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110
DURGESA NANDINI.
110

"Where am I?" asked he, after looking long at Aesha. This was the first time that he spoke after two days.

"In the fort of Katlu Khan," replied Aesha.

The Prince again tried to recollect some thing.

"Why am I here?" said he after a long pause.

Aesha was at first silent.

"You are ill, Sir," said she.

"No, no, I am a captive," said the prince musing and shaking his head; his features now underwent a change.

Aesha made no reply; she found that the Prince's power of recollection was reviving.

"Who are you, I pray?"—again asked he after a pause.

"My name is Aesha."

"Who is Aesha, beseech you?"

"The daughter of Katlu Khan."

The Prince was again silent, lacking strength to talk for a long time together,

"For how many days am I here, pray?" asked he after a pause.

"These four days."

"Is Garmandaran still in your possession?"

"It is, Sir."

Jagat Singha again paused a little.

"What has become of Virendra Singha?" enquired he.

"He is a prisoner. To-day his trial takes place."

Paler grew the pale countenance of Jagat Singha.

"Pray, how fare the other inmates of the castle?"

"I don't know every thing," answered Aesha anxiously.