“But would you have me live in a state of perpetual suspicion, with that void in my heart arising from the absence of confidence, which is one of the most grievous penalties of our existence?” “No; but I would not have you too rashly trust, and, indeed, never until you have well weighed the characters whom you admit to your friendship.” “And have I not done so? Have you not won my confidence? and have I ever found reason to regret having bestowed it upon you?” Mahmood was rather staggered; he felt the truth of the observation; but still determined not to allow the king to remain blind to his insecurity, without striving to put him upon his guard, he said, “Men must be judged by their actions.” “Precisely so; and Musaood has never given me cause to suspect his fidelity.” “What has he ever done to render him an object of trust?” “Nothing, at all events, that should render him an object of suspicion.” “My sovereign, I do not suspect upon slight grounds; I have seen frequent and secret meetings; I have heard ambiguous words uttered, and am willing to risk my head upon the truth of what I assert, that your royal safety is not secure from secret machinations. Having put my royal master upon his guard, my duty is performed.” Mujahid Shah, though he had the strongest reliance on the integrity of his armour-bearer, and a sincere esteem for him, yet looked upon his suspicions as chimerical, and took no measures to counteract any plots that might at that moment be ripening against his life. His passion for the sister of Musaood was unabated, and he treated her with distinguished regard. He one day declared to her his intention of passing the night in the house she occupied, at which she expressed herself extremely flattered, and immediately communicated the information to Musaood. “My brother,” said she, “the king sleeps here to-night, and the opportunity so long sought after may be now embraced.” “What do you propose?” “That Mujahid should die this night by your dagger.” “If you will show me that his death can be safely accomplished, I am ready to become the instrument.” “Go and seek your two confederates, and introduce them into the house; I will let you into the king’s chamber at midnight;--the work is then easy.” “But does not his armour-bearer always sleep in an adjoining apartment?” “Yes: he, however, will be easily disposed of. I will prepare his evening meal: he shall be deaf to the cries of his master when they come.” “Could you not contrive to remove his arms?” “What will signify arms to a man who has not the power of using them? Do you quail, Musaood? Don’t be shamed by a woman! Such an opportunity does not occur every day. Embrace it, or let it pass, as you please: upon your choice depends whether we ever again meet as brother and sister. You need not be told that kindred foes are the most deadly.”