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 heart—you are my witness. If any other person's deposition is necessary, ask that Englishman and he will say whether my story is true or not."

Thereupon, the Nawab asked Foster,

"What do you say—is the maid-servant's story true? You had been with Amyatt, and you have just now said that Englishmen do not tell lies."

Foster gave out what he actually knew about Dalani Begum. His statement convinced every one, present there, that Dalani was absolutely stainless. Mahammad Taki remained silent, with down-cast eyes.

Chandra Shekhar then stepped forward and thus addressed himself to the Nawab,

"My lord, I can also testify to what the maid-servant has said. I am that very hermit, who came to your Begum’s help, on the isolated bank of the Ganges."

Kulsam immediately recognised him and said,

"Yes, it is he, indeed!"

Chandra Shekhar now said to the Nawab,

"My lord, if this Englishman is truthful, pray, ask him one or two more questions."

The Nawab understood what Chandra Shekhar had meant and said,