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And he did; indeed, in the history books he takes great credit to himself for having found it out. But then he was a boaster. Then did Dearest-Lady really bind Kumran by an oath not to harm the Heir-to-Empire until she returned?
His force was too small. So about midnight the door of Akbar's prison room was opened and Kumran with a few armed men stood within. Roy, startled from a doze, was on his feet in a second. "What want ye?" he challenged fiercely. "Let the Hindoo fool alone," said Kumran to those who would have seized on the Râjput lad. "All we want is the child. Take him, slaves, and be quick about it."
Then the worst side of Prince Kumran showed itself at once. Like all deceitful people, he was a coward at heart, and cowardice made him think of immediate revenge upon his victorious brother. Of what use would even two victories be to him if the Heir-to-Empire was beyond recall?
She had saved the Heir-to-Empire's life; for at that very minute the door of little Prince Akbar's room opened wide, and Roy starting up found himself face to face with cruel Uncle Kumran followed by two men with drawn swords. And, alas for Roy! he had no sword to draw, for Old Faithful's sabre did not fit the disguise of a Râjput bard.
But if Kumran was let and hindered by his oath from actually killing the Heir-to-Empire in cold blood, or, in lesser degree, from treating him so harshly that he might die, he did not feel so bound towards the others; and being cruel by nature, he set to work upon them at once. Foster-father he sent to the State prison, which was down a well in the big courtyard.
Her face paled, but she did not hesitate. "My litter! page!" she cried, and drawing her white veil closer round her, she went straight to the audience hall, where Kumran was receiving his nobles; her great age, her great nobility, giving her a right, even as a woman, to appear amongst them. All eyes turned to her tall, upright, slim figure, every ear thrilled to the tones of her clear voice.
I will ask what boon you wish, and I promise it shall be yours. Humâyon will give much in exchange for his son, and none have ever denied me anything. Shall it be so?" Then seeing hesitation she put in a crafty word: "There will be time afterwards for anything " Kumran looked round his nobles, then into his own heart.
If King Humâyon returned it would make him more inclined to forgive, and if he did not, why! it would prevent cruel brother Kumran from stepping in and getting all, since as father-in-law to the young king he, Askurry, would be Regent. Still, taken aback, he hummed and hawed. "It would be a long time to wait until they are old enough to marry," he began.
Even their memory comes seldom, save to the pure in heart. And one night he hit on a plan. The fort was almost at its last gasp. All day Sumbal Khân, Humâyon's famous artillery general, had been pounding away at the Iron Gate with deadly aim. A few more well-sent shots would leave the bastion crumbling, and then Then would come the assault through the breach, and Kumran knew he could not face it.
Ere the words were out of his mouth a stalwart man bent to lift the sleeping Heir-to-Empire. Roy's sword flashed the same second, but, held back by sneering men, he was helpless. "What want ye with him? I say, what want ye with him?" panted the poor lad as he struggled madly. Kumran paused at the door to turn an icy cold look of cruelty upon him. "What! Thou wouldst know?
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