THE SLAVE GIRL OF AGRA
Raja Man Singh was the principal spokesman. He had not the gift of words or of poetry like the eloquent Khan-Khanan, but he sketched out in a few clear words the actual situation in that distant Province. The attempts of the Afghans were like the flames of a dying fire. Bengal had accepted the Mogul rule, the administration had been organised, all the Hindu Chiefs had given their cordial support to the Mogul Power. Raja Man Singh then brought Noren closer to the throne, and stated in a few gracious words how Noren's grandfather had been faithful to the Mogul cause when Raja Todar Mull's position in that land was dubious, and how Noren himself had served in many a hard-fought action in a manner which the grim Rajput warrior was pleased to approve.
It was a proud moment for Noren when the great Raja Man Singh spoke thus and the Emperor listened. Akbar himself said a few words of approbation. Noren's heart was too full for words; he bowed low to the ground in acknowledgment of the royal favour.
"One more subject weighs on my mind, my faithful counsellors," said Akbar, "and I will not detain you long as it is growing late. Rana Pratap Singh, who resisted my Imperial arms for twenty years in his native wilds of Mewar, is dead. He was my foe, but he was one of the bravest of men that have ever lived in the annals of nations. You have met him in battle, Raja Man Singh."
"Ay, sire," replied Man Singh in a voice trembling with suppressed anger, "I met him once twenty-five years ago, and the Pass of Haldighat was crimsoned with Rajput and Mogul blood before we parted. I
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