
+Khan. He knew the story of Abbas Khan's love for Zora, and was present
+at Osman Beg's trial before the durbar at Beejapoor, when Osman Beg was
+banished, and it was strange that he should meet him again under such
+circumstances. But he was not surprised that his hate for his cousin
+continued in all its bitter virulence. The eunuch had been jealous
+of Abbas Khan from the first, and he was now compelled to bear his
+authority and submit to his directions; and such jealousy soon turns
+to hate. He might make his own terms, perhaps, through Osman Beg, with
+the Moghul general about the fort. Its possession would be an immense
+assistance to the Emperor's plans, and its betrayal would be richly
+rewarded. As to the Queen, he hated her because she had placed him in
+a subordinate position under her minion; and what would it signify
+what became of her? She was out of place now. There would be no great
+difficulty in communicating with Osman Beg, and he trusted to his good
+luck to carry on the intercourse that had been so strangely begun.
+
+At his morning audience of the Queen the eunuch detailed the events of
+the night, which were entirely corroborated by Sirkay. Both the Queen
+and Abbas Khan, while they rebuked them for rashness, none the less
+praised them for their act of valour; and the eunuch gave his opinion
+that what he had seen was either the head of a new mine, or a shaft
+into one which had been begun at a greater distance; and this was what
+Abbas Khan dreaded. This was no noisy siege. On the contrary, the
+silence was often oppressive; and the hum of thousands which filled
+the enemy's camp, the boom of kettledrums, and the music which played
+before the Royal pavilion, were for the most part the only sounds heard
+from without; while from within there was nothing to fire at, and the
+large stone shots from the mortars, which were dropped at random in the
+direction of the enemy's camp, were frequently the only shots fired by
+the gunners of the fort. It appeared to the soldiers of the garrison
+as if the enemy were afraid to attack the fort as they had done on the
+first occasion, and their vaunting and self-confidence were unbounded.
+Whenever the Queen went abroad on her usual rounds on the walls, she
+was met with assertions that the enemy were afraid; that the Moghuls
+would some day abandon their fortress and march back as they came. But,
+though she did not undeceive them, she became more and more anxious;
+and, on his part, Abbas Khan well remembered what Khan Khanan had
+impressed upon him at his interview with the Prince Moorad regarding
+the first treaty, that if the siege were renewed, it would be by mines
+under the fort itself, which would be destroyed with all it held; and
+that this operation was now in progress there could be little doubt.
+
+Alas! there was now no friendly voice to give them warning, as before,
+of existing danger, and implore them not to make a useless sacrifice of
+their lives. The proceedings were of the stern character of the eminent
+soldier who directed them, who never knew sympathy for an enemy who
+defied him.
+
+How often Abbas Khan besought the Queen, even with tears, to save
+herself and the King. It might be done; he felt assured that no
+enterprise would be more welcome to the Mahratta Mawallees than
+to carry her with them in a night sortie, and to conduct them by
+bye-paths, and after their own fashion, to Joonair. Then it mattered
+little what became of the fort. Those who remained could make terms,
+and, in the western fastnesses, the King would be safe against all
+attacks from without, and could rest securely till happier times. "As
+to all you would leave behind, we should be in the hands of the Lord,"
+he pleaded; "for as soon as you and the boy were gone, we might hold
+out for a time as a point of honour, and make terms by which every life
+would be saved. As to the treasure, let it perish, mother, if I could
+not, as I might, offer a ransom for the fort. I say, let it perish.
+Is there not enough for all in Chawund and Joonair to suffice for many
+years?"
+
+Thus, day by day, he pleaded, but still she would not listen. It seemed
+to her a dishonourable act to desert those who had stood by her with
+such valour and devotion all through her trials. What care or wish had
+she for life, except with honour? What would be said of her, but that
+the Queen who had fought the fearful "Battle of the Veil" had absconded
+secretly from her people at night to save her own life, leaving all to
+perish! No! if death were nigh, let it come to her there; she should be
+blessed.
+
+But there was restlessness in her mind which she could not overcome.
+Zora felt she had no longer power over her. She, too, had implored her
+Royal mistress to save herself and the boy she now loved; and the boy's
+mother, feeling that with the Queen he would be safe, had besought
+Queen Chand not to think of her, whom no one would molest by herself,
+and to carry him away to Joonair, which, against all attacks from
+without, was impregnable. But, as we have said, the Queen's mind was
+restless. She felt unable to decide on any course, and many arguments
+on both sides impelled her first in one direction then, in another,
+which were alike impossible to her on further thought; and she had only
+to go out among the garrison to hear the old war cries of Beejapoor,
+and her own country, to feel that she was yet a Queen, and, before God,
+responsible for all, and no steps were taken either for flight with the
+Mawallees, or to obtain terms from the Moghuls.
+
+During this period Osman Beg had not been idle. He had contrived to see
+the eunuch many times at night; and, after the first chance interview
+with him, he had gone boldly to Khan Khanan, and had privately
+communicated to him that he had an old Beejapoor friend in the fort,
+who was, in fact, its commander, and that, if he were authorised, he
+could enter into negotiations with him for its betrayal, or its capture
+by surprise. Khan Khanan felt no scruple as to the means of attaining
+possession of a place which had already cost him so dear, and the
+capture of which by siege would probably extend so long; and the miners
+were already complaining of the hardness of the ground in the mines on
+which they most relied, which were to be sprung inside the walls, and
+not without much risk and difficulty. Humeed Khan was brought to him
+once, at night. Khan Khanan was then assured of the perfect condition
+of the fort, the high spirits of the garrison, and the inflexible
+determination of Abbas Khan to defend the place to the last extremity.
