The Prince again saluted him; and was about to leave the place, when Osman followed him.
"General," said the Prince, "if I can be of any service to you, pray, let me know it. I shall be very glad to do your bidding."
"I have some very particular word with you," said Osman "which must not be told in the presence of so many people. Kindly tell them to advance, and follow me."
Without the least hesitation, the Prince directed his retinue to go forward, and rode with Osman. The latter called for and mounted his horse. After proceeding some distance, Osman entered a deep sal forest, in the heart of which stood a dilapidated building. Probably in former days, some rebel had taken refuge in the bosom of this forest. Fastening his horse to a sal tree, Osman entered the ruin, followed by the Prince. It was a deserted mansion. In the middle there was a spacious yard. On one side of it there was a new-made open grave, but no corpse; on the other, a funeral pyre, but no dead body.
"What are these for?" enquired the Prince, entering the yard.
"These have been prepared by my directions," replied Osman. "Should I fall this day, pray, bury me in yonder grave; nobody will know it;—should you die, I will have your last rites performed by Brahmins; no one will know it."
"What do your words moan, Sir?" enquired the Prince in surprise.
"I am a Pathan" replied Osman, "when our heart burns, we do not judge between right and wrong. This world cannot contain two rivals longing for Aesha's love; one of us must die here to-day."
The Prince now understood all, and became sad.
