fairly overflowing, "I cannot tell thee; danger I fear not for thee,
but for thy honour and the fame of a noble house I do fear. Do not
ask me more; when the Queen tells all to thee thou wilt know how to
act. Now go forth into the audience hall, and sit there. Many have
come to see thee, and may tell thee somewhat of the common gossip;
but the opinions of an old woman like me are little worth, and I have
said already that I am under promise to tell thee nothing. She, the
Queen-mother, loves thee, Meeah, and she is wise beyond the wisdom of
men. Now go, and forget what I have said."
We do not suppose that Abbas Khan's mind was much assured by this
mystery. Arrival at home, after a long and painful absence, is a time
to look for sympathy and for a joyous welcome; yet, after his aunt's
loving reception, there ensued a painful reticence which was entirely
unexpected, and foreboded something intensely disagreeable, if not
positively dangerous. But this depression did not last long, and gloomy
thoughts disappeared before the pleasant gossip of the crowd of
visitors who poured in as the day drew on. How much he had to hear of
old companions, of their fortunes and misfortunes, of political events,
and the progress of public affairs! He expected, perhaps, some allusion
to his own proceedings; but, beyond congratulation on his recovery
from his wound, nothing was said of any moment, or that could excite
the smallest suspicion; and, so far, he was assured. The Queen would
return from Torwéh in the evening, and had convened a full Court for
to-morrow, in which some business of importance was to be transacted,
but what it was had not transpired.
So after his visitors had departed, Abbas went into the small mosque
for the afternoon prayer; and this finished, he strolled into the
garden, where the priest and his sister awaited him with profuse thanks
at the comforts he had bestowed upon them, and the kind hospitality of
his aunt.
"Maria has been with her a long time," said her brother, "and she
presses us to stay; but we feel that Christians residing in a Moslim's
house would be out of place and inconvenient to you, and in this
bigoted city might bring obloquy upon you. We have, therefore, made
arrangements with the artist, Miguel de Furtado, whom you kindly sent
to us, to lodge with him. And as, by order of the Queen, an empty
mansion, which lies close to this garden, has been given him to reside
in, we shall all be able to live together in comfort. His wife, and
sister, and children are with him; and among them and others, our
countrymen, we shall live happily, so long as our presence is needed,
and with your permission, noble Khan, we will remove there in the
evening."
Indeed, it was an arrangement which suited every one. There was
evidently truth in the good Padré's remark, that obloquy might attach
itself to Abbas Khan's family if they entertained a Christian priest
and his sister as guests. Miguel Furtado was a person much respected,
and was then employed in the decoration of the chambers of the Asar
Mahal, and was treated with much consideration. He had originally been
a stenciller of ceilings and room panels in his native country, and
had been engaged at Goa; but the Royal offers from Beejapoor were too
attractive to be refused, and when decoration there became fashionable,
he found ample employment and remuneration for his work in the palaces
and private mansions of the city; and the paintings still to be seen in
the Asar Mahal, though sorely faded and obliterated, are yet distinct
enough to be easily followed.
The muezzins had barely proclaimed the evening call to prayer from
the mosques around, including that in his own garden, when he was
informed that one of the messengers of the Palace desired to see him;
and, bidding his friends farewell for the present, Abbas Khan returned
to the house, and in his own private apartment awaited the Queen's
message. The Mirdha, or Court usher, who delivered it, seemed as
mysterious as everyone else. He looked right and left, then over his
shoulder, to see if any one followed, made a profound obeisance, and,
stooping down and covering his mouth with his scarf, whispered,--
"The Queen Mother desires to see you, my lord, about the first watch of
the night, when the night council is over; but you are to come before
that, and be in attendance in case you are wanted. Perhaps," added the
man, "my lord had better come well armed, though not so as to excite
suspicion, and with a few followers."
"I thank thee for thy caution, Meer Sahib," said the young Khan.
"Surely thou wert ever careful of me, even when I was a wild boy; and
now cares come on me, and warnings of danger which are not to be put
aside heedlessly."
"Nay, God forbid there should be danger to my lord, and in presence of
the asylum of the world," replied the man; "but precaution is needful
in one who has enemies, and the passages of the Palace have not been
safe on some occasions."
"Good!" returned the young man, "I will be careful. And the Queen is
well?"
"She rode to-day, my lord, as she did when she was a girl with her
husband of blessed memory, and brought back her hawk's quarry. Ay! and
when she spoke of old times to us as we sat by her side, there were
many eyes wet with tears. And what should we do here, my lord, with
Dekhanies and Abyssinians ever ready to fly at each other's throats,
and duels in the streets as common as ordinary greetings, but for her?"
"Between Dekhanies and Abyssinians?" asked Abbas Khan.
"Nay, not so much, but among themselves; and the Dekhanies have been
the worst by far. 'Twas only a few days ago that nine of them, Bhylmees
and Siah Chuttrees, were lying dead and dying between the citadel and
the great well; and one survived, who will be tried in the Adalut, and
we hope beheaded for an example. The Queen has vowed to put an end to
this shameless license. But I must depart, my lord. Fail not to come,
and I will be ready at the entrance of the private audience room to
await you."
"I will be there without fail, Meer Sahib, and will be cautious," was
the reply. Abbas Khan saw at once that more than ordinary care was
necessary. Before the Queen, indeed, there might be no danger; and
yet even her presence or the King's was no safeguard against deeds of
violence; but in the precincts of the palace, and especially at night,
there was little security, save that which resulted from a man's own
personal bravery and caution. As the time drew near, then, at which he
must proceed to the palace, Abbas Khan dressed himself with unusual
care, selecting a very light but extremely flexible shirt of Italian
chain mail of exquisite temper, completely dagger proof, which he
could wear under his ordinary costume without chance of notice, and
the lightly-quilted yellow satin tunic, indeed, completely concealed
it. Into the folds of his turban also he twisted a chain of steel
links, which could not be noticed, and which protected his head. Thus
secure in his person, a light sabre usually worn at Court completed
his equipment; and a rich brocaded muslin scarf tied round his waist,
and a handsome Cashmere shawl over his shoulders, formed a costume
appropriate to his first visit to his Royal mistress. From the house
guard of spearmen he took six, and his trusty standard-bearer, Yasin
Khan, with four others of the household cavalry, composed his escort.
