Page:The Slave Girl of Agra.djvu/262

 "There is no question about their bravery, Norendra Nath; few are there among them who cannot show honourable scars received in this desperate struggle of twenty years. But the bitterness of years, ay, of centuries, between Mewar and Agra is not forgotten in a day, and the loss of Chittore still rankles in the hearts of the warriors of this land."

"But the bravest of them might have known that the Chief or King does not live in India who can wrest Chittore from the iron grasp of Akbar."

"Yet Chittore was once before taken by Moslems, and wrested from them by Rajputs, three hundred years ago. What was done once the sons of Mewar hope to do again."

"The Rana himself knows better and wisely accepted the peace, because Chittore is beyond hopes of recovery."

"The Rana accepted the peace not without a struggle. Canst thou keep a secret, Norendra Nath?"

"I have done so before, Prince, and may be able to do so again."

"Well, it is scarcely a secret, for few Rajputs there are who do not know it. Rana Amar Singh has seen too much of the realities of war, even from his childhood, to like it much. In his heart of hearts he welcomed the Emperor's offer of an honourable peace. But there was something which stood in the way."

"The fear of offending his father's old companions and counsellors?"

"The fear of breaking his word of promise to his father."

"Ha?"