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Rh as all [was] completed and the expectant crowd awaited the issue in silence. The moon had already set and Madhav began half to doubt the truth of Matangini's suspicions. Just as his thoughts were taking that direction a darwan came up to him and informed him in Hindi that one of the men appointed to keep a look out, had seen a light in the direction of the "old garden" (as the mango-grove where Matangini had nearly encountered the robbers was called) and that venturing in that direction very close to the grove he had observed [several] armed men assembled in that place. "What is [your command,]" asked the man, "shall we go and attack [them]?"

["Hurry] not, Bhup Singh," replied Madhav, "it is unnecessary, and besides if you go in insufficient numbers, you will be overpowered, but if on the other hand many of you go, you leave the house unprotected, and who knows but there may be another company?"

"Is it Maharaj's pleasure, then, we remain as we are?" asked the darwan.

"Yes—but set up a shout all of you together, and let the rascals perceive how well prepared we are."

No sooner had he spoken than a long loud shout rent the midnight air. The females trembled in their apartments as they listened in awe and thought the danger near. A dismal silence succeeded the noise.

"Another shout—once more," said Madhav.

Again a similar sound shook the night. No sooner had its echoes died away, than out rose