+"He is searching for mines daily," said the eunuch, "and should one be
+discovered, your whole work would be checked indefinitely."
+
+"The difficulty, then, lies with the Queen and Abbas Khan," said the
+general.
+
+"It does," replied the eunuch; "but it is not insurmountable; and
+I know for certain that if they are offered honourable terms of
+capitulation, and permission to remove all property from the fort,
+except guns and arms, they would agree to them."
+
+"That would be impossible," said the general; "we have the game in
+our own hands, and we are ready to play it out. What is a month, or
+even more, to us? To them it is life or death. Were they to propose
+terms, indeed, it would be very different; but I know nothing less
+than unconditional surrender would satisfy the Emperor, and I am not
+prepared to modify that. I suppose," he added with a sneer, "your
+valiant Dekhanies would not give up their arms."
+
+"They would not," said the eunuch; "and no one dare propose that to
+them."
+
+"Not even the Queen?"
+
+"Not even she. Her life would be the instant forfeit."
+
+"Now," continued the general, grimly, "suppose that such a report were
+spread as would raise a tumult among your Dekhanies. We might take
+advantage of it."
+
+"You might, my lord."
+
+"And we should be successful?"
+
+"That I cannot answer for. It would depend upon yourselves."
+
+"Not entirely, sir. You who command the Dekhanies might persuade them
+to be neutral; to--to--in fact to throw themselves on the Royal
+clemency. And suppose I assured you personally two lakhs of rupees for
+the service, and through you all arrears of pay to your party, would
+that suffice?"
+
+"Take it, friend," said Osman Beg. "My lord will give the amount in
+bills on Dehly or Guzerat, unless thou wait the issue and receive it
+here in cash. Thou canst not carry away the coin, and we cannot send
+it."
+
+"I am content," said the eunuch, "for the service I shall render to the
+Emperor, whose name be honoured, to receive whatever may be given of
+his own gracious bounty."
+
+"And remember," said the general, "that I have nothing to do with the
+results if the Dekhanies rise in mutiny. All that rests with them and
+you."
+
+"I take the responsibility, my lord. I wish only for peace."
+
+"You have forgotten me, Humeed Khan," said Osman Beg angrily, as they
+left the tent.
+
+"Not so, friend," said the eunuch. "What I purpose will cause much
+confusion. The gallery of the counterscarp will be deserted, and thou
+knowest the way into the sally ports. Who will distinguish friends
+from enemies? Thou must do thy part, and I shall be able to aid thee.
+Fear not, one who desires a fair woman must needs do something to get
+her. More I cannot say; be ready on my signal, and join me. There will
+be enough of screaming women, and who will heed if one among them is
+carried away in a blanket? Surely thou hast some of thy old dare
+devils to help thee. If not, give up the girl."
+
+"I cannot, and will not; she is my fate," returned Osman Beg, moodily;
+and for the time they separated.
+
+For several days Abbas Khan had been diligent in his search for mines.
+Shafts had been sunk, and one was at last discovered which led directly
+under the palace. It was not loaded, and no one was guarding it; but
+the chamber was ready, and it could have been charged at any time.
+Abbas Khan, and some others with him, explored it; and, covered with
+dust and dirt as he was, he went direct to the Queen to tell her of it.
+"It will be destroyed," he said; "and even now the masons are at work
+building up the gallery with stones. But who can say, Mother, how many
+more there may be, or where they are? I have ordered cross cuttings to
+be carried on; but the ground is nearly rock, and the Moghul miners
+have skilfully followed a soft vein which they discovered, and have
+never quitted. Mother! Mother! hear my last prayer to thee. Arise, and
+flee the place with the boy. When night falls, I will be with ye and
+guide ye forth."
+
+"And leave ye all behind to perish? I cannot do it!" said the noble
+Queen, with a calm, serene expression on her countenance; "but if all
+could be saved, I should be grateful. I have thought over the subject
+night and day since it was broken between us, and this is my final
+determination. I am prepared for death if it should come, but not for
+flight, and, to my perception, dishonour. Go, see to the mine; trace
+others if it be possible, and to-morrow I will save all if I can. And,"
+she added, with a confident smile, "I think I shall be successful.
+There is no dishonour in what the Lord hath put into my mind, and all
+our dear ones may be happy. Where is Zora? Does she know of the mine?"
+
+"No," he said, "and I will not tell her, since that danger is past."
+
+"Then send her to me, Meeah; I would speak with her;" and he went out.
+
+The Queen was alone in her private chamber, musing over what she
+purported to do. She would address the Prince Daniel himself, laying
+before him her desire to prevent the sacrifice of life, and offering
+him possession of the fort and all public property, on the condition
+that the garrison should march out with the honours of war.
+
+Zora entered as the Queen had reviewed all this in her mind, and her
+mistress could not help being struck with her unusual beauty and
+brightness. Her hair had escaped, and hung in massive waves about
+her shoulders; her cheeks were glowing, and her eyes sparkling with
+excitement.
+
+"Oh, we have had such fun, mother; the children have been romping
+together, and I and some of the girls were as mad as any of them. I
+would thou hadst been there. But why art thou so grave: there is no bad
+news?"
