With an expression of surprise on his face Bipin hesitated, when the Rani, emphatically repeating her order, he salaamed and departed on his errand.
The sun had risen but a few degrees above the horizon on the following morning when the Rao Sahib, Tantia Topi, Ahmad Khan, who had arrived in Kalpi overnight, and other native leaders, were gathered about a table in a room of the governor's house, awaiting the Rani of Jhansi's coming to take a seat at the council.
A curtain screening the doorway of the room was drawn aside and a young officer entered. With the exception of his white turban, he was attired in a blood red uniform from head to foot. It contrasted well with his dark, handsome features, and admirably displayed his slender figure. One hand, unusually delicate for a man, rested upon the butt of a pistol protruding from his girdle, while the other rose to his turban in a military salute.
The Rao Sahib and Tantia Topi gazed inquiringly as well as with admiration, upon the newcomer, whom it was evident they had never seen before. Ahmad Khan with his back to the stranger's position had failed to remark his entrance.
With the exception of a white turban, she was attired in a blood-red uniform from head to foot.—Page [213].
"Well officer," the Rao Sahib asked. "Dost bring us a message from someone"?
The young officer laughed musically as he assumed a captivating pose.
"I bring you a message, noble Sahibs," he replied, "to say that the Raja of Jhansi is now present at the council."