He had inquired about the men who had been with him in the skirmish,
but only a few had returned home, reporting him dead, and had been sent
on to his uncle with other drafts for the main army, which was still
in the field. Of the rest he could hear nothing, but he trusted to
discover them as time wore on; though it was only too probable they had
joined the rebel forces of Eyn-ool-Moolk and the young Prince.
From his house to the main gate of the citadel was only a short
distance; and though it was dark, the light from his two torches borne
before him was ample. As he entered the citadel by the bridge over the
ditch, the gloomy, narrow passage and traverses were lighted up by the
torches, though the dark battlements above seemed to frown upon him as
he passed under the lofty archway of the gate. Within, the officers of
the guard, whom he knew, greeted him kindly and with a hearty welcome;
and he passed the deserted Hindoo college and the streets which led
up to the Palace itself, meeting crowds of accountants and officials
of all degrees on their way home after the labours of the day. Not far
beyond the gate of the Royal treasury the old messenger who had brought
the Queen's order advanced to direct him, and informed him that the
Queen was in her private audience chamber with some of the Executive
Ministers, and that he was to wait in the ante-chamber till he should
be called; and bidding the groom in charge walk his horse about till
he should require it, and his escort to keep together, Abbas Khan
dismounted, and entered the door which led to the Queen's apartments.
He was in no humour to converse, though the loquacious old Mirdha, and
others of his acquaintance, crowded around him with humble greetings.
Strive as he would, Abbas Khan felt as if he were approaching some
crisis in his life which he could not avert, and to which--even though
it might be death--he must, as a true Moslim and soldier of the State,
submit without question. Several of the Ministerial officers passed out
as he sat: the Peshkar, or Hindoo Ministers of Revenue and Finance,
with their bundles of papers tied up in coarse red cloth; the head
judges, civil and criminal; the Superintendent of Public Works, and
the Kotwal, or head of the police of the city, with his deputies; the
Secretary of Correspondence, and others--the whole representing an
immense mass of public business of many kinds. But every night, ere
she slept, the Royal lady had heard and passed her orders upon all,
and signed the documents and warrants presented to her. It was some
labour for a woman, mentally as well as physically, for during the
whole of every day, from early morning till the afternoon, with but
little intermission, the current business of the State was constantly
before the Queen. No accounts were kept more accurately than those of
the State as to its revenues; and though there might be laxity in some
respects if contrasted with a modern standard, yet in the main it was
systematic and regular, and the old revenue settlements of Beejapoor
often met with in the country are more minute and more practically
useful than can easily be credited.
Abbas Khan had not to wait long before the first watch of the night had
sounded from the gongs of the citadel; the curtain of the Royal chamber
was drawn aside by the eunuch in waiting, and he was directed to enter
into "the presence." All the Ministerial officers had withdrawn, but
the blind and venerable Ekhlas Khan, Hyat Khan, the head Kotwal of
the city, who had first denounced Eyn-ool-Moolk's conspiracy, and
had rendered service during the short rebellion, and Kureen-oo-dein
Chishtee, the head of the orthodox religious party in Beejapoor, who
was the Queen's spiritual adviser as well as the King's, and might
be termed keeper of the Royal conscience--a man from his calling and
position bigoted, but in the main just and reasonable as he was
eminently charitable and benevolent. All these persons were seated
near the cushion which formed the throne, and seemed to be in earnest
conversation with the Queen as Abbas Khan entered, and with the
necessary respectful salutation kissed the foot of the throne thrice,
and, presenting the hilt of his sword to his Royal mistress, stood
before her in an attitude of humble expectancy, as the Queen, with a
gracious smile, bade him welcome.
CHAPTER IV.
THE EVENTS OF A DAY.--_Continued._
The Queen was seated in her usual place in the beautiful room which
Abbas Khan had known from his childhood, and where for years he had
been the fellow-student and joyous playmate of the King. She was
dressed in her usual Court costume, a white muslin robe of the Persian
fashion, with a filmy white muslin scarf over her head, lightly edged
with gold tissue ribbon, which, passing over her head, hung down
over her right arm. She was not unveiled entirely, but the almost
transparent muslin, of which the covering of her face was composed,
allowed her features to be distinctly visible to those who sat near
her. They seemed to the young man even softer and more tenderly
beautiful than they had appeared in her hunting dress; and though
he had been long absent, he did not observe any change, for she was
to him, in his intense love and admiration for his foster-mother,
the most beautiful woman, in his eyes, that he had ever seen. There
was no alteration in the Royal seat, in the room whose clustered
shafts, rising from the corners and sides in slender columns of the
whitest polished stucco, looked like marble, and spread out into the
bewildering tracery of the roof, while the spaces between the shafts
were covered with the most delicate arabesque patterns, portions of
which shone with burnished gold. There was no perceptible change in
those who sat before him; was the difference then in himself, that all,
except the Queen herself, appeared to regard him with suspicion?
"Be seated, Abbas Khan," said the Queen, in her soft, low voice. And
with a courteous reverence to each of those present, which he was now
at liberty to make, and which was kindly returned, the young Khan took
his seat below the rest.
"Thou hast none but elders and friends to listen to thee," continued
the Queen; "friends of thy father and uncle; tell them and me in what
manner Elias Khan was slain, and why thou took refuge in Juldroog."
"If I might hear any accusation there is against me first, I might
reply the better," answered Abbas Khan. "Nevertheless, if this be
withheld from me, I am not ashamed to tell my Queen and mother, and my
elders, the truth, as the Lord knoweth."
"Conceal nothing, my son," said the Queen, gently. "Even if thou hast
chanced to err, speak freely and truly."
"Ye all know," he continued, addressing Hyat Khan, the chief Kotwal,
"how Elias Khan was surprised by our lord the King, and how, as he did
to Eyn-ool-Moolk, in the generosity of his heart, Elias was released.
