"Have a seat," Ananda proffered.
"I have intruded, rajah," Darna Singh explained, "because there is trouble at the temple. The mahanta is at the gate——"
"Show him in, Darna. I can't see him privately just now; the keddah sahib and Jai Singh are going to make kushti."
While the rajput went to the gate for the mahanta, Prince Ananda said apologetically: "Even a prince must show deference to the keeper of the temple."
Darna Singh returned, accompanied by an animated skeleton of mummy hue. Draping the skin-covered bones was a loin cloth and a thread that hung diagonally from one shoulder to the waist.
With a deep salaam, the mahanta, trembling with indignation, panted: "Dharama comes in the morning with his Buddhistic devils to desecrate the temple by placing in it that brass Buddha—accursed image!—he has brought from the land of Japan."
"Ah!" The exclamation was from Lord Victor as Finnerty appeared.
"Here, Darna," Ananda cried, "hold the mahanta till this is over; I don't want to miss it."
Darna Singh led the Brahmin beyond the table at which the sahibs were grouped, explaining that Prince Ananda would speak to him presently.
Now Finnerty, coming into the light, slipped a robe from his shoulders and stood beside Jai Singh, looking like a sculptured form of ivory.