Then the astrologer put a question pointedly.
"Of this Raja Prasad, of whom you speak. Does he stand close to the person of the Rani"?
"He is ever at her side," replied Bipin. "He seeks to be appointed to the command of the troops in Jhansi."
The astrologer shook his head gravely.
"Come to me again shortly," he concluded. "Then I will disclose to thee further. Remember to do as I have counseled thee."
As the astrologer appeared to be about to withdraw himself again into a state of profound abstraction. Bipin promised to return at an early date. With misgiving in place of elation in his heart, he left the house dejectedly.
"It seems to me," he reflected, as he made his way thoughtfully along the alley. "It seems to me I have gained little satisfaction by visiting that astrologer. For twenty rupees I have found out that the Raja, Prasad Singh, is an enemy who seeks to possess himself of my nose and ears. Twenty rupees is a large sum to pay for such information. What evil things might not the astrologer have disclosed for fifty rupees? As to Prasad Singh, he is evidently jealous of my influence with the Rani. I must keep a close watch on him, and report to the astrologer frequently."
Bipin had scarcely left the astrologer's presence, when the curtain was thrust aside and Ahmad Khan stood in the aperture.
"Well, noble sir," said the astrologer, "I think I reduced that fool to a pliable state for our purpose."
Ahmad laughed sardonically.