‘Inshalla! Khan, they will come; but what thinkest thou, Nursingha?’
‘They owe us a grudge, and may make the attempt. Nay, it is more than probable, for they are stronger than ever, and they cannot reckon on your being here.’
‘We had as well be fully prepared,’ said the Khan; ‘have ye any jinjalls?’[[19]]
[19]. Heavy wall-pieces on swivels.
‘The Patél has two,’ said the man.
‘Run then and bring them here,—also what powder ye can find; bring the Patél himself too, and alarm the village. Kasim,’ he continued, ‘wait thou here; there is an apartment in the tower,—thither I will bring the Khanum, and what valuables we have with us. I do not fear danger, but we had better be prepared.’
In a short time the Khan returned, conducting his wife; she was veiled from head to foot, and Kasim heard them distinctly speaking as they were coming up the stairs.
‘Not there, not there!’ said the lady; ‘alone, and in that dark place, I should give way to fears; let me ascend, I pray thee,—I am a soldier’s daughter, and can bear to look on what men and soldiers can do.’