"But I've no weapon of any kind, and you can't kill Gungadhura, three eunuchs and the guard as well!" she argued presently.
"Wait and see what I will do!" was the only answer. "Gungadhura caused my pistols to be stolen. But the darkness is our friend, and I think the gods—if there are any gods—are going to assist us."
They walked to the gate in a little close-packed group, and found the gateman stuttering through the small square hole provided for interviews with strangers, telling the maharajah for the third or fourth time that the princess herself was coming. Gungadhura's voice was plainly audible, growling threats from the outer darkness.
"Stand aside!" Yasmini ordered. "I will attend to the talking now."
She went close to the square hole, but was careful to keep her face in shadow at the left-hand side of it.
"What can His Highness, Gungadhura Singh, want with his relative at this strange hour?" she asked.
"Open the gate!" came the answer. He was very close to it—ready to push with his shoulder the instant the bolt was drawn, for black passion had him in hand. But in the darkness he was as invisible as she was.
"Nay, how shall I know it is Gungadhura Singh?"
"Ask the guard! Ho, there! Tell her who it is demands admission!"
"Nay, they might lie to me! The voice sounds strange. I would open for Gungadhura Singh; but I must be sure it is he and no other."