THE SLAVE GIRL OF AGRA
Twenty eunuchs, the fiercest in this palace, are concealed in yonder courtyard."
"The walls of this fort are strong, great Prince, and are well manned."
"The gate leading to the river opens at my bidding, the royal boat is manned and ready, and five hundred horsemen, the fleetest in India, lie concealed under the trees across the river."
"The Emperor has a keen eye, great Prince, and a long arm to reach his wayward son."
"My entrenched camp is reached in a few days, my love, and the forces of the Empire will think twice before attacking a camp defended by Prince Selim and twenty thousand brave swords."
"Your father's army have done greater deeds, Prince, than storming an entrenched camp and bringing a wayward Prince to reason. The doughty old Man Singh has never yet lost a battle or failed in an enterprise."
"He, indeed, is worthy of my steel, my sweet one, and I have seen him fight, side by side with me, in the memorable Pass of Haldhighat, when we broke the pride and routed the forces of the Rana of Mewar. But Man Singh has enough to do to reconquer Bengal from the Afghans just now, and he will not march against a Prince on whom he has bestowed the hand of his sister."
"Your plans are well laid, Prince," at last spoke Mihr-un-Nissa, with an ominous earnestness in her voice, "but pardon me if a woman ventures to give you a word of warning. Your father's eyes are watchful and your father's guard never sleeps. Your visit to the palace to-night is known, and my
126