+
+"I have a grave task to do, daughter," she replied. "Get thy writing
+materials, and I will dictate. Thou canst be trusted; but I fear the
+secretaries, and what I tell thee must be secret till all know it." And
+Zora wrote.
+
+"And now read it all over to me again, child. While it was in my mind
+the purport seemed uncertain; but now that it is on paper, methinks it
+is clear enough." And when Zora had read the paper, which was only a
+few short paragraphs, the Queen bade her make a fair copy.
+
+"What should I do without thee, darling?" she said. "Now go and play
+with the children again; but be within call."
+
+"Is Humeed Khan without?" asked the Queen of an attendant eunuch. "If
+so, tell him I wish to speak with him;" and he entered soon after, and
+sat down, making his usual salutation.
+
+"And the mine hath been discovered," said the Queen, "under the very
+palace. Hast thou heard of it?"
+
+"I have," he said. "It was dangerous; but Abbas Khan has already
+prevented mischief, and is searching for others."
+
+"And the garrison; what said they?"
+
+"There was some excitement at first, but it has subsided. All they
+cried was that they would defend the fort to the last, and you should
+lead them to victory, as you did when they followed the Standard of the
+Veil."
+
+"Ah!" said the Queen, with a sigh, "those were different times. Many
+were with me then who have since become traitors, and done the State
+irreparable injury. I have, I know, many faithful about me, but can I
+trust all?"
+
+For an instant Humeed Khan thought that the remark was made for him,
+and the blood rushed to his dark face, almost causing it to glow. But
+the Queen continued--
+
+"As I was musing upon this, Khan, it occurred to me to write a draft
+of a proposal to the Prince, to allow all here to pass free with their
+effects, and to give up the fort, which appears no longer tenable, to
+him, on behalf of his father. And we would fain have your opinion, as
+that of one of the most faithful of our officers, wise in counsel and
+brave in action. Read this draft, which no one but myself knows of,
+except her who wrote it fairly for me, and give thy opinion freely. I
+would save life if I can, and this appears to me the only course to
+pursue. Those who know me, even my enemies, will not charge me with any
+other motive."
+
+Humeed Khan took the paper with a reverential gesture, and carefully
+perused it. As he read it he could hardly conceal his exultation and
+agitation. What it would have taken me days, nay weeks, to effect, he
+thought, she has done with her own hand, and of her own device. Surely
+now her time is come. Let her perish.
+
+"It will be dangerous, lady," he said, with an affected calmness. "In
+their present temper the Dekhanies are not safe, and the last thing
+they think of is surrender. If they were to mutiny, who could stay
+them?"
+
+But the Queen shook her head. "They know me and have trusted me, and I
+know them and trust them now. Believe me, when they know all, they will
+be satisfied I have done the best; but if--"
+
+"I hear some voices without," he said, hurriedly, interrupting her.
+"Perhaps another mine has been discovered; perhaps----, but your slave
+will return immediately." And he hastily quitted the room.
+
+The Queen could hear no voices then without, and she sat thinking on
+what she had heard. There was danger, then, even from within; and those
+on whom she most relied might indeed, if excited, be her worst enemies.
+"If it be so," she said to herself, "I need not send this letter; but
+meet death here, or do as Meeah wishes me. And yet, no. Not that--not
+that; better death than flight!"
+
+Suddenly a loud tumult of voices arose, and seemed to be approaching
+the palace by the plain in front. "It is this he heard," she said, and
+waited, with her heart throbbing. "They come close now."
+
+It was Humeed Khan who had rushed out, as he left the Queen, into the
+great square where soldiers were exercising, and casting his turban
+on the ground, took up handfuls of dust, flinging it into the air, and
+crying, "Ye are betrayed! ye are betrayed, brothers! The Queen Chand is
+in treaty for the surrender of the fort! Deen, deen! She is not fit to
+live. Deen, deen! Follow me to her presence!" And he fired the rocket
+which was always ready for signals at the entrance.
+
+There was no hesitation. At once, and with infuriated cries of
+"Treachery! treachery!" the mass surged into the great hall of audience
+with drawn swords, crying, "Where is the Queen? Cut her to pieces!"
+
+The Queen had not moved except to rise from her seat, and she stood
+with her lips parted and her eyes distended with an absent fascination.
+How often in her life had a word from her quelled the wildest
+tumult--how often had her excitable people calmed down; but now? And
+yet for a moment the foremost were awed by the presence all had loved
+and venerated; but only for a moment. Humeed Khan, with a vile oath,
+rushed on and cut furiously at her with his sword, and others followed
+his example.
+
+The noble woman fell covered with desperate wounds, but she still
+breathed; and Zora, who had been at first appalled by the tumult,
+caught up her child in her arms, gave him to his nurse, and rushed to
+her beloved mistress's side. One ruffian would have struck her; but
+another said, "It is Abbas Khan's wife; let her be."
+
+She raised the Queen's head and tried to give her water from the vessel
+which always stood at her side, but the Queen put her hand aside
+gently, and smiled. "This is death, my child. I hear--I hear--the
+angel--call," she gasped. "Lord!--I come;" and murmuring the Belief her
+head sank, and with a last sigh she breathed no more. The noble Queen's
+spirit was gone for ever.
+
+Just then a number of other men rushed into the small apartment with
+their faces tied up, and in a moment Zora found herself covered by a
+blanket and borne away among the crowd which was roaming through the
+palace, plundering all that could be found. She screamed, but what
+voice could be heard in that tumult? for there were thousands there,
+and still others swarmed into the great hall; but rescue was at hand.
