king would have a large body of retainers with him. Matchlock men showed
at the windows and on the roof, and things looked awkward for the little
troop of cavalry. Captain Hodgson rode forward, however, without
hesitation, and struck on the great gate. A window by the side of the gate
opened, and he was asked what was wanted.

"I am come to take, and to carry into Delhi, the ex-king and his family.
It is better to submit quietly, for if I have to force my way in, every
soul in the place will be put to the sword."

In two minutes the postern opened, and a closely veiled figure made her
appearance.

"I am the Begum," she said. And Captain Hodgson bent in acknowledgment
that the favorite wife of the man who was yesterday regarded as the
emperor of India, stood before him.

"The king will surrender," she said, "if you will promise that his life
shall be spared; if not, he will defend himself to the last, and will die
by his own hand."

"Defense would be useless," Captain Hodgson said. "The force I have would
suffice amply to carry the place; and if it did not, in three hours any
reinforcements I could ask for would be here. I have no authority to give
such a promise."

"If you give the promise it will be kept," the Begum said. "If you refuse,
the king will shoot himself when the first soldier passes the gate."

Captain Hodgson hesitated. It was true that he had no authority to make