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"Abdul, fearful of danger to Zuleika because of the discovery of the ring, was for instant action the hiring of bravoes, and a bold attack on the zemindar's person, taking him unawares, carrying him off and holding him to ransom, deliverance of the captive maid of the Turkmans being the price of his freedom. "But I had more subtle counsel to offer.
Even then I was reflecting on the real cause of the zemindar's wrath. The jewel had been discovered in the folds of a garment worn by one of the women in his zenana, and his quick access of anger showed that the gift had come from some other hand than his. Savage jealousy, therefore, had prompted the act of injustice inflicted upon the unfortunate washerman.
Lest they should be harassed by the poike, four of the zemindar's Brahmin servants took away the body, without ceremony, to be burned. The burning-ground of Ranihat was very far from the village. There was a hut beside a tank, a huge banian near it, and nothing more.
"And Rahat Mian?" he asked. There was a momentary struggle in the zemindar's mind. But his fatigue and exhaustion were too heavy upon him. "He, too, shall go his own way. Neither I nor mine shall molest him." Ralston turned at once and mounted his horse. With a sigh of relief Futteh Ali Shah followed his example. "Shall we ride back together?" said Ralston, pleasantly.
Wilson?" Isobel asked suddenly. "I wondered about him as I was being carried along last night, but I was too tired to talk afterwards." "I hope he is either safe at Allahabad by this time, or is with the troops marching up. The Zemindar's son, who came down with us as an escort, and one of his men got safely to shore also, and they went on with Wilson.
"I was moistening my parched lips with my tongue, when I awoke from my momentary trance. The zemindar's eyes were blazing down at me. "'Villain, this ring is yours! he cried, struggling to his feet. "'Not mine, my lord, I protested, flinging myself at full length before him.
The only furniture in their room was their two beds and a table which stood between the beds to hold the cash box and a lantern. The night of the zemindar's return, his wife could not sleep. She had been ill and she counted the hours as the night wore on.
This news decided them not to accept the zemindar's invitation to stay the night and start the next morning early. It was still but little past noon, and they might do many miles before darkness. Before they halted the party had made fifteen miles, and in passing through a village learned the welcome news that a small English force had advanced to Synee, some ten miles only beyond Futtehpore.
"You have done well, I hope, Abdool?" "I have been well treated, indeed, sahib, and the zemindar's head man told me that I was to consider the horse on which I ride my own. He will carry me well, for he is a stout and serviceable animal.
"More did he tell me about a grass-cutter in the stables who had ridden with the robbers, and knew where the captive had been disposed; and about a dancing girl who had carried the ring into the zenana, and brought forth Zuleika's answer in return, telling that she was well, that she was destined as the bride of the zemindar's eldest son, but that she would resist all advances until rescued by her lover, the pearl of her heart, now thrice dear because he had followed her so faithfully and so far.
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