+
+Abbas Khan, when he had left the Queen, went back to the shaft of the
+mine; but as the workmen told him there was nothing more to be done
+at present but to continue the work that had been begun, he sat there
+encouraging the miners, and a number of his own guards, his faithful
+Beejapoor men, gathered about him. He heard the first shouts of the
+tumult, and all ran to the wall thinking there might be a sudden
+assault, but a man ran up, and cried, "To the palace! to the palace!
+The Queen is attacked!" and, led by their master, the whole body ran
+thither at their utmost speed. It needed but a glance to see what had
+taken place.
+
+"Who did this?" cried Abbas Khan. "What vile traitor did this foul
+deed?"
+
+"Humeed Khan," said a eunuch boy, who was sitting by the body of the
+Queen, weeping; "I saw him strike her first. And they have taken away
+Zora-bee, and little Meeah is crying. Bring her back."
+
+It hardly needed these words to urge the Khan on. Near the entrance of
+the audience hall he saw something covered with black being carried
+along, and the mass of his powerful men charging through the crowd soon
+came up with it. Osman Beg's covering had fallen from his face, but
+he did not see his cousin at first, nor till he was suddenly pulled
+back did he think he would be recognised; but he immediately attacked
+Abbas Khan with his sword. Neither spoke a word, but the ruffian had no
+chance of life, and lay dead at his cousin's feet almost before he had
+realised his presence.
+
+"My poor darling," said the Khan, as he released Zora from her bonds,
+"this is no place for thee. Go to Meeah. But thou art safe--blessed be
+Alla, thou art safe!" Truly it was no place for her. The floor around
+was a pool of blood, and the bodies of some strangers, among whom were
+several negro slaves, lay there in ghastly death with their master.
+Zora cast one shuddering glance on the horrible group, and, covering
+her face, hurried back to her child, trembling and terror-stricken.
+
+Meanwhile Yasin, with another body of the guard, had found Humeed Khan
+hiding in an ante-room, and brought him, with his arms tied together at
+his back, to the spot where Abbas Khan stood. "He did it! He did it!"
+cried a thousand voices. "Let him die!"
+
+"Thou art not worthy of a soldier's death," said Abbas Khan, "but of a
+felon's. Yet, if thou wilt, say why thou didst this foul crime? What
+had she done to thee, who was thy benefactress for years?"
+
+"It matters not why I did it," was the sullen reply. "I did it, and rid
+the world of one who had vexed it too long;" and he spoke no more. Then
+some men, taking him up, put a noose round his neck, and, throwing the
+end of the rope over the branch of a tree, left him to wrestle out his
+life in the air.
+
+By this time the rest of the Abyssinians, the Arabs, and other
+foreigners, had assembled in the square, and the majority of the
+Dekhanies, who were deploring the Queen's murder with passionate
+weeping, separated quietly, crying to Abbas Khan to lead them against
+the Moghuls, for they were true to their King, of whom he was now the
+only protector.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+By the time Abbas Khan could reach the room to which the body of the
+murdered Queen had been taken, it had been laid out with the usual
+formalities. He could have done nothing there, and it was necessary
+for him to satisfy himself that no deep-laid treachery or disaffection
+was at work. And of these there appeared no traces. All the leaders of
+Dekhany parties came forward and made their salutations, as usual, and
+the men crowded round him with professions of attachment and devotion,
+which left no cause for doubt that the dreadful act that had been
+committed was one of sudden frenzy, enacted by the eunuch, whom he had
+long suspected, though undefinably, of sinister designs. He was a man
+in whom the Queen had reposed as great confidence as in himself; and to
+breathe idle suspicion to her would have been only to excite suspicion
+of himself, and he had not attempted to do so; but since the flight
+of Nihung Khan, the eunuch's manner had been changed, and the former
+unreserved confidence that had existed no longer continued at heart,
+though outwardly the two men were apparently as cordial as ever.
+
+Satisfied that all was tranquil, and that the fort and garrison had
+subsided into their usual calm, Abbas Khan returned to the palace, and
+reverently visited the remains of his beloved mistress and mother, for
+he had always looked on her in the place of one; and as such, and his
+Queen, paid her reverence. Outside, in the hall of audience, and in
+the ante-chamber of the room in which she lay, were Moollas, reading
+and chanting the stated portions of the Koran. Incense was burning,
+and its smoke hung about the clustered pillars, niches, and fretted
+ceilings; and within, the women and eunuchs of the household were
+wailing, moaning, and occasionally breaking into passionate cries and
+adjurations. Zora and the young mother of the boy King were sitting at
+the head of the Queen, with their faces covered, and heads bowed down,
+wailing like the rest; and as Zora looked up, her husband saw her face
+and eyes swollen with weeping, and full of unutterable woe. She could
+not speak, and longed to throw herself into his arms. But that was not
+the place for such an action, and she remained kneeling.
+
+Nor could Abbas Khan say more than the usual salutation to the dead.
+"Peace be with thee, and the blessing of the Lord," and burst into an
+almost uncontrollable passion of weeping. All the majesty, all the
+heroism, all the benevolence, all the political ability of the noble
+woman lying there, in the last sleep of death, surged up to his memory,
+mingled with tender thoughts of her loving kindness, her bearing with
+all his waywardness from boyhood; and now a traitors sword had closed
+that noble life, without a warning or a suspicion.
