"I would gladly do as you wish, Mr Perowne," he replied, "the more readily because it is what my heart prompts; but I must have some good grounds--stronger than mere suspicion--before I can do more than ask the aid of Murad, who is, as you know, a friendly Prince. Again, I must ask you to consider my position here, and my stringent instructions to keep on good terms with this Rajah. Recollect, sir, once again, to do what you propose would be interpreted by the Malays as an act of war. I have the whole community to study as well as your feelings, sir--as well," he added, in a low voice, only heard by Grey Stuart, "as my own." "But my child--my child!" groaned Mr Perowne. "I have done what I could, sir; sent messengers at once to Murad asking his aid, and whether any of his people can give us help." "You did not accuse him then?" said Mr Stuart. "How could I, sir, on suspicion? No, I have done what is best." "But it is horrible!" cried Mr Perowne. "The thought of her being in the power of this unprincipled man is more than I can bear." "But we do not know, sir, that this is the case, whatever our suspicions may be." "I think they are wrong," cried Mrs Bolter, quickly, "for here comes someone to tell us who is right." She pointed through the window as she spoke, and every head was turned to see the Rajah come hurrying up the pathway leading to the house, his steps seeming to partake of the excitement of the whole group, as he dashed up to the door; and as soon as he was admitted he half ran into the midst of the silent assembly, gazing wildly from face to face, till his eyes rested upon Mr Perowne, to whom he ran, threw his arms over his shoulders, and exclaimed with a passionate, half-sobbing cry: "Tell me--quick! Tell me it is not true!" VOLUME TWO, CHAPTER SIX. A PRINCE'S ANGER. The merchant stared in the young Rajah's convulsed face without speaking, and Murad exclaimed: "I had heard news, and was coming down. Then came the messengers; but tell me," he cried, "I cannot bear it! This is not true?" Mr Perowne gazed fixedly in the dark, lurid eyes before him, as if fascinated by their power, and then said sternly: "It is quite true, sir; quite true." "No, no!" cried the Malay Rajah, excitedly, "not true that she is gone; not true that she cannot be found?" "Yes, sir," repeated the merchant again, in a low, troubled voice. "She was taken from us last night." The Rajah uttered some words in his own tongue that sounded like a passionate wail, as he staggered back, as if struck heavily, reeled, clutched at the nearest person to save himself, and then fell with a crash upon the floor. The little party assembled crowded round the prostrate man; but at a word from Dr Bolter they drew back, and he went down on one knee beside the young man to loosen his collar. "A little more air. Keep back, please!" said the doctor, sharply. "Mary, a glass of water."