Ye all know, too, how he fled to Eyn-ool-Moolk and the Prince Ismail.
Then he became a declared rebel."
We need not, perhaps, follow the young Khan's narrative of the skirmish
in which Elias Khan was slain by him, nor the subsequent events which
have already been detailed; nor how he declared he had been sick unto
death, while he was living with his cousin, Osman Beg, till relieved by
a holy Dervish, and afterwards a Portuguese padré, who had been sent
to Juldroog by Dilawer Khan, of Moodgul, and whom he had brought with
him under the order of the Queen herself. The young man's narrative was
clear and distinct, and the frank manner in which it was given carried
with it conviction of its truth to all who heard it.
"Yet," said Hyat Khan, "it was believed, it is believed, that thou wert
the traitor, and slew Elias Khan treacherously, because he was thy
rival."
"And," added the priest, with a scornful sniff, "that thou hast
been consorting with the Nazarene woman, who is a reputed witch and
sorceress."
Abbas Khan looked from one to another of the speakers, by turns,
with amazement, his fair face flushing with excitement. "Who are my
accusers?" he asked. "I can reply only to them on these points, and I
pray the Royal justice that I may be confronted with them, and then
let Alla judge. As to the Christian lady, let my Queen-mother examine
herself; to me she is as a mother or a sister--a holy woman devoted to
the service of God by her vows, as her brother is by his."
"As-tagh-fur-oolla! may God forbid!" exclaimed the priest,
contemptuously; "as if a Nazarene infidel could devote herself to God!
Touba! Touba!"
"While she was in Juldroog," retorted Abbas Khan, with some bitterness,
"she was the guest of the holy Syud and his granddaughter, who lived
below the fort, while I, weak as I was, resided on the top of the
mountain, with my cousin. Till she had been sent for and welcomed by my
aunt, the Lady Fatima, I had never seen her face, for she was always
closely veiled."
"And she is in thy house still," cried the priest, with a sneer.
"Not so, holy father," was the quiet reply; "as soon as accommodation
could be provided for them they went to the house of Miguel Furtado,
the painter; and they are there now, waiting the Queen's pleasure."
"They say, too," said Ekhlas Khan, "that thou left thy people to be
slain by rebels, and fled like a coward!"
"A coward! Nay, there are few living who dare use that word before me;
but I respect their age and infirmity, noble Khan, and am silent. Nay,
think; had I been a coward could I have slain Elias Khan? He was no
puny antagonist; and could I have borne the wound I bear here," and he
pointed to his breast, "had I been a coward?"
"Did he speak to thee?" asked Hyat Khan.
"He cursed me as he struck at me," replied Abbas Khan. "And it was a
fair blow, sirs, as one would give in fight to another; but he spoke no
more, for I clove him to the breast, and he fell dead from his horse.
For many days I could not sleep, for he seemed ever present, with his
dying look of hate; but the Syud Dervish gave me an exorcism which I
wear, and that has delivered me from him. I have yet ceremonies to
perform, as I vowed, at thy holy shrine, Huzrut," he continued to the
priest, "and I will not delay them."
"An exorcism!" exclaimed the priest, "and from a poor Dervish; may I
see it?"
"It hath never seen the light since he gave it to me, Huzrut," said
the young man, respectfully; "but one so reverend and so learned as
thou art may see it," and he unloosed it from a cord by which it was
suspended round his neck. The paper was enclosed in a thin sheet of
silver, which was easily opened, and the priest looked at the diagram
and figures with wonder and admiration.
"No novice hath written this, but the writing is that of age. Happy is
the possessor of it, for unto him can come no evil of man's device,"
said the priest, reverently placing the paper to his lips, his
forehead, and his breast. "And a Dervish wrote it? Who is he, living in
so lonely a place unknown?"
"He told me who he was, Huzrut, and I have no concealment to make. He
is a State prisoner since the time of the first King, Ibrahim, by whom
he was blinded, and has lived----"
"Protection of God!" interrupted the priest and Ekhlas Khan, in a
breath. "Can it be the learned Syud Ahmed Ali, the physician?"
"Even so," replied Abbas Khan. "I was to speak of him to the Queen, and
interest her in his fate; and I do so, most gracious mother, now;" and
the young man rose, kissed the foot of the throne, and stood with his
hand folded in an attitude of supplication.
"He is forgiven," she said, firmly, "since, under the help of Alla, he
saved thee, my son. There will be many who remember him."
"Yes, many," said Ekhlas Khan. "I am one of his contemporaries who well
remember how he was most trusted of all save the King, who, after he
had banished the blind Syud, was never sane again."
"And he is blind, too, Abbas Khan! Merciful God! and hath passed forty
years in that prison," said the Queen, from whose eyes tears of pity
were stealing.
"Quite blind, mother; but he can write, as the priest has seen; and he
hath a child, a granddaughter, who leads him about, as he doeth works
of charity."
"We will send for them, Inshalla! to-morrow, and Osman Beg shall be
directed to forward them with all honour. As far as can be, the sin of
my house to him shall be redeemed. You will see to this, Hyat Khan?"
"Your orders are on my head and eyes," he returned, respectfully;
"nothing shall be left undone. But will your Majesty, refuge of the
world, pass orders on the Khan's case?"
"I see no order to pass, Hyat Khan," returned the Queen; "surely ye are
satisfied?"
"We may be, but the people will not be," said the Kotwal, decidedly.
"There is a blood feud now between the people of Elias Khan and Abbas
Khan. Put thought of him aside, O noble lady, and prevent bloodshed,
a renewal of the old scenes which brought the kingdom to the verge of
ruin. There is a public durbar to-morrow, let the case be decided; I
have force enough to prevent riot."
