At this her big eyes rose to Barlow's face, and he could swear that there were tears misting them; and sensing that if she had fallen in love with him, what he had said about her becoming a memsahib had hurt. Perhaps she, as he did, realised that that was the barred door to happiness--that she wasn't of the white race. "Yes, Sahib," she said presently, "a Swami told me that in a former life I had been evil." "The Swami is an awful liar!" Barlow ejaculated. "The holy ones speak the truth, Sahib. The Swami said that because of having been beautiful I had caused deaths through jealousy." "Oh, the crazy fool!" Barlow declared in English; "and it's all rot! This is the reason you spoke of, Gulab--good deeds; is it the only other reason?" The girl turned her face away, and Barlow saw her shoulders quiver. He rose from the chair, and lifting the girl to her feet held her in his arms, saying: "Look me in the eyes, Gulab, and tell me if you are going through this devilish thing because of me." "Bootea is going to the camp of Amir Khan because Hunsa and the others have been told to kill the Sahib; and she will see that this is not accomplished." Barlow clasped the girl to his breast and smothered her face in kisses; "You are the sweetest little woman that ever lived," he said; "and I am a sinner, for this can only bring you misery." "Sahib--it can't be, but it is not misery. The sweet pain has been put in the heart of Bootea by the Sahib's eyes, and she is happy. But do not go as a Sahib." Barlow cursed softly to himself, muttering, "India! Even dreams are not unheard!" Then, "What made you say that?" he queried. "It is known because that is the way of the Sahib. He knows that where he sleeps or eats, or plays games with the little balls, that there are always servants, and it is known that Captain Barrle is called the Patan by his friends." "St. George and the Cross!" he ejaculated. "If I were thus would they know me?" he asked. "There would be danger, but the Sahib knowing of this, could take more care in the way of deceit. But Bootea will know--the eyes will not be hidden." Then he thought of Hunsa, and asked, "But aren't you afraid to go with that beast, Hunsa?" The girl laughed. "The decoits have orders from the Dewan to kill him if I complain of him; but if they do not he is promised the torture when he comes back if I make complaint. If the Sahib will but wait a few days before the journey so that Bootea has made friends with Amir Kami before he comes, it will be better. We will start in two days." "I'll see, Gulab," he answered evasively. "You are going now?" "Yes, Sahib--it has been said." "I'll send the doorman with you." "No, Bootea will be better alone," she touched the knife in her sash; "it must not be known that Bootea came to the Sahib."