“He left me yesterday a little distance from here, and took his way towards the north.”
“On foot?”
“Are any others acquainted with these orders respecting the Minister and me?”
“No one else knows. Only when it is known that we have failed will the task be entrusted to others.”
Gurupada signed to his servant, and went on one side with him.
“Go,” he said, “and saddle your horse at once. You must instantly set off on a journey.”
A low, suppressed groan called him back to the side of the wounded man.
“My lord,” he murmured, “I have only a few minutes to live; and I ask you to add one more favour to the many I have enjoyed at your hands: say that you forgive me.”
“I forgive you, unhappy man,” answered Gurupada; “I know you were nothing but a tool in the hands of others.”