"I beg to represent," humbly said the fiery young Khan, who could
hardly restrain himself as he bowed reverently before the throne,
"let there be no doubt so far as I am concerned. I claim the ancient
privilege of all accused persons, that, to clear my honour from stain,
I shall be allowed the trial of ordeal. I am alone, except my poor
stupid standard-bearer, Yasin. One follower, Jumal, died of his wounds
at Narrainpoor, and one, Runga Naik, the Beydur, is far away in his
own country; and as he is a Hindoo," he added, turning to the priest,
"he might not be believed. I am alone before God, and to Him I commit
myself. Do not hinder me, friends and elders; ye know I am right."
"No! no! no!" cried the Queen, stretching out her hands in turns to all
around her; "let there be no duel, let not blood be shed. As ye love
me, as ye love the King, let there be no duel; it will but increase the
feud!"
"It cannot be avoided, lady," said the priest and Ekhlas Khan, speaking
almost together. "This will be no brawling duel, but a solemn appeal to
the All Just to decide the truth. It is a custom of the State which no
one, not even the King himself, would dare to infringe. If I know his
brave uncle's heart, he will be the first to rejoice that Abbas Khan
offered of himself to undertake the risk."
"But," added Hyat Khan, "let there be no precipitancy, no previous
challenge, which would cause new irritation. Let the issue rest upon
the events of the durbar to-morrow, when, though rough words may be
spoken, there can be no violence, and even the need may pass away. In
any case, there is the sanctuary of the Ark if the Khan claims it.
"God forbid I should do so!" returned Abbas Khan. "The sanctuary is but
for cowards, who have doubtful hearts; whatever be my fate, it is the
judgment of the Lord, and I have faced it too often to fear. Mother! my
noble Queen, be just, and deny not to me what is the privilege of all,
even the meanest."
"Thou art weak, Abbas Khan," she said; "thy wound is still tender."
"It would take little to prove to thee that I am strong enough,
mother," he said, with a smile; and, advancing to the foot of the
throne, he took up both the heavy silver lampstands and held them out
at arms length without trembling.
"Well done! well done! 'tis the feat of an athlete," cried the priest.
"With a strong arm and that holy amulet he is safe, O lady; let it be
as he wishes."
"Put your hand on my head, my noble mother," said Abbas Khan, "and fear
not. Give me thy blessing as thou didst the first time I went into the
field; and if I live, believe me true and honest; if I die, rejoice
that Alla hath so dealt with one faithless and a coward. Mother, may I
come near?"
"Come," she said, though she was weeping. "Chand Beebee commits thee to
God;" and as he knelt down and put his head into her lap, she laid her
hands solemnly upon it, and her lips moved; but they who watched her
saw she was too much affected to speak.
"And now, friends," she continued, after a while, and as Abbas Khan
took his seat once more, "we thank ye for your aid to-night, for your
aid and your direction, and ye have liberty to depart. Bring the pán
and atar," she called to the eunuch without, and in a few moments all
had received their dismissal, and rose to depart, Abbas Khan giving
the precedence to his elders, and assisting the blind Ekhlas Khan to
descend the steps of the Royal chamber. Outside, in the street, were
the palanquins and horses, with the attendants of the councillors; and
one by one they departed, the priest saying as he took his seat in his
litter, "Only satisfy me about the Christian woman, Abbas Khan, and I
am your friend for ever. Alas! they are but too beautiful I hear."
"Let to-morrow pass, Huzrut," was the reply. "If I am spared thou shalt
believe me true as my father, thy friend, was before me."
"Ameen!" said the holy man. "Ameen! may it be so."
For a minute or two Hyat Khan, who had a large retinue, stood
conversing with the young Khan, suggesting that he should see him
safely home. But this he gracefully declined, and Hyat Khan had put his
horse in motion to give his companion room, and Abbas Khan's retinue
had moved on into his place and awaited their master's coming. There
was no one near Abbas Khan but his groom, who was holding the horse's
head, and an attendant, who held out the stirrup for him to mount; his
old friend the Mirdha and two or three of the eunuchs were looking on.
Suddenly a man of tall and powerful frame appeared to leap from behind
a buttress of the building, and exclaiming, "Elias sends you this!"
struck at the young Khan with all his force. The blow was so powerfully
dealt that his intended victim, helpless from his position, staggered,
and, as his horse plunged, fell to the ground. Many who saw the
transaction thought he had been slain, and for an instant the assassin
was in the grasp of several of the eunuchs and others, but he shook
them off with ease, and fled into the dark recesses of the citadel,
where concealment was easy, or whence he might leap from the wall and
swim the ditch, and so escape into the city. A few men with torches
followed him, but returned after a vain search.
Had it not been for the shirt of mail, Abbas Khan had never spoken
more, for the assassin's dagger would have reached his heart. As it
was, except feeling a severe bruise, the young man was unhurt; but
the shock had caused his old wound to bleed in some degree, and the
warm blood, trickling down his chest, warned him to obtain assistance
as soon as possible, and the good Padré was close at hand. As he was
about to mount his horse one of Hyat Khan's attendants, looking on the
ground, had found the assassin's dagger, and it was at once recognised
by all. The point had broken off with the force of the blow, and was
found where Abbas Khan had stood. As Hyat Khan examined the weapon, he
declared it to be that of Yacoot, the chief retainer of Elias Khan,
and commander of his body guard, who was a native Abyssinian, and had
brought the weapon from his own country.
"He cannot elude me," said the Kotwal to Abbas Khan. "Ruffian as he
is he hath long been notorious for his crimes and violence. But thou
hast had a narrow escape, my friend, and mayest thank the Lord and thy
good mail for thy life; but, hark! the Queen calls; go, I will wait for
thee," and, ushered in by the eunuch, Abbas Khan was again in the Royal
presence.
There was no formality now. The Queen stood in the centre of the hall,
before the throne, with her arms outstretched. She had cast away her
veil, and an agonised sob broke from her, while her slight frame still
trembled with the horror she had endured when the first cry of "Abbas
Khan is dead!" fell upon her ears.
"Thou art safe, Meeah!" she murmured, stretching out her hands, while
he stooped and touched her feet; "tell me thou art safe!"
