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 that she was being taken to the castle in obedience to the Royal command to bring the Begum, she at once understood that the Englishmen had taken away with them no other person than the Begum herself. Shaibalini was thinking what she should say.

"Have you seen the Begum?" inquired the Nawab impatiently, finding Shaibalini silent.

"Yes, I have," was Shaibalini's brief reply.

Nawab. Where did you see her?

Shaibalini. At the place where we had been last night.

Nawab. What place is that? Is it Pratap's house?

Shaibalini. Yes, if it pleases you.

Nawab. Do you know where the Begum has gone?

Shaibalini. Two Englishmen have taken her away.

"What do you say?" inquired the Nawab in painful surprise.

Shaibalini repeated what she had said. The Nawab was struck dumb in surprise and indignation. He began to bite his lips and pull up his beards in violent agitation. He ordered to