+
+The Queen's face was not changed, except to wear the expression of
+a glorious death. A soft smile, as if of peace in the last supreme
+moment, lingered on her lips; and though her poor slight body was
+covered with wounds, the face had escaped mutilation, and had become
+more beautiful, if possible, in death than in life. Who could forget
+it? and long they gazed and watched. Who ever would forget it? Zora
+would fain have had him stay, for she needed comfort; but with a few
+soothing words he said, "I must not sleep to-night, darling; but watch,
+too, over ye all, as is my duty. It may be that the enemy may be
+unquiet, and the people need all my vigilance." Then he took up his boy
+and kissed him, and blessed them both.
+
+At the earliest dawn he was with the mourners again, and what remained
+of the Noble Queen was reverently taken up and carried to a little
+private cemetery in an angle of the fort, and there laid in the earth.
+Abbas Khan had sent a flag of truce to the Moghul trenches to say
+that unshotted guns would be fired for the Queen; and the salvoes of
+artillery which mingled with the chants of the Moollas and the wailings
+of the people, who crowded every point from which the last procession
+could be seen, were not noticed; while during the day a letter of
+condolence, in the name of the young King, was sent by the Prince
+Daniel, an act of unexpected courtesy.
+
+We cannot linger on the sadness that fell over all. Under such
+circumstances a public calamity has greater effect than at any other;
+and sadly were the noble lady's cheering smile and hearty words of
+encouragement missed by all to whom they had become familiar. What
+was Abbas Khan to do? Who was to undertake the Regency on behalf of
+the young King? Zora entreated her husband not to do so. Then, too,
+Ahmednugger was severed, and she longed for a peaceful existence at
+Beejapoor. Her life had been one of continual alarm, danger, treachery,
+and war, and still danger most imminent surrounded them; and yet she
+could not counsel flight.
+
+The suspense was not of long duration, and after consultation with the
+officers of the fort, it had been determined to send a flag of truce
+into the Royal camp--not to write--to ascertain what terms would be
+given for the surrender of the fort, and the conveyance of the young
+King to Joonair. But the proposal was never made. Encouraged by the
+death of the Queen, and convinced that the garrison had lost heart,
+Khan Khanan redoubled his exertions, and though the great mine was
+disabled, yet those in the counterscarp and under the ramparts, five in
+all, were ready, and were loaded during that day and the next.
+
+On the day following, masses of the Moghul troops were seen from the
+cavalier to be marching upon the fort, and taking up new positions
+during the morning. It seemed as though new ground was to be broken to
+the east and north; or a feint made to cover some operation outside.
+A few shots were fired at them, but they were too distant to have any
+effect. The movement was, however, a feint, and a successful one,
+for under cover of it the enemy had lodged a heavy mass of infantry
+as a storming party in the trenches, and soon after midday, at the
+hottest period, the mines in the counterscarp and rampart were fired
+simultaneously; and the effect was so sudden and so unlooked for, that
+the enemy made his way into the ditch and up the breach, now a wide and
+easy one, without much loss and without check, and a scene of massacre
+ensued which we have no need to describe.
+
+Abbas Khan had been sitting on the rampart, watching with several of
+his men, when the mine nearest them was sprung, hurling the guard of
+one of the smaller bastions into the air, when he felt himself struck
+with a large piece of stone, and remembered no more. Some of his men
+took him up at once, and led by the faithful Yasin, carried him to his
+apartments in the palace, and laid him down. But he still breathed, and
+Zora, who knelt by him, could see no blood; and through the terror of
+assault, and the shouts and shrieks of the combat at the breach, she
+continued to bathe his face and hands with water, and to rouse him to
+consciousness. But nearer and nearer grew the tumult, spreading on all
+sides; and, expecting momentary death, she knelt with her boy beside
+his father's body and said the last prayers of the dying. While she
+was thus employed a Rajpoot officer of rank, accompanied by a crowd
+of men, rushed in pell-mell with uplifted swords, but their commander
+restrained them; and Zora, seeing his action, fell at his feet,
+beseeching her husband's life.
+
+"My name is Benee Singh," he said, "and I have led the assault. To me
+and my Rajpoots is committed the charge of all the treasure of the fort
+and the command of the palace, and we have orders to spare those we
+find and to protect the young King. Direct us to him, and I will leave
+some men to guard you and yours. Do not fear, you are safe; and we bear
+no enmity to wounded and helpless men. See to him, Hurpul Singh," he
+continued to a sub-officer; "let him not be disturbed, or the lady; and
+keep people out--perhaps he is dying."
+
+But Abbas Khan was not dying. He had only been struck senseless by
+the blow of the stone; and after a while, to the infinite joy and
+thankfulness of his wife, he opened his eyes, and would have stretched
+out his arms to her, but one--his left--was powerless.
+
+"What has happened, Zora?" he said. "Why am I here? And who are these
+men?"
+
+"Be still," she said, gently. "Thou art safe, and the child is safe;
+but the fort is taken by the mines. Dost thou not hear the tumult
+without?"
+
+"And I was not with them to strike a blow in our defence! O cruel
+fate!" And he tried to raise his arm again, but it fell back.
+
+"Be content, my lord," said the man called Hurpul, "It was your luck
+the first time, it is ours now; and we have won. Even now the gates
+are wide open, and masses of men are entering. Presently the Prince
+and Khan Khanan will come, and a salute will be fired. But is thy arm
+broken? Let me see. No," he continued, "it is sound, but the bruise
+is a bad one; and thou art as helpless as a child. Thank God for thy
+life as thy lady doth. Get her to make a fomentation of meem leaves and
+turmeric and thou wilt be relieved. When the Khan Khanan comes I will
+bring him hither."