"I am unhurt, mother," he said, "though it was a fierce blow. I am
always safe with thy blessing on my head; and see, is not that proved
to-night? Inshalla! to-morrow will pass as safely, for I fear not, O
my Queen! my heart is true and my cause just; but suffer me to depart,
mother, for Hyat Khan is waiting for me."
"It is well," she replied, "else I should have ordered the Palace guard
to escort thee home. Khoda Hafiz, may God have thee in his keeping! Ere
morning breaks my thank-offerings will be at every shrine and mosque in
the city."
"Thou wilt need to be well armed to-morrow," said Hyat Khan, as he
parted from his young friend at the gate of Humeed Khan's mansion.
"Make no show of preparation, but, I say, be ready. But for this vile
attempt on thy life, I had thought all might pass off quietly, but
Yacoot will have his faction at his back, and he is not a temperate
one. Sleep and rest, for the events of the day have been exciting, and
so may the Lord keep thee!"
Abbas Khan did not disturb his aunt, but retired to his private
apartment; sending word that he was tired and needed rest, and would
see her in the morning; and he at once sent for his good friend the
Padré, writing him a line to bring remedies, for his wound had broken
out afresh. Meanwhile he used what precautions he knew, and before the
priest arrived the bleeding had nearly ceased. Francis d'Almeida, and
the household of his worthy host, had long been asleep, but as the
Khan's note was brought to him, he took some strong adhesive plaister
and other remedies, dressed himself, and went at once.
"Have I understood thy writing?" he said, as he entered the quiet
chamber where the young man was reclining on his cushions, bathing his
wound. "Ah! I have always feared this; the bandages were loosed too
soon; but let me see.... Ah, well, 'tis none so bad; only the old part
which had been mismanaged. So lie down straight, and I will see what I
can do."
"Thou art a good fellow," said the Khan, pressing his hand, "and I owe,
next to life, the use of my arm to thee. I have been careless, and must
take the consequences."
"Nay, there is more than carelessness here," said the priest, as he
examined his friend's body; "there is a bad bruise under the shoulder
which has been the cause of this. Why dost thou conceal it?"
Then Abbas Khan told him of the blow he had received, and of the dagger
having been recognised. "All will be settled to-morrow, Padré, and
in the afternoon thou and Maria will be sent for by my noble Queen.
Ah! yes, that is easy now, and I shall rest. It must not bleed again,
Padré, for these are stirring times, and I may be needed for duty,
perhaps--who knows?--ere to-morrow passes."
"I will come at the first watch of the day to-morrow, and see if the
bandages hold well; till then, sleep if you can, Khan Sahib, for there
are some nervous symptoms about thee which may hinder thy recovery if
they continue. May God keep thee! Thou wilt not sleep the less soundly
for a priest's blessing." "Let him sleep till he wakes of his own
accord," he continued to the head eunuch of the chamber, "and do not
wake him. I will be here ere the first watch close."
Abbas Khan slept soundly. All anxiety as to the future was past; his
way was clear before him, and it must be death or life, as the Lord
willed, which is the true solace and comfort of every devout Mussulman.
In his dreams, too, once more came the memory of the Dervish and her
who had watched over him that memorable night, and who again seemed to
be near him as an angel of Paradise, and ministering to him tenderly.
CHAPTER V.
THE ORDEAL.
Abbas Khan slept soundly and refreshingly. As he woke long after his
usual hour, his first action was to stretch his arms to the full, and
he was gratified to find that the blow he had received had left no
permanent pain or stiffness. The bandages put on by Francis d'Almeida
were firm in their place, and the wound felt easy. He remembered that
he was not to open them himself, or allow them to be meddled with; and
on his attendant informing him that the worthy man had already arrived,
he was desired to send him in, and keep out everyone else, and in a few
moments the Padré entered.
"I trust you have slept well, my lord?" he asked, after the usual
salutations had passed. "You did not suffer from the wound, or the blow
upon your back?"
"I slept as a child sleeps, my friend," replied the young Khan; "never
stirring, and with no pain; and had most delightful dreams. They
appeared so real too, that when I woke I seemed to see sitting by my
bedside, where thou art, the figure and the lovely face of her who had
given me sherbet in my dream, as she did during the first night I
saw her, when the sun fever had stricken me down, and I was nigh unto
death. It was a happy omen for the day, Señor Padré."
"May it be fortunate to you," said the Padré, smiling. "And she you
thought of--pardon the liberty--was Zóra, the granddaughter of the old
Dervish. Ah, poor Zóra! Maria, my sister, loves to speak of her, and
loves her truly. You have not heard of her?"
"No," replied the Khan; "but I have not forgotten what I owe her and
the old man. I spoke to the Queen about him last night, and a retinue
will be sent for him as soon as it can be prepared. When I was at
Juldroog he told me his history, and I found it confirmed at once by
two of the Royal councillors--old men who knew him well. I will tell
you of it another time; but Zóra may have told it to your sister?"
"No," returned the priest, "she cannot have known it, or she would
surely have mentioned it. They were like elder and younger sisters; and
there is not a night as we pray together that I do not ask the Virgin's
blessing on her. Dear child! she used to speak much of thee, my lord,
to my sister; and she was so beautiful."
"Of me!" cried the young man, eagerly; "of me! What did she say? What
did she tell Maria?"
"Do not excite yourself, my lord," said the priest, gravely, as he now
began to examine the dressing of the wound, "else I may do hurt. When
she arrives you may perhaps meet her. In truth, I know nothing. And I
should have been more cautious in what I said," he continued, blushing.
"Think not upon it, my lord."
"It is no use thinking of the girl, Padré Sahib, for it is not likely I
may ever see her, and--but no matter. How do you find the wound?"
"Better than I expected," was the reply; "much better. My lord is in
excellent health and strength. The muscular development is great," he
continued, stroking down the powerful arms; "the livid appearance of
the blow behind has gone. I will take off some of the upper bandages
and replace them with lighter and easier ones, and my lord will be able
to use his arm more freely. Forgive me the question, but was that blow
from behind a stab? Nay, conceal it not from me."
"It was, Padré Sahib, a coward blow as I was mounting my horse; and but
for a suit of Genoa mail I wore, I had perished."
