“What has he ever done to render him an object of trust?”
“Nothing, at all events, that should render him an object of suspicion.”
“My sovereign, I do not suspect upon slight grounds; I have seen frequent and secret meetings; I have heard ambiguous words uttered, and am willing to risk my head upon the truth of what I assert, that your royal safety is not secure from secret machinations. Having put my royal master upon his guard, my duty is performed.”
Mujahid Shah, though he had the strongest reliance on the integrity of his armour-bearer, and a sincere esteem for him, yet looked upon his suspicions as chimerical, and took no measures to counteract any plots that might at that moment be ripening against his life. His passion for the sister of Musaood was unabated, and he treated her with distinguished regard.
He one day declared to her his intention of passing the night in the house she occupied, at which she expressed herself extremely flattered, and immediately communicated the information to Musaood.
“My brother,” said she, “the king sleeps here to-night, and the opportunity so long sought after may be now embraced.”
“What do you propose?”
“That Mujahid should die this night by your dagger.”
“If you will show me that his death can be safely accomplished, I am ready to become the instrument.”
“Go and seek your two confederates, and introduce them into the house; I will let you into the king’s chamber at midnight;—the work is then easy.”