"But wait," said Gerrard. "The Prince knows as well as I do, and you also, Diwan-ji, how much depends upon the funeral ceremony. It was the will of Partab Singh Rajah that his son Kharrak Singh should set light to the pyre as chief mourner, and as his successor on the gaddi."
Sher Singh covered his face. "Dust is on my head, that an evil chance has come between me and my desire!" he said in a broken voice. "What is the gaddi to me, if I am deprived of my father's forgiveness? The right of deciding upon his successor was his, and he has exercised it in favour of Kharrak Singh. The child's mother is of royal blood, mine was not, and I bow to the decree. But I will not consent to be robbed of my right to walk beside my brother in the procession, and to guide his hand when he fires the pile. The pyre of Partab Singh Rajah and his Rani shall not be left to the care of a Feringhee and a Christian."
"There will be no suttee," said Gerrard decisively.
"The matter is not in your hands, Jirad Sahib," said Sher Singh, as a murmur broke from the councillors. "When the meanest of the Ranjitgarh Maharajas died, two Ranis and eleven women-slaves bore him company to the tomb, and shall Partab Singh lack the tribute of respect? I think more highly of the dwellers behind the curtain than you do, if you dream that they will permit themselves to be prevented from performing this glorious duty."
"Not the meanest slave-girl shall ascend the pyre," repeated Gerrard. "The Rani Gulab Kur is bound by an oath imposed upon her by your father to live and watch over her son, and I shall prevent the sacrifice of any other woman."
"You! and by what authority?"
"By the authority of the Rani, who is regent of Agpur by the will of
Rajah Partab Singh."
Sher Singh turned to the rest, his face convulsed with fury. "You hear this low-born one, how he denies me my natural rights, and would deprive my father of the customary honours? Am not I rightfully regent during my brother's minority? If I advance no claim to the gaddi, do you think that I am to be set aside altogether? Let this man Jirad know that I have the promise of Antni Sahib's support."
"When Colonel Antony's instructions reach me, I will hasten to acknowledge you as co-regent," said Gerrard. "Until then, I take my orders from the Rani alone, and exercise the powers she has conferred upon me."
"Come aside with me and let us speak together," said Sher Singh imperiously. "See, I am unarmed," casting sword and dagger on the ground. Gerrard laid aside his sword and revolver, and walked with him to the back of the tent.