Tearing several leaves from his note book, Dr. Avery wrote the particulars of the interview between himself and the native, and added:
Despite his prohibition, I shall do my best to reach your city and hope to be on the heels of him who delivers this to you. I cannot believe it is better to be away from you. I credit Luchman's words when he says the whole sepoy force intends to rise, which renders it the more necessary that friends should unite for protection. If I fail to reach you it will be because my utmost efforts were useless; and whether failure or success awaits me, be assured, my dearest Marian, that my last thoughts were of you. Though separated here, God will unite us in the great hereafter. BAIRD.
While writing this note, the surgeon had stepped back on the veranda, because he needed more light than was in the dim room. He now advanced to where Luchman had awaited him, as immovable as a stone image, and asked:
"Why did you bring me in here, Luchman?"
"The palanquin wallahs, sahib, might have crept up and heard what we said, or the khansaman might have passed near."
"Well, here is my letter; will you hand it to the daughter of the missionary?"
"Be shaqq." (Without doubt.)
With a few graceful turns the voluminous turban about Luchman's head was unwound and from the interior he drew a small package done around with heavy but soft paper.
"Sahib, this is a nazr (present) for her, and since she will value your letter more than the other I will put them together."
"What have you there?" asked the astonished surgeon.