"Not so hastily, my Lord," the Rani answered thoughtfully. "The sword once out of its sheath, the fight is on, and who knows what a turmoil we may stir up in the state. Wiser it would seem to me, to overawe Sadescheo by a display of greater force. How many people, think you, hath he already collected to his support"? "Noble Lady," replied the Mohammedan, "I know, nor care not. But give to me the order and with a hundred Afghans to every thousand of his people few will remain in Shahpur to tell of Ahmad's visit." "Ahmad, good friend," replied the Rani authoritatively. "That must not be. Well do I know and appreciate thy courage, but bloodshed among ourselves is what I strive to avoid." "Better to crush the cobra before it raises its head," he remarked significantly. "Aye, but I would rather that with thy Afghan horsemen, thou dost take an equal number of my troopers. Then will Sadescheo perceive that both Hindu and Mohammedan are united in my cause, and will submit without resort to force." Ahmad appeared to coincide with her argument. "Thou speakest ever wisely, O Rani," he returned. "But in such event might not I ask that the noble Prasad Singh here, doth lead thy troops, if he will deign the comradeship of so rough a man at arms." Prasad looked up eagerly at the unexpected request, and implied compliment. He began to view Ahmad in a different light. "With the Rani's permission, gladly will I do so," he acquiesced. The Rani perceived that Prasad's presence with the expedition might act as a restraining influence, as well as a safeguard upon the Mohammedan. She gave her consent readily. "Thou wilt take three hundred of my horsemen," she addressed Prasad, "and accompany Ahmad Khan to Shahpur. Upon thy return a _Darbar_ shall be held in which I will make the chief appointments in the state." She then turned to Ahmad and asked if it would be possible for him to reach Shahpur in the present state of the weather. "Fair Lady," replied the Mohammedan. "Have I not fought among the Afghan passes when the winter snows were tinged a bloody red. Have I not chased Kurd horsemen into their bleak fastnesses. Such squalls as these but refresh the mettle of our steeds. Fear not, at daybreak, Ahmad Khan will break his fast with Sadescheo." "Then farewell, my Lords," the Rani cried. "Go, terrify Sadescheo as much as thou wilt, but, remember, draw not the sword unless thou art compelled as thou regardest my favor." Ahmad saluted and retired first from her presence. Prasad was about to follow, when he paused a moment. "What are thy commands"? he asked in a low tone, as if he expected an order yet to be disclosed. "Be watchful," she replied. "For the present he may be trusted, because"-- A smile of triumph broke upon her face as she concluded-- "If thou dost love the Rani, remember her command." She passed to a window and watched the two nobles mount their chargers. Her spirit was stirred by the sight of their martial bearing.