“But one rumor, sahib-war! Uprising—revolution—treachery—all India waits the word to rise, sahib!”
“You mean—?”
“Mutiny among the troops, and revolution north, south, east and west!”
“Here, too, in Hanadra?”
“Here, too, in Hanadra, sahib! Here they will be among the first to rise!”
“Oh, come! I can't believe that! How was it that my orders said nothing of it then?”
“That, sahib, I know not—not having written out thy orders! I heard that thy orders came. I knew, as I have known this year past, what storm was brewing. I knew, too, that the heavenborn, thy wife, is here. I am thy servant, sahib, as I was thy father's servant—we serve one Queen; thy honor is my honor. Entrust thy memsahib to my keeping!”
“You will guard her?”
“I will bring her in to Jundhra!”
“You alone?”