"I have tried to speak to you alone, but those fools were ever in my way. Do not cry out. You must listen to me."
She started violently and turned to find the Amban, dressed in khaki and ready to march, behind her. Courageous as she usually was the extraordinary repulsion and terror with which he inspired her kept her silent as he continued:
"I want you, and I shall take you sooner or later. Listen! I am one of the richest men in all China. One day I shall be President—and then Emperor the next; and when I rule my country shall no longer be the effete, despised land torn with dissension that it is now. I can give you everything that the heart of a woman, white or yellow, can desire—take you from your dull, poverty-stricken life to raise you to power and immense wealth. I shall return for you one day. Will you come to me?"
The girl drew back, pale as death and unable to cry out. He glanced around. The tall, red-leaved bushes hid them; there was no one or nothing within sight, except the elephant shifting restlessly.
"Answer me!" he said almost menacingly.
She was silent. He sprang forward and seized her roughly.
"Speak! You must answer," he said.
The girl shrank at his touch and struggled in vain in his powerful grasp.
Then suddenly she cried out:
"Badshah!"