We were roused at the time appointed by the men, and our preparations for departure quickly completed. I saw Zora safely deposited in her cart, as also her old attendant, next Kumal Khan in his; and putting myself at the head of the party, we were soon beyond the gates of the town, and at the encampment. Here I sent on Zora's cart, and desired one of the men to come back and give us due notice should he meet the Tillaees, or scouts, on the road. I then sought out my father, and inquired whether he had allotted Bhuttotes and Shumsheas (persons to hold the hands) to the servants and grooms. "I have settled everything," he replied, "and given every man his instructions: there will be no difficulty if all is ready before us. But are you sure that Kumal Khan, as you call him, is not armed?" "He has a sword," said I, "but what of that? Bhudrinath and I will easily manage him, and he will not be on his guard." "Then keep well behind," said my father; "if there is any scuffle he will not hear it, and I will send a man back to you when we meet the first of the scouts. You can then do as you please; either bring him on, or deal with him there as you like." "Very good," said I; "we will be guided by circumstances." I saw with secret exultation how beautifully everything had been arranged, as our men and our acquaintance's servants passed me. To every one of them was attached one of the most expert Bhuttotes, with two others to assist if necessary: yet they disposed themselves so carelessly that suspicion was out of the question. Each one as he passed threw a look of intelligence towards me, as much as to say, "Here is work we delight in;" and I felt truly excited as the whole band was before me, their arms glancing brightly in the moonbeams. This, thought I, is the joy my father told me of; and what could raise such feelings within me in the common plodding pursuits of life? When these fellows are but my own, then shall the name of Ameer Ali be dreaded and feared; men shall wonder at it: many a timid woman's heart shall beat as she listens to stories of me, and allows her fancy to picture to her him of whom she hears such deeds of daring bravery. "Yes," cried I, aloud, for I could not control myself, "the time will come, ay, and soon: the present is poor work to what I have thought of and will put into execution!" The voice of Bhudrinath recalled my ideas. "In the name of Narayun and all the gods," said he, "what are you talking about? Come, we wait for you." I urged my horse down the bank, and was with him in an instant. Kumal Khan put his head out of the curtains, and asked if we had assembled our men. "Yes," said I, "they are all before us, except my cousin, myself, and a few of our attendants, who will stay round you." "That is right," said he; "I shall sleep, if this vile jolting will let me. Oh that I were on my horse, instead of being cooped up in this cart!" "Patience," said Bhudrinath; "I dare say you will soon be out of it again."