BLOOD
love-lorn Radhika has come in quest of her Krishna on the banks of the Jumna in this silent hour."
"She may whistle for her Krishna," replied Jelekha, "but he knows better than to come after such a tall, ungainly creature!"
A peal of laughter arose at the expense of Noren, who was getting wild with impatience.
"Tell me, sister, hast thou heard anything of the Chief from the Far East who lies wounded in the outer fort?"
"Ay, I have, Jelekha, for he lodges in the Amber Guest House and is treated by my mistress's physicians. But he is quite recovered now and leaves the fort in the morning. Such was the message sent by Raja Man Singh to his aunt last night."
"Haste, then, kind sister, and help this silly girl to have an interview with the Chief before he leaves. The Begum, who is going to the East, has some commands for the Eastern Chief which she sends by the Persian girl, if I understand her correctly. And the girl will have to answer with her life if she fails to do the Begum's bidding to-night."
"I like not these stranger-girls in Agra, Jelekha, but I will help her for thy sake."
"Thou hast a kind heart, sister. Thou standest high in the favour of thy mistress the Queen, and every door unlocks at thy bidding."
"Thou sayest truly, Jelekha, I have keys to unlock our door. I will take this Persian to the passage leading to the Amber Guest House, and she can then find her way, I trust."
"That she will, and I thank thee, sister, for thy kindness. A Rajput heart is ever kind and true.
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