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 "Never doubt it; by this time the castle is almost ours."

"Oh no"—said Bimala; "there's a very particular secret about this matter."

"What's it, pray?" enquired the sentry.

"I reveal it to you, if you can compass the capture of the castle."

The sentinel prepared to listen with parted lips; Bimala feigned disinclination to speak out.

"What's the matter, eh?" impatiently asked the sentinel

"You don't know," said Bimala "that Jagat Singha is lying close to the castle with ten thousand men. Knowing that you would come here secretly, he had laid an ambush before you came. Now he wont stir, but when victory shall make you repose in fancied security, he will come up and surround you."

The sentry was struck dumb.

"How's that?" exclaimed he.

Bimala. "These tidings are not unknown to any of the inmates, and I have also heard them."

The guard was in raptures.

"My soul! this day you have made me. I'll go and tell it to the general. By bearing such important news, I shall earn a reward. Stay you here; I'll be back soon."

There was not a shadow of doubt in his mind as to the fidelity of Bimala.

"But will you come back?" asked she.

Guard. "Presently."

Bimala. "O forget me not."

Guard. "Never, never."

Bimala. "Nay, I conjure you by my life."