Near by, a groom with difficulty controlled the impatient spirit of a pure blue-black Arabian charger, the property of Ahmad Khan. The Mohammedan noble had entered the palace to make his daily report to the Rani. Presently, without ceremony, the Rani came forth. A short period of confusion ensued as the nobles hurriedly sought their horses, and the soldiers pressed back the throng surging about the palace. The Rani paused on the steps and gazed round as if she missed a familiar object. In so doing her eyes chanced to rest approvingly upon Ahmad's mount. "Whose brave steed is that"? she asked of an attendant. Ahmad strode forward and acknowledged himself as its owner. "A gift from the Amir of Bukhara," he explained, "in recognition of a slight military service rendered. I prize the beast more than all the occupants of my stables together. No one hath ever crossed his back but myself, and," he added, "I doubt if anyone would care to try." "Ah," laughed the Rani. "Dost wager a challenge then on Akbar's behalf"? "Not I, fair Rani," returned the Mohammedan, "for it might mean a speedy death to one so venturesome." Impulsively the Rani walked toward the beast. "Akbar," she cried, "Dost recognize a friend with those clear eyes of thine"? The animal started, arched its proud neck, and snorted defiantly. "Come, good Akbar," exclaimed the Rani soothingly. "Come. Thou art too noble a beast to display malice to a woman." Fearlessly she raised her arm and affectionately stroked the glossy neck, passing her hand gently downward across its face. A tremor passed over the beast's frame. It stamped the ground and whinnied as if half pleased with the caress, yet still uncertain in its humor. Ahmad hurried to the Rani's side, while others watched with expressions of alarm. "Noble Lady," he urged. "I pray thee touch not the beast. Its temper is so uncertain that I cannot answer for your safety." The Rani again laughed lightly, as she permitted the animal to sniff her hair, her face, and hands. "Akbar knoweth whom to trust," she cried. "See, he discerneth a true Maratha, of whom it has been said, he is born in the saddle with a sword in his hand. I vow, O Ahmad," she added, "this day I will ride your Akbar, or go in no other manner to the White Turret." Before Ahmad could interpose a further objection, she had gathered the reins in her hand, placed her foot in the stirrup, and sprung lightly on to the charger's back. The horse swerved violently, then halted, with ears set back and form rigid. A moment of suspense for those watching followed. "Come Akbar," urged the Rani firmly, while gently patting the beast's neck. "Come, thou must curb thy temper for thou canst not throw a daughter of the Marathas." The beast pricked up its ears at her voice, and neighed its subjection. "Ah, Ahmad," she cried with taunting pleasantry, "thou must seek another mount. Why not ride in the _howdah_ of my elephant. How much didst thou wager, friend"?