THE PALACE BAZAAR
to speak to the Emperor. "Birnagar and Debipur had an ancient feud, but it is ended now, and this lady's husband is the greatest friend of the Lord of Birnagar."
"Lord of Birnagar! Why, methinks I know something of that erratic young man. He played some mischief in this palace, did he not? And we had to banish him to Rajasthan," said Akbar, laughing.
Hemlata trembled at these ominous words from the great Emperor, which once more reminded her of her hidden purpose. She spoke with tremor to her Afghan friend.
"Nay, plead thy own cause before the Emperor," said the Afghan girl, smiling. "Thou speakest a little of our tongue, and His Majesty is gracious to those who plead for his mercy."
The kind-hearted Emperor also spoke to her some words of encouragement. "Speak, sister, for I see thou hast something which troubles thee. And if thou hast anything to ask, may it be in my power to grant thy request and to make thee happy."
Hemlata conquered her agitation for the moment was too precious to be lost. Her veil was removed as she wiped a tear from her eye, and her face was pale and white. But her broken words came from her heart, and her voice was firm.
"Pardon, sire, if I venture to speak for one who is a disinherited and unhappy exile from the home of his fathers. He, Norendra Nath, has fought for thee, sire, and bled for thee, and thy Majesty has not a truer subject or a braver soldier in this vast Empire. Pardon the errors of his youth in thy royal mercy, and
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