Several times Bipin had stepped to one side under the impression that the boy's intention was merely to show respect for one of such exalted station, but at last becoming conscious of the youngster's persistency, Bipin halted and frowned down upon him threateningly. "How now, boy"? he asked sternly. "What do you mean by continually getting in my way"? "Great Secretary Sahib," replied the boy. "I am the son of Mohurran Goshi." "_Wah_"! exclaimed Bipin. "So you are the son of Mohurran Goshi. Well! what does the son of Mohurran Goshi mean by repeatedly making of himself a stumbling block for my feet"? "Lord Protector of the Poor," replied the boy deferentially. "My father bade me seek thee urgently with the message that thou art to repair to his house, without fail, two hours after sunset." "Thy father bade thee tell me that I am to come to his house two hours after sunset," repeated Bipin reflectively. "Did he say for what purpose, dutiful son of Mohurran Goshi"? "Not he, great sir," replied the boy, _salaaming_. Bipin thought for a moment. It was possible that the astrologer had discovered a charm that would forever confound the machinations of the accursed Hindu noble. "What answer shall I take from the great Secretary Raja"? asked the boy with a twinkle of innate cunning. Bipin gazed approvingly on the lad who flattered his vanity by the use of such high sounding titles. "Thou art a well favored youth," he remarked, "and properly trained in the respect due to people of importance. Go, tell thy learned father, that I will be at his door at the hour appointed." As Bipin took a step forward the boy again interposed his person with outstretched hand. "A present, Secretary Raja," he cried. "A present." "Ah, a present," returned the secretary. "What now do you want with a present"? "To buy sweetmeats, noble Lord," the boy answered. Bipin discovered a small coin in his waistband, and gave it to the astrologer's son. The boy _salaamed_ his thanks, and danced off to a nearby stall, making a sly grimace at the vanishing back of the Rani's worthy secretary. A little before the time set by the astrologer, Bipin urged a matter of importance as an excuse for his absence from the palace, and directed his steps toward Mohurran Goshi's humble abode. He found the astrologer in a state of suppressed excitement. "There is not a moment to lose, worthy Secretary," said he. "Shortly thou wilt be in possession of information that will enable thee to frustrate thine enemy for all time. With it, thou canst repair to the Rani and ask any reward at her hands. But be careful not to disclose the source of thy information, or thou wilt surely fail in thy object. Come, follow quickly, and hold thy peace at whatever thou mayest see or hear, or our lives would go out as a torch flung into a pond."