"Of a truth I know not. I never yet knew Mahommed Gunga to give an
order without good reason for it; but beyond that he chose me, because
he said the task might prove difficult and he trusted me, I know
nothing."

"Have you no idea of the reason?"

"Miss-sahib, I am a soldier. To me an order is an order to be carried
out; suspicions, fears are nothing unless they stand in the way of
accomplishment. I await your word. I am ready. The horses are here--
good horses--lean and hard. The order is that you must ask me."

"Thank you--er--Ali what?--thank you, Ali Partab." The
disappointment in her voice was scarcely more noticeable than the
despondency her drooping figure showed. The little shoulders that had
sat so square and gallantly seemed to have lost their strength, and
there was none of the determined ring left in the words she hesitated
for. "I--hope you will understand that I am grateful--but--I
cannot--er--see my way just yet to--"

"In your good time, Miss-sahib. I was ordered to have patience!"

"At least I will have more confidence, knowing that you are always
close at hand."

The Rajput bowed. She reined back. He saluted, and she bowed again;
then, with a glance to make sure that Joanna followed, she started back
at little more than a walking pace--a dejected wraith of a girl on a
dejected-looking pony, too overcome by the upsetting of her rebellious