"That seems to be His Majesty's new toy." Vasant Rao pointed nervously. "He collects lions as pets. That one must have just been captured." Arangbar studied the lion with obvious delight. Then he bent down and stroked one of the cubs by his side, lifting it to better view the new prize. The assembly watched spellbound for a moment, then burst into cheers. As Hawksworth watched, Arangbar set down the lion cub and spoke with his _wazir_. Zainul Beg stared into the crowd and then pointed. Moments later the black cassock of a Jesuit appeared at the railing. With a start Hawksworth recognized Father Alvarez Sarmento, last seen in the courtyard of Mukarrab Khan's palace in Surat. The Jesuit listened to the _wazir's_ instructions and then turned to the crowd. His announcement was in English. "His Majesty orders the ambassador from England to come forward." Vasant Rao touched Hawksworth's arm and reached out to clasp his hand. "This is your moment, my friend. By the time _durbar_ is through I will be far from here." "Why are you leaving?" Hawksworth turned and looked into his eyes, suddenly realizing that Vasant Rao was the closest thing he had to a friend in India. "It's impossible for me to stay longer." Vasant Rao paused, and Hawksworth sensed his warmth was genuine. Suddenly the Rajput reached into the sash at his belt and drew out his sheathed _katar_. "You saved my life once, in the village, and I've never found the words to thank you. Perhaps this can say it for me. Take it as a token of friendship from a Rajput. It was given to me by my father, and it has tasted blood more times than I can count. You're a brave and honest man, and I think we'll meet again." Before Hawksworth could speak, Vasant Rao embraced him warmly and melted into the crowd. A pathway was clearing through the glaring nobles, and Hawksworth quickly slipped the katar into his doublet as he leaned over to secure the chest. When he reached the silver railing, Sarmento was waiting. "Let me welcome you to Agra, Captain." The Jesuit spoke quietly in English, his face a hard mask. "I pray God gave you a pleasant journey." "I thought you were bound for Lahore." "In time, Captain, in time. But we have an Agra mission as well. Our flock here grows. It must be tended. And do you remember what we agreed that night in Surat?" "Translate for the Inglish ambassador." Arangbar's voice interrupted, speaking in Persian. "I would know his name." "He asks your name." Sarmento spoke quietly to Hawksworth in English. "You must bow when you give it."