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 "You shall do what she will command," replied the Nawab, "Honour her as a Begum. If you meet Dalani Begum, bring her along with you."

After this, they both saluted the Nawab in the proper form, and took leave of him. Shaibalini imitated the eunoch attendant in his observance of the court etiquette. Like him, she receded from the Nawab without showing her back and repeatedly saluted him, as she withdrew herself, touching the floor with her hands. The Nawab smiled at this, and said,

"Remember me, fair lady. If you are ever in difficulty, come to Mir Kashim for help."

At this, Shaibalini made a profound bow to the Nawab. She said within herself, "Of course, l shall—I shall perhaps, come to you for the settlement of my dispute with Rupashi, in respect of Pratap."

Mashibuddin got a maid-servant and a boat ready, and at the instance of Shaibalini, procured swords, daggers, guns, revolvers, bullets and powder. He did not venture to ask Shaibalini as to what she would do with them. He thought within himself that she was another Chand Sultana.

They got into the boat, and set out that very night.