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Rh said, "With your permission, Sir, I am also willing to do the Emperor's business."

"Ah! why shouldn't it be so?" said Man Singha with complacence. "Now, I know the day is yet distant when the name of either Rajput or Mogal will be a thing of the past. So you are all ready to undertake this perilous task? Now, whom shall I select?"

"Maharaj," replied a courtier laughing, "'tis fortunate that so many have come forward. Pray, Sir, make the most of this competition, and select him who agrees to take the fewest men."

"Aye!" replied the Raja, "this is sound advice." He then asked the first that had volunteered, "With what number are you willing to go?"

"With fifteen thousand, so please you."

"Nay, that can't be. If fifteen thousand were detached, a sufficient number would not be left behind. What gallant is ready to take ten thousand?"

The officers were silent. At length Yasovantha Singha, a Rajput warrior and favorite of the Raja, solicited his permission to be placed in command. The Raja now began to eye them round with satisfaction. Prince Jagat Singha had been standing courting his glance, and as the Raja's gaze fell on him, he humbly said,

"Maharaj, under your favor, with the help of five thousand, I can engage to drive away Katlu Khan to the other side of the Subarnarekha."

Man Singha was struck dumb; the officers began to whisper to one another. "My son," said he after a while, "I know you are the pride of the Rajput race, but, child, you are rash."