I know not what I wish or what I would do. Six months ago I felt
certain. Now I doubt. It seemed to me that in a day the English
Raj would be swept away. How could it be otherwise when the whole
army that had conquered India for them were against them? I knew
they were brave, but we have never lacked bravery. How could I tell
that they would fight one against a hundred?
"But come, let us go on. Por Sing is expecting you. I told him that
I knew that one from the garrison would come out to treat with him
privately tonight, and he is expecting you, though he does not know
who may come."
Ten minutes walking, and they approached a large tent surrounded
by several smaller ones. A sentry challenged when they approached,
but on Rujub giving his name, he at once resumed his walk up and
down, and Rujub, followed by Bathurst, advanced and entered the
tent. The Zemindar was seated on a divan smoking a hookah. Rujub
bowed, but not with the deep reverence of one approaching his
superior.
"He is here," he said.
"Then you were not mistaken, Rujub?"
"How could I be when I knew?" Rujub said. "I have done what I
said, and have brought him straight to you. That was all I had to
do with it; the rest is for your highness."
"I would rather that you should be present," Por Sing said, as
Rujub turned to withdraw.
"No," the latter replied; "in this matter it is for you to
decide. I know not the Nana's wishes, and your highness must take
the responsibility.
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