They w?alk?ed away hastily. On reaching th?e cottage soon, they found that through Ae?sha's kindness?, Tilottama had just come with Ashm?ani. She saluted? the? fee?t of Abhiramsw?ami with a low reverence, and began to weep. After solacing her, he sa?id,
"By the grace of ?God, you h?ave come out of the clutches of the sinful wretch. ?No tarrying here a moment more.? Should the Musalmans trace us out, they will aven?ge their murdered lord by taking our lives. Let us quit this plac?e this very? night."
All agreed to this proposal.
CHAPTER XVII.
THE LAST MOMENTS.
Immediately after the flight of Bimala,? an official of Katlu Khan hastily entered the prison of Jagat Sin?gha and said,
"Prince!" the Nabab is? dying, an?d wants to see you."
"How's that?" exclaimed the Prince, astonished.
"Some enemies? enter?ed th?e inner apart??ment" said the man, "and have fled after strik?ing the Nabab. He is ?still alive, but has no?t long to live. Pray, Sir, make h?aste or it? will be ?too late."
"And why does? he wis?h to see me at s?uch a moment?" asked the Prince?.
"I don't know tha?t" said he, "?I am a mere messenger."
