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A DARK SCHEMER

Gokul Das's doings. Not a muscle moved in Gokul Das's face.

"Dark schemer, dost thou think the Kanangoe, even with the help of our gold, will dare to upset the arrangements which Raja Todar Mull made and Raja Man Singh confirmed?"

"The Kanangoe will have ample cause for changing the existing arrangement. There will be serious disturbances in Birnagar and Debipur; the payment of the revenue due to the Emperor from the two estates will fall into arrear, and some new arrangement will be required to ensure the revenue."

"And to ensure the payment of the Imperial revenue it will be necessary to restore me to Debipur, and to leave Birnagar to its minor heir and his friends."

"It will be necessary to restore my Master to Debipur immediately, but not to leave Birnagar to its heir."

"Thou speakest in riddles, Gokul Das. Be plain for once. What will become of Birnagar?"

"An Imperial Agent will be appointed to manage it till Noren comes of age, and even then he shall not get his estate until the estate has paid up all arrears."

"Which will occur shortly, because Birnagar is rich."

"It will never occur."

"Why?"

"Because Gokul Das may have some influence with the Imperial Agent."

"To keep the revenue of Birnagar in arrear?"

"To keep the revenue of Birnagar in arrear."

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