"Regarding the mission of a discreet friend"? queried Ahmad in return.
"To be sure."
"That is an easy matter," exclaimed Ahmad reassuringly. "To-morrow when I make my report to the Rani I can prudently disclose to her thy unhappy condition. No one, good Prasad, can for a purpose assume a more sympathetic tone of voice, or a more pleading expression, than thy friend the man of arms. In a moment, I warrant, the fair Rani will be at thy side."
"Do this for me," returned Prasad in a grateful voice, "and there is nothing thou canst not ask of me."
Ahmad vowed solemnly that it would be his chief duty on the morrow.
"And now," said he. "If thou art ordered a meagre diet, the learned astrologer-physician said nothing against a bountiful feast for the eyes. Let us see what the fair Ganga can do to assist us in passing a leisure hour."
"As thou wilt," returned Prasad, evincing but little interest in his host's suggestion. "Ganga is well enough doubtless for one whose soul is not captivated by an incomparable form."
Ahmad glanced with the suggestion of a smile toward his guest.
"The swine," he muttered underneath his breath.