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 dilated and quivered; he bit his nether lip. When he was brought up, Katlu Khan said,

"Virendra Singha, this day I will try you for treason. Why did you assume a hostile attitude towards me?"

Virendra's face reddened. He suppressed his anger and said,

"Let me first know what I have done?"

"Be more respectful, Sir," said a courtier

"Why didn't you," asked Katlu Khan, "send me men and money?"

"You are a rebel," replied the undaunted Virendra; "one might well call you a robber. Wherefore should I give you money; wherefore supply you with troops?"

The spectators perceived that Virendra was preparing his own ruin.

Katlu Khan's frame shook with passion; but he had learnt to master his emotions with promptitude.

"Living in my domains," said he somewhat calmly, "why did you join the Mogul?"

"And where are your domains, may I enquire?" asked Virendra.

"Listen, miscreant," exclaimed Katlu Khan in a rage, "Listen, varlet, you shall meet your deserts. You could hope for your life; but you are mad. Your pride has undone you."

"Katlu Khan," said Virendra laughing scornfully, "when I came before you, I never expected mercy at your hands; and what's the earthly need of a life saved through the mercy of an enemy like you? If you could rest satisfied with only taking my life, I would gladly lay it down, wishing you well. But you have stained me and mine; my life of life you have—"