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Updated: May 7, 2025
Roy was out of the tent in a second, treading in his haste on Meroo, who was sleeping outside, and who began to howl confusedly. Old Faithful fumbled for his sword, Foster-father rubbed his eyes as if they must be at fault. But there was no Baby! And what is more, both the black dog and the white cat had disappeared also; at least they were no longer on the watch.
Baby Akbar insisted on holding the reins, and Meroo, whose turn it was to hold the umbrella, would slip and slither among the stones, thereby bringing its fringe right on the bay mare's nose. "Oh! Head-nurse, have a care! The blessed child!" shrieked poor Foster-mother as a more than usually bad stumble sent the umbrella on to the mare's tail. This was too much for it.
And at Ghuznee, where they halted the second night, the Captain of the Escort sent nearly all his men into the city by one gate, taking with them, despite their protestations, Roy and Meroo and Old Faithful, while he himself, with but one or two troopers, Foster-father, Foster-mother, Head-nurse and the two children, entered by another and found lodging in the caravanserai as common travellers.
Roy would get tired of it during a long march. He was but a boy; and after all there should be a Deputy, Assistant, Second, Umbrella Bearer to Majesty. Could Meroo, properly dressed, of course, be promoted to the position? She actually woke Foster-father from his well-earned first sleep to propound this knotty question. "Good woman," he murmured patiently, "make what court appointments ye will.
So there she was, with Baby Akbar astride a cushion in front, perched on the skittish creature, feeling at heart very nervous, for she was but a poor rider. However, she held on very tight with one hand, held Baby Akbar still tighter with the other, and trusted to Providence, while Roy and Meroo ran beside her on either side, alternately holding up the Royal Umbrella as best they could.
Thank God we have provision enough for some days." "And thanks to others also," put in Foster-father heartily; "but for thee and Meroo, old friend " "As Firdoos Gita Makâni used to say," remarked the old man with an air of great virtue, "'Gratitude comes when danger has gone, so she must wait a bit yet."
If ever poor mortals were watched over by saints in Paradise, we were; and for my part if ever I get to Kâbul, my duty shall be paid to the tomb of Firdoos Gita Makâni on whom be peace." "Amen!" added her husband devoutly; "but for the memory of that good man we should not be here now." It was on the third day that leaving Meroo in charge for a few hours Foster-father and Roy set off to explore.
God send we find better protection than thy carcass." "Boo! hoo!" blubbered Meroo the cook-boy. "Lo! Head-nurse! I could kill a whole army by poisoning their suppers." Head-nurse nodded faint approval. "Now, there is some sense in that, scullion, but what about that they may do supperless? If they should dare "
Meroo would have dashed forward to catch at the rein but Roy, knowing with that curious instinct of his, that that would only make matters worse, as it would still further frighten the mare, held him back by main force. The only person who was not spellbound with fear was Baby Akbar. He thought it a fine joke that his mount should stand up on its hind legs and paw the air.
Hardy, the chief commissioner, was able to report an almost idyllic peace and plenty at the diggings. In the middle of July an event occurred which at once produced a violent attack of gold fever. This was the discovery of an enormous mass of virgin gold, weighing upward of one hundred pounds, by Doctor Kerr, a squatter on the Meroo Creek.
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