"Where did Hunsa get it?"
"When the Bagrees killed the jewel merchant, that time the Sahib saved Bootea, he stole it from the other decoits, hiding it in his turban, because the Dewan wanted it."
"But I don't want the stone—I can't take it," Barlow expostulated.
"It is for a service, Sahib. Nana Sahib will assuredly cause Ajeet to be put to death if Bootea does not return to his desire, but the Sahib can buy his life with the ruby of great price."
"But if it were stolen would not Nana Sahib demand it, and then kill
Ajeet?"
"No; it was not his ruby; and to obtain it he will set Ajeet free."
"I'll do that, Gulab," Barlow agreed, and the girl's hand pushed up from the folds of the blanket to caress his cheek, and her face nestled against his shoulder.
The fingers thrilled him, and, though he had made solemn vow that he would ride like an anchorite, he bent his head and kissed her with a claiming warmth that caused her to cry out as if in misery.
Presently a whimsical fancy swayed the girl, and she said, "Ayub Alli!"
Barlow laughed, and answered: "Bismillah!"