Page:The Slave Girl of Agra.djvu/194

 A bullet from the red ramparts could scarcely have startled Noren more. He knew that voice, and he knew those snake-like glistening eyes under the disguise. The wood-cutter went his way, and then as if listlessly, he followed in the same direction.

Not a mile from the gate of the fort there was a thick wood. The wood-cutter disappeared in the darkest part of the jungle, and Noren followed close.

"Thou hast been true to thy word," said Jelekha, casting off her disguise. "I knew it, for the light of truth shone in thy eyes. But may Heaven protect us to-night, for the blood-hounds of the palace are on our track."

"I have faced the blood-hounds of war before, Jelekha; nor has an Emperor's messenger anything to fear from the base menials of the palace."

"Thou little knowest the menials, young soldier. The Emperor's sons are not safe from them."

"Whom dost thou dread, Jelekha? That hideous eunuch, Musroor?"

"Musroor will not trouble us for some time. I have laid him on his soft bed, which he will not leave for another month. But all the eunuchs are comrades in intrigue and foul deeds. They scent their prey, they stalk him in the dark."

"Let them bark as they may. Before yon eastern sky is glowing with the crimson dawn Noren will be in the midst of his faithful guards."

"Yes, if he lives until the crimson dawn. Hark!"

A low whistle rang through the woods. Soldier as he was Noren shuddered. He drew closer to Jelekha, held her in his strong left arm, and laid his right hand on his sword.

The whistle was repeated. One or two men were