"The fellow is mad or drunk. Here, Jemadar," cried another voice; "what is to be done with this Fakeer?"
"Who can this be?" thought the Meerza. "This is no common cry. I must see the worthy Syud out, and get speech of the crier."
"Ulla dilâyâ——"
The Fakeer's cry was broken off abruptly, and there was a noise as if of a scuffle below. Could it be any one in the Wuzeer's interest, seeking for information, or perhaps with deadly intent. "Ho there!" cried the secretary; "what noise is that so early, disturbing the King?"
"Some drunken Fakeer, my lord," returned one of the guards, looking up, "who has intruded, God knows how."
"Keep him, and I will come down presently," answered the Meerza, not waiting for the reply, but re-entering the chamber.
"Some Fakeer, my lord," he continued to the King, but answering his look of intelligence, "whom I have ordered to be confined till the Darogah of the palace can deal with him for his insolence."
"If he be one of my men come after me," said the Syud, "he shall be punished. And now, my lord, have I permission to depart? Delay not in this matter; and may God give you a safe deliverance from a traitor!"
"You may go, Meer Sahib," said the King; "and we thank you for this visit; but shall need you at noon."
"Your servant will be present without fail," returned the Syud, humbly. "Would that his power were equal to his devotion in the King's service!"