"And your people apprehended the assassin?"
"No, he escaped in the darkness; but he had fallen and dropped the
dagger, and that is witness against him."
"So he is known?"
"As far as his dagger is concerned he is, and is champion of the party
of the man I slew, Elias Khan. To-day will decide the question, and all
the nobility and officers of the durbar will be present. I would you
could see the noble sight; but you are unknown, and had better remain
quiet, for it is impossible to say when the Queen may send for you and
for Maria."
"In my country there might be an honourable appeal to arms in such a
case," said the priest, musingly. "It is a savage custom, but one which
satisfies many."
"We have the same here, Señor."
"I understand," replied the priest, the tears rising to his eyes, "and
can be secret. If thou art wounded send for me. I will come instantly,
and may save thee pain. Meanwhile all is safe and secure in regard to
the wound; but the bandages may be strained, and if so, suffering will
follow. Take my blessing, noble Khan," and the good priest, kneeling
down by the Khan's bed, prayed fervently.
"I am grateful for thy affection and thy blessing," returned the Khan,
deeply moved, "and will be careful; but do not mention this to Maria."
"Not even to Maria," he said; "and I will be ready."
"Then Zóra has not forgotten me," thought Abbas Khan, as he mused for
a while before he rose; "and that was why she came to me in that sweet
dream last night;" and as he shut his eyes and thought of her, the
scenes at the mountain fort seemed to be repeated. But it was time
to rise, and the soft smile on his bright face lingered there as his
attendant Oomur entered, who could not help remarking it.
"May the day be happy and fortunate to my lord!" he said, making his
usual profound reverence; "he had happy dreams last night, and rested
well?"
"Indeed I had both, and feel strong and refreshed; and I thank you for
your good wishes, Oomur."
"The Lady Fatima has inquired often for you, my lord; and once came and
looked on you, but she said you slept like a child, and had a happy
face, and were not to be disturbed. Now your bath is prepared, and your
breakfast also."
"To which I am ready to do ample justice, I assure you. Where is
Deenah, the armourer? Bid him come hither; I will follow you directly."
Deenah was in the ante-chamber, and entered with the mail shirt hanging
over his arm.
"I have looked over every link of this, my lord," he said, after
touching his master's feet, "and it is sound now," and he looked up
significantly.
"Here, my lord, there was a dint, which had displaced two of the rings,
but none are cracked or broken, and I have made them as good as ever.
Mashalla! what workmen those were who made it; what temper in their
steel! I am trying to imitate this, but my work will be clumsy. Look,
my lord, you cannot see the place where the blow was; but I found some
blood where the mail had touched your wound, and have sewn a little
soft silk padding over it, and there can be no chafing now. My lord
will wear this to-day."
"Yes, Oomur, my other suit of armour is too heavy for one with a partly
open wound; and this is just as secure, thou sayest?"
"More so, my lord," was the reply; "against any sword or dagger blow
it is perfect protection, and yet so light that it would not fatigue a
boy. And what sword will you take?"
"The one I bought from the Portuguese merchant, who said it was
Spanish. I have a fancy for that to-day."
"Nor will it fail you, my lord, if there be need. It is quite ready,
and I put a fine edge upon it only two days ago. Yes, it is a rare
weapon, and there is none like it in the armoury. On foot or on
horseback, it is alike useful. If I may, I will bring it."
"Not now, Deenah, I am too hungry; have it ready for me when I dress
for the durbar. I have no other orders, except that I shall ride
Sooltan to-day, and that I do not require heavy caparisons. The light
new set which hath hardly been used will suit me to-day exactly; those
of green velvet."
Abbas Khan was soon attired in his morning dress of light muslin, and
his skilful barber's operations had removed every straggling hair
from the yet tender beard and moustachios, and given a new beauty to
his face, while the rakish tie of the beautiful brocaded scarf which
he had wound carelessly about his head, gave his handsome face an
additional charm.
Very different was it from the pale shrunken features of the period
of residence in Juldroog, or even from the anxious expression upon
them with which he had visited the Queen the night before; and as he
entered his aunt's apartments, the easy swinging gait, the cheerful
smile with which he returned the salutations of the grave old eunuchs
and the women servants, seemed so different to what she had seen on the
preceding day, that his venerable aunt rose with a cry of joy that she
could not suppress, and folded him in her arms.
It is not the custom of Mussulmans in India to congratulate any one
upon improved personal appearance, for that is considered unlucky; but
the blessings the worthy lady poured upon her adopted son went nigh to
exhaust the names of saints in the Mussulman calendar, while she vowed
thank offerings to every shrine in Beejapoor.
"Lallbee has tried to remember every dish thou art fond of," she
continued; "and thou must eat well, for thou hast a long day before
thee, Meeah."
"And an eventful one, mother," he said, earnestly, "as I will tell thee
presently. Wait till I have eaten."
What a breakfast it was! The old cook was a Persian by birth, and was
mistress of her craft; and not only her national dishes but those
of the Dekhan were perfect under her skilful hands. She would not be
denied the privilege of bringing in the milk pilao, which she esteemed
her _chef d'oeuvre_; and, after blessing the young man, by passing her
fingers over his face, and cracking her knuckles against her temples,
sat down near the edge of the white cloth on which the dishes had
been placed, and sometimes selecting a choice morsel herself, and
feeding him with it, encouraged him to eat, and watched the gradual
disappearance of the viands with a satisfaction that could not be
repressed.
But even appetites like the young Khan's cannot endure long under such
circumstances; and, after a hearty meal and ablution, he betook himself
to his aunt's cushions, where her own hookah was brought to him, and,
asking her to send away all the servants, he told her what had happened
the night before, omitting nothing, not even the cowardly stab he
received which had proved harmless.
At times the dear lady wept plenteously, but silently. She had been a
brave soldier's wife from her childhood, and had often sent him to the
field when there was little hope of seeing him again. Even now he might
be in the heat of battle any day, and was old, with only a portion of
his original strength and vigour; and what could she do but pray for
him and commit his safety to the Lord?