+
+Zora hid herself when the great general came in soon afterwards, and
+spoke kindly to her husband. "I have not forgotten thee, Abbas Khan.
+From the time the treaty was executed I have wished thou wert among us,
+as friends of Beejapoor, rather than these faithless, fickle murderers;
+and thou might be so yet. Thou hast held the command here?"
+
+"Yes, my lord," returned the Khan, "since Nihung Khan, the Abyssinian,
+fled. After his defeat by you I have had to do my duty."
+
+"Well, I cannot stay, sir, now, but will come to you hereafter. I have
+ordered apartments for you and your household in the palace, close to
+the city, where you will be removed this evening, and promise that all
+your private property shall be sent after you. The eunuchs will, no
+doubt, know what it is."
+
+That evening, in closed palanquins, Abbas Khan and his wife, the
+boy King and his mother, were removed to the convenient and elegant
+structure we have mentioned, which has been converted now into an
+English residence. The cool, pure, untainted air, and the pleasant
+shady garden, soon effected Abbas Khan's recovery from the dangerous
+and painful contusions he had received, and all he now desired and
+besought from the Prince and his general, who came frequently to
+converse with him, was permission to depart with his effects to
+Beejapoor. Both the Prince and Khan Khanan had been greatly struck
+by his ability and intelligence, and would fain have had him enter
+the Moghul army, and assume a high command, but he respectfully
+declined the honour. His estates in Beejapoor, with Zora's, were very
+considerable. The Queen had much enriched him, and all the contents
+of his private treasury in the fort had been scrupulously made over
+to him. He had afforded all the information possible as regarded the
+State affairs, and he and Zora had visited the humble grave of their
+beloved mistress to perform some necessary ceremonies there; but Zora
+could never enter the palace; from her mind the visions of blood and
+slaughter it brought back would require many years to efface.
+
+So, when a suitable opportunity offered, Abbas Khan and his family,
+accompanied by all his retainers who had escaped the siege, set out
+for Beejapoor, travelling by the route by which they had come, past
+Nuldroog and Almella, where they were welcomed with joy. We may
+imagine, too, with what hearty rejoicing his uncle and the Lady Fatima
+welcomed their long absent ones, and with what profuse entertainments
+the little Meeah, now a sturdy little fellow, was inducted into the
+general heirship of the house. But Abbas Khan's most impressive
+reception was from his King, who, grateful for his devotion to Queen
+Chand, received him in a grand durbar, and raised him to the highest
+rank of nobility, and conferred upon him other substantial proofs of
+his gratitude. Not long afterwards, Dilawar Khan, Viceroy of Moodgul,
+whose health had failed, gave up his viceroyalty and military command,
+and, to his wife's infinite delight, Abbas Khan accepted both with
+gratitude.
+
+Before Abbas Khan had been allowed to leave Ahmednugger, the boy King,
+Bahadur Nizam Shah, with his mother and other female relatives, had
+been taken away as prisoners, and were confined in the fortress of
+Gwalior. All the treasures and regalia of the kingdom were confiscated
+and removed thither with him. Thenceforth the greatest portion of the
+kingdom was annexed to the Moghul empire; but for some years after,
+the remainder, up to the frontiers of Golconda and Beejapoor, was ruled
+over by Mullek Umber, on behalf of a descendant of the Royal family,
+who was crowned under the title of Moortuza Nizam Shah, but the family
+finally became extinct about the year 1607.
+
+The Bishop and Maria were miserable until they heard the real facts of
+the capture of Ahmednugger. The Queen's murder had been repeated with
+endless exaggeration, and Abbas Khan was said to have perished with
+her, or in the last assault; while of Zora nothing was known, but it
+was believed she had been carried away into captivity. Still they had
+hope, and Mullek Umber bid them hope, and despatched a trusty messenger
+to the city, who soon found out Abbas Khan and his wife, and brought
+letters from them. "We are safe," Zora wrote to Maria, "and are going
+to Beejapoor. You must come too, and live together again." But the
+country was hardly safe yet for travelling, and they were detained till
+Mullek Umber could send them to Nuldroog by the way they had come. At
+Beejapoor they found that Abbas Khan and Zora were already established
+at Moodgul, and after a short stay at the capital, they proceeded to
+their destination. The Bishop had applied to the King for a letter to
+Goa, in relation to the wealth of Dom Diego, and it was satisfactory
+to the worthy man that the affair had been arranged by the banker, and
+that the Church was the richer by several lakhs of rupees.
+
+How thankful and how happy they all were. Nor was it long before Maria
+and Zora revisited the scene of their first meeting. The old house
+was cleaned out for them and purified, and their first excursion from
+Moodgul was to that well-remembered place. Even the Lady Keysama was
+not above meeting the Lady Zora Khanum, and they talked over bygone
+events with interest. As to Runga Naik and Burma, they were beside
+themselves with joy; insisting that the ladies should see the cataract
+from the palace at the top of the fort; that Zora should revisit the
+fearful scene of her abduction and escape; and she pointed out, with
+eyes swimming in tears, where she had been confined, and how delivered.
+"Your slave only regretted that he did not go in and slay that vile
+ruffian in his sleep," said Burma Naik; "but the Lord reserved him for
+your hand, Meeah, and we rejoice that he died at your feet like a dog."
