With deep assurance of gratitude from Ned, the lads again took refuge in
the shrubs, delighted with the result of their interview.

"I do hope that the old one will bring us something to eat, Ned. I am as
hungry as a hunter! That ranee's a brick, isn't she?"

Two hours later a step was heard coming down the garden, and a woman came
and lit some lamps in the pavilion, and again retired. Then in another ten
minutes the ranee and her confidante made their appearance. The former
took her seat on the couch in the pavilion, the latter remained outside
the circle of light, and clapped her hands softly. In a minute the boys
stood before her. She held out a basket of provisions, and a bundle of
clothes.

"Put these wraps on over your uniforms," she said; "then if we should be
surprised, no one will be any the wiser."

The boys retired, hastily ate some food, then wrapped themselves in the
long folds of cotton which form the principal garment of native women of
the lower class, and went forward to the pavilion.

The ranee laughed outright.

"How clumsy you are!" she said. "Ahrab, do arrange them a little more like
women."

Ahrab adjusted their robes, and brought one end over their heads, so that
it could, if necessary, be pulled over the face at a moment's notice.

The ranee then motioned to them to sit down upon two cushions near her;