III. THE RAJPUT QUEEN
They crossed the paved courtyard silently in the dim light of the stars.
A eunuch of the Zenana guard was on duty at the gate which gave admission to the inner apartments. His position brought him in personal touch with the Emperor himself, and proud Rajas and Omrahs and Mansabdars courted his favours with gifts and gold. The women slaves of the palace trembled at his name; he knew every one of them by sight and by name, and their fates often depended on his word.
"That is Musroor," said Jelekha, and shuddered.
"Who is Musroor?"
"Hush."
Jelekha and her companion came to the gate. There was a broad smile on Musroor's black face as he spoke.
"Ha! fair Tartar maid, thou keepest late hours outside the Zenana, it seems, and makest new friends every night. But who is the stately damsel you are taking to the palace to-night? My eyes have not seen that form before."
"Please thee, Musroor, it is my sister who has lately come to Hind. She will soon be known to thee if she finds employment in the palace, which she has come to seek."
"Maybe she will, fair Jelekha, for Tartar girls with keen dirks are needed in these troublesome
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