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 that is why I said all these. But I have another prayer."

"What is it?"

"Would you take me to the field along with you?"

"Why? Do you mean to fight yourself? Tell me, I would then dismiss Gurgan Khan and appoint you instead.

Dalani was again put to the blush, and this time she could not speak. "Why do you like to accompany me," inquired Mir Kasim in an affectionate tone.

"Because I shall be with you," replied Dalani suavely, with a charming earnestness.

Mir Kasim declined. Nothing could persuade him to accede to her wishes. Dalani then said, with a gentle smile, "My lord! you know to read the future, pray see, where shall I be during the war?"

"Very well, let me have pen and ink," said Mir Kasim with a smile.

The attending maid, being asked by Dalani, brought in the golden case of pen and ink.

Mir Kasim had learnt astrology from the Hindus. As instructed, he put down some figures,