So it was now. Precious as Abbas Khan was to her, she at once declared
that he had decided wisely; that malicious tongues would be silenced,
and his honour, and that of the noble house he was heir to, freed from
even a suspicion of unworthiness. "Go, Meeah," she said, "I have no
fear--none. As thy Royal mistress hath blessed thee, so also do I;"
and as he kneeled before her, she put her hands on his head and prayed
fervently.
"And now, mother," he said, "in case my fate is against me, and I fall,
weep not, for thou wilt know I was unworthy to live. Yet I have but one
request to make of thee, mother; one only. I have discovered that it
was the old physician Syud Ahmed Ali, who was blinded and banished long
ago, who saved my life at Juldroog; and his granddaughter, Zóra-bee,
watched by me. She is but a child, mother, and for what she did I would
see her safe. The Queen will despatch messengers for the old blind man
to-morrow, and she will be with him. But think of her being alone in
this evil city, all beautiful as she is, and what chance hath she of
escape?"
"She is no unworthy leman of thine, Meeah, I trust," said the lady,
doubtfully. "Swear that to me!"
"Mother! mother!" he returned, reproachfully, "it were better I had
never spoken. Oh! darling mother! what have I said that thou shouldst
suspect me?"
"I was watching thee silently in the night, Meeah, and thou wert
dreaming of her. 'Zóra! Zóra!' escaped thy lips, and thy mouth was full
of love."
"Yes," he said, gently, "I did dream. She came to me, mother, as a
Houri of Paradise, with the celestial nectar, as she gave it to me the
night I was stricken down with fever and my wound, and I hope she will
tell thee of this herself some day. She is but a child yet; and if thou
dost not believe me, ask Maria and the priest about her, they perhaps
will satisfy thee more than I. Have I ever been a wanton profligate,
mother?"
"No! no! no!" cried the lady, bursting into tears; "thou art true;
never hast thou been false; and I believe thee fully. When didst thou
ever deceive thy mother? Yet if thy dream had been of thy horse, thine
armour, the jewels of thy house, or thy lands, I could have understood
thee; but for a girl of whom I had never heard, what could I think,
Meeah!"
"If I had been like others, mother," he returned----
"No matter," she said, interrupting him. "I tell thee before a woman's
wiles and love the best have ever been weak; why not thou, my son? And
yet I promise thee to do thy bidding. If Maria speaks for her she shall
be to me as a daughter."
"Enough! enough! beloved mother!" cried the Khan, joyously clapping his
hands; "what I have told thee was the only weight on my heart, and that
is gone. As for property, surely my uncle is my heir, and may do as he
pleases with it. If God wills I should die, what need I to think of
it?"
"And I shall see you ere you depart, Meeah?"
"Hardly so, mother; a glance of regret or tears in thine eyes might
unman me, and I need all the composure I can command. Embrace me and
let me go." And she did so, as he wished, without any outward display
of emotion, though her heart ached for her boy.
Abbas Khan attired himself carefully. His turban was of gold muslin
brocade, and the links of the Milan chain were twisted into it as on
the night before; but three twists were passed over his ears and under
his chin, which protected his neck and side of his head completely.
The shirt of mail over his muslin tunic felt easy and light, and the
padding of the armourer prevented pressure on the wound. Over all he
wore a splendid suit of rich cloth of gold of Benares, and jámahs, or
petticoat-like trousers, which belonged to the full court dress, but
which could be easily cast off if necessary.
Hastily he examined the beautiful Toledo blade he had ordered to be
ready for him, which was a broad, double-edged rapier, sharp as a razor
on both sides. It was stiff, yet in the highest degree flexible under
pressure, and might have been, probably was, once the weapon of a
matador. Its quaint handle of inlaid gold balanced the sword exactly,
and it was a weapon which inspired confidence in strong, skilful hands.
Abbas Khan bound his waist with a rich brocaded scarf, the ends of
which hung down on the right side, leaving the sword handle free. His
retinue was ready, and at the lucky moment, directed by the family
priest, he mounted his gallant horse, with a shout of "Bismilla!"
echoed by all his followers, and passed on to the citadel.
He entered the gate with many others, strangers, friends, and
acquaintances, and made his way direct through the main thoroughfare
between the buildings attached to the Seven-Storeyed palace, and
the main edifice in which lived ordinarily the King and his Queen
Taj-ool-Nissa, Sooltana, the Queen Dowager, and other members of the
family; and finally reached the Futteh Mydan, or plain of victory, a
large open space which lay before the great archway of the hall of
audience. This is now covered with brushwood, stones from the buildings
around, and masses of crumbling masonry; but then it was smooth and
clear. Not even a pebble was discernible among the short soft sward,
which at that period of the year, the end of the monsoon, was in its
greatest perfection.
It presented a noble and picturesque spectacle. Such was well
calculated to stir the young soldier's heart. Around, at a little
distance, stood the elephants and retinues of those who had already
arrived. Some of their rich caparisons were of cloth of gold, others
of European cloth, embroidered with gold, or thin native leather
also embroidered. On their backs they bore howdahs; some large with
canopies, some smaller without coverings, but all bearing the weapons,
bows and arrows, lances, or matchlocks of their owners, with their
distinguishing banner or pennant.
Many of the noble beasts were excited and restless, and were trumpeting
loudly, and blowing dust into the air with their trunks. Others were
gentle and quiet, and steady, while their drivers made them play off
the little tricks they had taught them. In front of the elephants were
a line of horses, for the most part splendidly caparisoned; and from
their armour, the morions and coats of mail of the riders--from spear
heads and sword hilts by thousands, as well as from the many dresses of
cloth of gold, the blazing sun flashed with a power and brilliance that
the eyes could hardly endure.
It was a sight at once most gorgeous and impressive in itself; the
costumes and banners of the ranks of infantry, interspersed with the
cavalry--Dekhanies, Arabs, Persians, Oozbaks, Circassians, Tartars
of many tribes, Georgians, Turks, and many other foreigners; while
a strong division of Beydurs, in their peculiar costume of conical
leather caps, and leather drawers, which has been described on a former
occasion, were by no means the least conspicuous or remarkable of the
motley assemblage.