+This, however, was a subject which the Khan rarely alluded to, and the
+Beydur saw that it had better be avoided.
+
+They revisited the place many a time afterwards, but on the first day,
+neither too full to be frightful, or too empty to be meagre, the noble
+cataract was in its full beauty; and they descended from the palace
+by the small path by which Zora had been carried by Jooma, the slave,
+and sat down on the gun in the bastion, as they had done before. In
+the distance the giant fall sparkled with rainbows, and the spray at
+times was full of golden light, which, from the evening sun, spread
+itself over the rugged sides of the ravine, over the feathery foliage
+which clothed the crags, and the plashing water which fretted against
+the rocks at their feet far below. While the little Meeah, in his
+father's arms, pulled handfuls of flowers from the creepers which hung
+everywhere around, Zora and Maria sat hand in hand without speaking;
+and perhaps their hearts were too full for aught else than loving and
+reverent memories of the past. Nor was the place ever left unvisited by
+Zora in after days, when the little mosque was repaired, and prayers
+were said by an old Syud whom she placed in it; and she came there with
+her children on the sacred anniversaries of her grandfather's death.
+But he is forgotten now; and of the "Peer," who receives a traditional
+anniversary worship to this day, no name has been preserved. We may
+be sure that on these anniversaries no more delightful subjects for
+stories for the children arose, than their mother's accounts of her
+early perils and escapes. Once little Meeah said, looking earnestly in
+her face, "Mother, how didst thou escape from all these troubles?" And
+Zora answered, gently, "I trusted in the Lord, my child."
+
+Reader, who hast followed us in the course of this old world tale, we
+need hardly tell you that all are forgotten now; and there are traces
+of none except the two Beydurs, whose descendants still inhabit Korikul
+and Kukeyra, and are unchanged from what they used to be in the times
+of which I have written. For the rest, Beejapoor is a magnificent ruin,
+but Ahmednugger flourishes as an English station and cantonment, and
+the stout old fort is in perfect preservation. In both, and in the
+country round, nay, in all Dekhan, the memory of Chand Beebee, who
+defended the fort, and was murdered by her ungrateful people, and her
+heroic deeds and devotion in the battle of the "Standard of the Veil,"
+are still sung and recited as the fittest memorials of
+
+    "A NOBLE QUEEN."
+
+
+
+
+NOTE.
+
+
+There are no records traceable at Moodgul of the worthy Bishop and
+his devoted sister, but they are believed to have remained there
+some years, and to have eventually returned to Portugal. But the
+small Christian Churches so strangely preserved under the continuous
+Mussulman Governments of the Dekhan still survive, and are steadfast
+to their faith. They are still as they existed at the period of this
+tale--Moodgul and Raichore, with their dependencies, Chittapoor on the
+Bheema, and Aurungabad, and they are ministered to by priests under the
+jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Goa.
+
+
+
+
+GLOSSARY.
+
+
+  Adalut, _Court of justice._
+  Ajaib! _Wonderful!_
+  Ajuba! _Extraordinary!_
+  Akhbar, _News letter._
+  Alla dilaya te leonga! _If God give, I will take!_
+  "Alla hu Akhbar!" _"God is victorious!"_
+  Aman! _Mercy!_
+  Ameen, ameen!_ Amen, amen!_
+  Astagh-fur-oolla! _God forbid!_
+  Azan, _Evening prayer._
+
+
+  Bairagees, _Hindoo mendicants._
+  Beebee, _Lady._
+  Beydur, _Tribe of aborigines._
+  Bhylmees, _Tribe of Mussulmans._
+  Birianees, _A kind of Pilao._
+  Bismilla! _In the name of God!_
+  "Burkhat, Durbar Burkhat," _"The Durbar is dismissed."_
+
+  Chabootra, _Earthen platform used for assemblies._
+  Chaoree, _Village place of assembly._
+  Chaya Mata, _The nymph of the fall._
+  Chistee, _The designation of a tribe of Fakeers._
+  Chitnees, _Correspondence clerk._
+  Corus, _Anniversary._
+  Cucheri, _Office for public business._
+
+
+  Daad! daad! _Complaint! complaint!_
+  Dacoits, _Gang robbers._
+  Dall, _Split pulse._
+  Darogah, _Superintendent._
+  Deen-deen! _For the faith! for the faith!_
+  Dohai! _Cry for justice._
+  Doputta, _Scarf._
+  Duffadar, _Inferior officer._
+  Duftur, _Record Office._
+  Durbar, _Court._
+  Durora, _Gang robbery._
+
+
+  Fatehas, _Thank-offerings._
+  Feringhi, _European._
+  Furashes, _Sweepers and tent pitchers._
+  Futteh Mydan, _The Plain of Victory._
+  Futteh-i-Nubber, _Victory to the Prophet._
+
+
+  Geesoo Duraz, _"Long Locks"_--title of saint at Kulburgab.
