"Do you say an English army will come soon?" Ahrab said doubtfully. "Men
say the English Raj is gone forever."

"It is not true," Ned said. "England has not begun to put out her strength
yet. She can send tens of thousands of soldiers, and the great chiefs of
the Punjab have all declared for her. Already Delhi is besieged, and an
army is gathering at Allahabad to march hither. It may be quickly; it may
be slowly; but in the end the English rule will be restored, her enemies
will be destroyed, and her friends rewarded. But I know," he went on,
turning to the ranee, "that it needs not a thought of this to influence
you, and that in your kind heart compassion alone will suffice to secure
us your protection."

The ranee laughed again.

"You are only a boy," she said, "but you have learned to flatter. Now tell
us how you got here."

"Your highness," Ahrab interrupted, "I had better send all the others in,
for they might surprise us. Let these young sahibs hide themselves again;
then we will go in, and I will call in your attendants. Later, when it is
dusk, you will plead heat, and come out here with me again, and then I can
bring some robes to disguise the sahibs; that is, if your highness has
resolved to aid them."

"I think I have resolved that, Ahrab," the ranee said. "You have heard,
young sahibs; retire now, and hide. When the sun has set we will be here
again."