In the _Darbar_ hall Ahmad Khan impatiently awaited the Rani's return. He was startled by the cries of the populace, and dismayed at the discovery that his egress was blocked. Uneasily he paced back and forth, wondering what these ominous signs betokened. He cursed his imprudence at having dismissed his followers at so critical a moment. "Tricked, I doubt not," he savagely exclaimed. "But one more fool who loses a crown in exchange for a woman's smile." The Rani and her officers swept into the hall. Ahmad's hand impulsively grasped the hilt of his sword--a gesture which Prasad imitated by half withdrawing his from its scabbard. The Hindu noble advanced a few paces, regarding Ahmad's sullen countenance as if willing to accept a challenge. "Peace, my Lords," the Rani cried authoritatively. She laid a restraining hand on Prasad's arm. "Peace. It is my will. This is no hour to broach a feud." She then fearlessly advanced to Ahmad's side, and addressed him calmly. "My Lord Raja," said she. "My people will have it that I rule over Jhansi." She held up her hand to draw his attention to the acclamations which penetrated the innermost recesses of the palace. "You hear them," she continued. "I espoused your cause to the best of my ability; but, it seems, they will have no other than Lachmi Bai to be their Rani." "And now," she concluded, addressing all present, "I look to you, Ahmad, Prasad, and all my brave officers to unite for one object, the defense of my throne and Jhansi." Ahmad glanced round upon the determined faces of the Rani's loyal supporters, as they vowed to maintain the crown upon her head. He realized that, in turn, he had been outwitted. By a low obeisance he outwardly acknowledged her authority. "The people are God's," he murmured, "the country is the _Padshah's_, and the _Raj_ is the Rani's." Thus was Lachmi Bai proclaimed Rani of Jhansi. Chapter IV _A STAR IN THE ASCENDENT_ The Rani's ambition to ascend the throne of Jhansi was achieved. But immediately she beheld difficulties rise on all sides. Everyone in Jhansi seemed to have a claim to urge upon her gratitude. The larger the pecuniary recompense that was supposed to be attached to a place of honor, the more numerous were the applicants. To that of the greatest responsibility, the command of the troops, the Rani was in a dilemma as to whom she would appoint. From his well known military skill and tried valor, Ahmad Khan might wisely have been selected for the office; but the Rani hesitated to confide to his hands so much power after his recent exhibition of disloyalty. In the meantime Ahmad had sullenly retired to his house without the city, there to plead sickness as an excuse for failing to respond to her summons to court.