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 contracted her eye-brows, and said with striking firmness, "My lord, if I fail, I shall meet death—that won't affect anybody. But if I be successful, I shall gain my own object and you yours."

The contracted eye-brows of Shaibalini, which lent a peculiar grace to her countenance, convinced the Nawab that she was not an ordinary woman. He thought within himself, "Let her go. If she succeeds so much the better, if not, Mahammud Taki will accomplish the object, at Murshidabad." He then said to Shaibalini, "Would you go alone?"

"I am a woman, I shall not be able to go alone. If you will be so kind to me, please order a maid-servant and an armed man to accompany me," replied Shaibalini entreatingly.

The Nawab remained silent for a while, and then ordered to call in his presence Mashibuddin, a faithful, strong and courageous eunoch attendant. The man came there, and made his obeisance to his Royal master. The Nawab said to him, "Immediately set out, with this lady, in a small boat, for Murshidabad. Take along with you some arms, which she may select, and a Hindu maid-servant."

"What duty shall I have to perform at Murshidabad?" inquired Mashibuddin respectfully.