"Aye, she did even more than that," came the reply. "She refused to have thy name mentioned in her presence." "So"! ejaculated Prasad. "What else hast thou to tell, my emissary"? "Why, good Prasad, as I hold thy interest at heart it pains me deeply to speak thus, but it doth seem the Rani hath cast herself body and soul into the arms of this new favorite, Dost Ali. Her actions have become the scandal of the court." Prasad raised himself upon his elbow. His brow contracted and his eyes flashed threateningly. "Tell me more," he hoarsely muttered. "In truth, there is little more to tell," rejoined Ahmad, "except, that she rides, walks, and feasts with him, and, the court gossip saith, yields somewhat more besides. As for me, my business over, she excused my presence speedily. I would have kept this from thee, but rumor would surely have broken through my desire." Prasad rose and paced back and forth in ominous silence. Suddenly he turned and spoke vehemently. "Ahmad, sick or well, I vow I will not be supplanted by this Dost Ali. Immediately will I go to the palace. Toward the Rani I mean no harm, but with her lover, I will find an excuse to bring this matter to an end between us. Either Prasad Singh or Dost Ali shall fall into the dust." Ahmad laid a restraining hand upon the Hindu noble's shoulder. "Prasad," he enjoined, "thou canst not do this." "Why should I not"? the other asked tersely. "Because there must be no strife within the Rani's palace. It would be an act against her pleasure, her authority. Deeply do I sympathize with thee, O Prasad, but I cannot countenance thy project." Prasad returned his host's gaze with astonishment. "Then, in heaven's name, what wouldst thou have me do"? he demanded. "Lie here like some decrepit hunter while another goes off with the quarry. Not I forsooth"! "Come, good friend, curb thy ambition, passion, and impetuosity for a season. Await with patience the fitting opportunity for achieving all, without resort to violent means, that would implacably offend the Rani. Thou, must remember her palace is not a camp, a field of arms." "Oh"! exclaimed Prasad sarcastically. "These are indeed strange words from Ahmad Khan. Is it so long ago that he and his followers swept into her palace little heeding her authority. Truly that scene resembled an assault." Ahmad winced at the retort but managed to preserve his equanimity. He replied in a contrite tone. "It is even as thou sayest, but the hour was full of tumult. If my action seemed wanting in respect for the Rani's dignity, surely I have made the amends I swore upon the holy book." Prasad laughed cynically. "Loyal Ahmad," he cried. "I see not very well how thou canst prevent me settling with this Dost Ali."