Chapter XXXVIII.
The Search for the Jewels.
“Then you escaped by there back into your old quarters?” cried the Rajah as the murmur of astonishment died out.
“Yes, sir; and after coming across to my room to wash and dress, I heard that your highness had been sending for me. I came on, to find you ready to accuse me of this contemptible theft. Are you satisfied now where the jewels are?”
“Yes,” said the Rajah firmly, “quite. Now, Wazir, what have you to say?”
“Say!” cried the man contemptuously; “I scorn to deny it. I, your mothers trusted friend and adviser—I steal her treasure of jewels, any one of which, if I had asked her, she would have given me at once?”
“You hear the way in which your charge rebounds on you?”
“I hear, but I scorn it all, your highness. It is a vile, cowardly invention, made to turn the light of your countenance from your faithful servants.”
“You heard what was said?”
“Yes, I have heard all, your highness; but it is false. Let it be proved. If it be as the English boy says, it is true. If the jewels are not found where he says, it is false.”