Page:The Slave Girl of Agra.djvu/244

 "And should we appear as purchasers, a hundred thousand rupees would have to be paid as purchase money at the treasury of Rajmahal?"

"That sum, my Master, and a great deal more. A great estate does not pass from one House to another without a large Salami and various other expenses. I reckon the cost at two or three hundred thousand, but Birnagar is worth that." A gleam was in Gokul Das's wicked eye.

"And thinkest thou our treasure vaults hide that large sum?"

"Trust your faithful servant to find the money. Our vaults are full, and our credit is high. The money-lenders, living in their obscure shops in the Bazaar, fatten on interest; and they will gladly part with some of their bags on the security of the estate of Debipur."

"Is there time, dost thou think, to negotiate with them?"

"The negotiation has been made, dear Master, and they have written to their branch houses at Rajmahal to advance us as much as we may require. They shall receive repayment here when I return."

"Wonderful old man, thy foresight is faultless, thy arrangements are perfect! All that is needful is done?"

"All that is needful is done, save obtaining my Master's orders, which I hoped to do at Rajmahal. But my wise Master has anticipated my plans, and, I understand, accords his approval."

"I desire, Gokul Das," replied Sirish, weighing every word he uttered, "I desire that we should pay from our own vaults—"

"I knew it, I knew it, my beloved Master Sirish,