“Did you describe Gurupada’s appearance exactly?”
“I cannot distinctly remember all we said; but I believe we did speak of it.”
“There is danger,” murmured Siddha to himself, “and more than danger. The priest naturally learnt enough from his spy about our journey to put me out of countenance. His suspicions seem to be aroused as regards Gurupada; and it is clear he tried to find out more from me. But what can he have to do with Gurupada or Nandigupta? And my uncle Salhana—is he also mixed up in this?”
“I hope we have done no harm by our talk with the stranger,” said Vatsa, disquieted by seeing his young master sunk in thought.
“No, no,” he replied; “and even had you done so, it was done unintentionally, and you are not to blame. We ought to have been more cautious, and to have warned you beforehand. But in future, Vatsa, do not speak to any one of the hermit, whoever it may be that asks you; do you understand?”
“Perfectly, my lord,” was the answer; “and in future I have never seen the hermit, or even if I have done so, I have entirely forgotten what he was like.”
“Nevertheless,” thought Siddha, “it might be as well to warn Kulluka, and even Nandigupta himself. I will try and find a safe opportunity, whether Salhana has anything to do with it, or not.”
[1] Fathpúr Sikri was the favourite residence of Akbar from 1570 to the end of his reign. The chief glory of the place is its mosque. Fathpúr Sikri is 12 miles from Agra.
[2] Akbar’s system is fully described by Abú-l Fazl in the “A’ín-i-Akbari.” The lands were divided into four classes with different revenue to be paid by each, namely:—