+  Ghee, _Boiled butter._
+  Gopal swami, _Appellation of the god Krishna._
+  Goruk Imlee, _Adansonia._
+  Gosha, _Privacy._
+
+
+  Hai-hai! _Alas, alas!_
+  Hakeem, _Physician._
+  Harem, _Women's apartments._
+  Hari Bol, _Hindoo war-cry._
+  Hoons, _A gold coin._
+  Howdahs, _Seat on elephant._
+  Humeenas, _Thin bag of leather worn at the waist._
+  Huzrut, _Prince._
+
+
+  Imams, _Religious officers._
+  Inshalla! _Please God._
+
+
+  Jamahs, _Loose trousers._
+  Jemadar, _Native officer._
+  Jerreeds, _A game played on horseback with javelins._
+  Jey mata! _Victory to the Mother!_
+  Julaybees, _Kind of sweetmeat._
+
+
+  Kabob, _Meat roasted._
+  Karamat, _Miracle._
+  Kazee, _Mohamedan law officer._
+  Khan, _Title of respect._
+  Khanum, _Wife of Khan._
+  Khedive, _Head of sect of Mussulmans._
+  Khoda Hafiz, _God protect you!_
+  Kibleh, _Point of attraction._
+  Kicheri, _Dish of rice and pulse._
+  Killadar, _Governor of fort._
+  Kooroo Kshetra, _The great battle between the solar and lunar races,
+                   described in Mahabarut._
+  Kotwal, _Town magistrate._
+  Kullunders, _Tribe of Fakeers._
+  Kumkhob, _Cloth of Gold._
+  Kurnum, _Village accountant._
+  Kussal, _Butcher._
+
+
+  Lakh, _A hundred thousand._
+  Loongee, _Man's waist cloth._
+  Luddoos, _Kind of sweetmeat._
+
+
+  Mahabarut, _Sacred epic of the Hindoos._
+  Mama, _Confidential female attendant._
+  Mawallees, _A Mahratta tribe._
+  Mashaek, _Religious devotee._
+  Mashalla! _Praise to God!_
+  Meeah, _Familiar title of eldest son among Mussulmans._
+  Mirdha, _Court usher._
+  Mohurrum, _Mahomedan festival._
+  Mohurs, _Gold coin._
+  Momins, _Weavers._
+  Monsoon, _Rainy season._
+  Moolla, _Religious teacher._
+  Moonshee, _Secretary._
+  "Moonskir and Nakar," _"The Angels of death."_
+  Moorsheed, _A disciple._
+  Muezzin, _Caller to prayer._
+  Mufti, _Law officer._
+  Mundan-ool-Ghyb, _Spirit supposed to protect travellers._
+  Mynas, _Starlings._
+
+
+  Nagaras, _Large kettledrums._
+  Naik, _Head of Beydur tribe._
+  Nalkee, _Sedan chair._
+  Nawab, _Lord._
+  "Neem," _"Melia ardizarachta."_
+  Nika, _Marriage of the second order._
+  Nobut, _Band of music attached to persons of high rank._
+  Nuzzur, _Offering._
+
+
+  Owleas, _A saint._
+
+
+  Palkee, _Litter._
+  Pan, _Betel leaf._
+  Patell, _Head officer of village._
+  Peer, _Saint._
+  Peer-i-Dustugeer, _Respectful address to a saint._
+  Peshkar, _Minister of Finance._
+  Pice, _Copper coin._
+  Pilao, _Savoury dish of meat and rice._
+  Pooja, _Hindoo worship._
+  Puleeta, _A lamp charm._
+  Punah, _Protection._
+  Putwari, _Village accountant._
+
+
+  Ramayan, _Hindoo epic poem._
+  Ranee, _Hindoo princess._
+  Roostum, _One of the heroes of the Shah Nama._
+  Rujub-ool-Ghyb, _A spirit supposed to watch over travellers._
+  Rumzan, _Mussulman fast._
+
+
+  Salaam aliekoom! _Salutation of peace._
+  Sari, _Woman's garment._
+  Sendhee, _Fermented palm juice._
+  Shabash! _Well done!_
+  Shah, _King._
+  Shookr, shookr! _Thanks, thanks!_
+  Shoolka, _Scones._
+  Shubgusht, _A marriage procession by night._
+  Shytan, _The Devil._
+  Siah Chuttree, _Tribe of Mussulmans_--called "black umbrellas."
+  Soosi, _A kind of cotton cloth._
+  Synd, _A division of Mussulmans._
+  Syndanee, _Female Synd._
+  Swami, _Title of Hindoo religious princes._
+
+
+  Touba! touba! _Shame! shame!_
+  Tukeea, _Abode of a Fakeer._
+  Turreequt, _Path to salvation._
+
+
+  Ul-humd-ul-illa! _Praise be to God!_
+  Unjeel, _The New Testament._
+
+
+  Vakeels, _Agents._
+
+
+  Wallee, _Saint._
+
+
+  Ya, Alla, Kureem! _O Lord, most merciful._
+  Ya Kureem! _O merciful!_
+
+
+  Zemindars, _Land owners._
+  Zenana, _Women's private apartments._
+  Zools, _Portions of the Koran._
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+_Spottiswoode & Co., Printers, New-street Square, London._
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Notes
+
+Obvious errors of punctuation and diacritics repaired.
+
+Hyphen removed: "goodwill" (p. 82), "handwriting" (p. 96),
+"kettledrums" (pp. 179, 197), "midday" (p. 27), "noonday" (p. 29),
+"overcharged" (p. 7), "sally ports" (p. 252), "sandbags" (p. 194).
+
+Hyphen added: "to-night" (p. 275).
+
+"D'Almeida" changed to "d'Almeida".
+
+P. 80: "Dom Matthias de Abuquerque" changed to "Dom Matthias de
+Albuquerque".
+
+P. 220: "Mogul" changed to "Moghul" (the Moghul Government).
+
+P. 228: "A" added (A kind of cotton cloth).
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Noble Queen, by Philip Meadows Taylor
+
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