THE SLAVE GIRL OF AGRA
My mistress, the Jodhpur Queen, sends her greetings to thy mistress, the Amber Queen."
Quick as thought, Jelekha came to Noren's side and whispered, "Follow that Rajputnee. Wait in the dark passage for me."
The Rajput girl led, and Noren followed, through many intricate passages to the palace of the Amber Queen for her orders. But the Queen had retired and the palace was dark.
They went then through other passages to the wall which screened the Zenana from the outer fort. The Rajput woman unlocked a gate, led her companion across the paved courtyard, and reached the entrance of the dark passage.
"Follow this passage, stranger," said the guide, "and it will lead thee to the room where the Bengal Chief sleeps. Thou canst understand me so far?"
Noren nodded assent and salaamed to express his gratitude. The Rajput girl smiled and went away, singing some old ballad of her own land.
Long, long did Noren wait in that utter darkness. He saw nothing and heard nothing, and his heart sometimes failed him as the thoughts of Jelekha's risks and dangers came to his mind. The cold wind of the winter night whistled, and Noren shivered as he stood.
A gentle touch. Jelekha was standing by him. "Didst hear that sound?" she asked.
"I heard nothing save the whistle of the wind."
But once more there was a sound. It was not the whistle of the wind, but muffled, demoniac laughter. Jelekha, that strong girl of tempered steel, shook like an aspen leaf in Noren's arms.
"Alla, save us!" she whispered.
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