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 so long she was free; afterwards, some sentinel on the roof might chance to come that way. Deciding this, she again set on to talk.

"Why have you entered the castle, Sir?"

"We sent a messenger to Virendra Singha," answered Osman Khan, "requesting him to side with us. In return, he has challenged us to enter the castle with our soldiers."

"Because the master of the castle, I understand you to say"—said Bimala, "has refused to ally himself with your people and has sided with the Mogals, therefore you have come to capture it. But I see you are alone."

Osman. "At present I am so."

"Perhaps it is for this very reason," asked Bimala "that you are preventing my going."

This was said with the vain hope of escaping from the hands of the Pathan, who, she thought, would feel piqued at the imputation of cowardice and prove his valour by making way for her.

"Fair one," replied Osman with a smile, "you have nothing to be afraid of, except your side-glance. I have no very great fear even of that. But I have a suit to you."

Bimala felt curious, and fastened her look on Osman Khan's face.

"Pray, kindly oblige me," said Osman, "by giving me the key which is tied up in the corner of your sheet. I should hesitate to insult you by laying my hands on your person."

"That's very fine!" replied Bimala, gently laughing. "Were you not but a moment before ready to crush my body by hurling me down?"