"I know him," said Bulwunt doggedly, "he is here." "Where?" "He was in the temple of Bhowani behind there less than half an hour ago, for I spoke to him." "Thou? why?" "I had a message from the Gooroo for him." "And where is he now?" "Nay, how should I know? I saw him there with one Maun Singh, and another, whom I knew not." "Strange that he should not have come," continued Maloosray, after a pause. "Art thou sure of the man?" "As sure as that----" Bulwunt had nearly spoken his adversary's name, but a twitch from Fazil checked him. "As sure as that I see thee, O Maharaj." "And who am I?" "Nay, I know not, nor care. My message was to Pahar Singh, and it was delivered. I was told to come here to meet some others; ye may be they. Pahar Singh may be yet at the temple," observed Bulwunt, who trusted to his ingenuity to get rid of one of the men. "Why not send for him?" "A good thought," said Maloosray; "go at once, Abajee," he observed to the smaller of the two men. "Here is my blanket--the rain will not signify, and take one of the men with you." "And bring Pahar Singh here, Maharaj?" asked the man, sheathing his sword, and turning to look for his shoes, which were near a door they had not observed. "Yes. Tell him I am here with Bussunt Geer's cheyla, and that there is no fear. If he be gone, come away; we will await you." As Maloosray turned slightly to speak the last words, a look of intelligence passed between Fazil and Bulwunt; but though the odds against them had been withdrawn, Maloosray's suspicions had apparently not relaxed in the least, for he stood, his weapon ready for action, and his shield advanced before his body, so that Bulwunt had as yet no opportunity to strike as he desired. His account of himself was plausible enough, but it did not apparently satisfy the wily Mahratta. "And Pahar Singh was there, Baba?" he asked; "know you for certain? What message had you to him?" "Nay, it was easy enough, Maharaj," returned Bulwunt; "all he told me was, to meet Pahar Singh at the temple of Bhowani, near the kullal's quarter, this night, and afterwards to come to Rama's shop near the temple, where I should find some Mahrattas who would give me a message. I have reached Beejapoor in four days, and must return to-morrow. If you are the person I was to meet here, tell me what I am to say, and I will go; for we need a lodging for the night, and our horses are in the city." "Where?" asked Maloosray. "At the Taj Bowree;[7] but I shall be away by early dawn." "But the fort gate will be shut, Baba." "I have a friend at the wicket who will let us in. Do not fear for that, Maharaj!" replied Bulwunt confidently. Maloosray thought for a moment. "It must be true," he added. "Now, Baba, listen; if I trust thee, couldst thou help the cause Bussunt Geer has at heart?" "I will be faithful to him; is he not my Gooroo?" "And thy companion?" "Surely, as myself. We are one."