"Oh, that Runga Naik were among them!" thought Abbas Khan, as he
looked towards the body, whose peculiar long-barrelled matchlocks and
broad-bladed spears formed a glittering mass, from which the wild,
quivering notes of their brass trumpets sounded at intervals. "Oh, that
Runga were here!"
"Go, Yasin," he continued, to his standard-bearer, "see if Runga Naik
is among the Beydur people yonder; if so, tell him I am here." But
Runga was not there, and it was not known where he had gone; he had
taken his men from Korikul and proceeded westwards.
Abbas Khan dismounted at the foot of the steps of the corridor from
which the great hall was entered at several points by open arches, and
passing by that which was nearest to his "misl," or appointed place, he
paused for a few moments before he took his seat, and looked around him.
The vast area was entirely filled, except the middle, by rows of
nobles and superior officers, and leaders of the divisions of tribes
and troops, and formed a striking scene. All the civil officers, heads
of departments, secretaries, and the like, were attired in the usual
court dress of white muslin, with simply tied turbans of the same. All
else, and they were by far the majority, wore, like himself, vests of
cloth of gold, with the loose petticoat trousers, which, when seated,
completely concealed their persons from the knees downwards. The varied
colours of the cloths of gold, and of the numberless brocaded muslins,
scarfs, and turbans, especially where a ray of sun lighted upon them,
was dazzling and gorgeous in the extreme, and led the eye to the
effect outside, where, from the basement of the hall to the utmost
limit of the open space, the divisions of the troops stood in their
appointed places.
On the opposite side of the hall sat the grim-looking body of
Abyssinians, for the most part clad in black chain mail, worn over
their ordinary costume; and in a prominent place among them Yacoot,
their champion, who, as he saw Abbas Khan enter, twisted what moustache
he possessed with a defiant air, as, indeed, did most of the rest. On
his own side, more towards the entrance to the hall, sat the chiefs of
the Dekhanies, attired with all the brilliance they were famous for;
and he saw that Hyat Khan, the head Kotwal, who, with the chamberlains,
had marshalled the assembly, had placed between the several doubtful
factions strong parties of Arabs, Turks, Persians, and other
foreigners, so that collision between any was nearly, if not quite,
impossible.
It was a spirit-stirring sight, and Abbas Khan, as room was made for
him by an old friend, looked around him proudly. I shall have a goodly
company to witness my fate, he thought, and be the issue as the Lord
wills.
The audience hall is still in existence, but only as a noble ruin. The
central arch of the façade is ninety-two feet in span, and of noble
height, and the hall is perhaps two hundred feet in length. It is plain
in character, but the groined shafts spring up to support the roof in
graceful contour, like those of a Gothic church, and were once covered
with a profusion of gilding which has been scraped away. The King's
throne on the upper dais, which was reserved for princes of the blood,
religious dignitaries, and prime ministers of the State, was empty; but
a small balcony, which projected from the main wall of the edifice, was
usually the seat of the Queen, and it remained to be seen whether the
actual Queen Taj-ool-Nissa would use it, or whether the Queen Regent
would, as was frequently the case, occupy the throne on the dais.
The suspense was not of long continuance. After a short interval
eunuchs were seen to pull down the transparent blinds of the balcony,
which denoted the presence of the Queen, and almost at the same time
the Queen Regent's slight figure was seen to issue from one of the
archways on the basement, and, accompanied by a crowd of eunuchs and
Royal slaves, seat herself upon the Royal throne. The whole assembly to
a man rose to greet her, and the hearty shouts of the troops outside
proclaimed the presence of the honoured and beloved lady.
Then the business of the day commenced. Some accounts were signed and
audited, some messengers from foreign States bearing despatches were
introduced by the Mirdhas, or ushers. Some officers, who had been on
service and had returned, arose, and, their names and style being
proclaimed, went forward, kissed the steps of the dais, and presented
the hilts of their swords to the Regent.
As Abbas Khan advanced and passed close to the ranks of the
Abyssinians, he was greeted by a scowl of fierce eyes, and murmurs
which could hardly be repressed. But he took no notice, and resumed his
seat without interruption.
"They will not be quiet long," said his friend, in a whisper; "they
have vowed to be avenged on thee to-day for the murder, as they call
it, of Elias Khan; but thou hast many friends, Abbas Khan, and should
have no fear."
"Fear!" cried the young man; "I know no fear in this matter. Wait and
see; but let there be no violence before the Queen."
Then the ushers called for petitions, and many were delivered to them
to be read before the Queen; but, as one approached the Abyssinians,
Yacoot arose, and in a loud, harsh voice, and broken Persian, mixed
with his own uncouth speech, demanded permission to lay his petition at
the foot of the throne.
"Let him approach and speak," said the Regent, in her sweet, clear
voice, which was heard through the hall like a silver bell; and,
indeed, at that moment a breathless silence had fallen on the whole
assembly.
"He cannot speak so that the fountain of justice can understand," said
a secretary, "but the paper can be read. Lay it there," he continued to
Yacoot.
"She will not get it, someone will take it away; I will give it to
herself only," was his rude reply, as he drew his bulky figure to its
full height, and twisted up his moustachios with a fierce gesture.
"Let him give it," said the Queen Regent, stretching out her hand; and,
apparently satisfied, Yacoot knelt on a step of the dais and delivered
it into her hand.
"Now I have seen you receive it," he said surlily; "and we look to you
for justice, and I will take it if not given."
At any other time such a threat would have had short shrift, and a
bloody ending under the great Adansonian trees, where traitors and
other criminals were beheaded, and several persons advanced to arrest
the speaker; but again the Queen's voice was heard.
"He means me no evil," she said; "he is only rude and unmannerly; do
not molest him; let him go to his place, and he will hear his paper
read."
But Yacoot seemed to have no intention of moving, and might have
created a disturbance, but that two or three of his brotherhood dragged
him away and forced him to sit down. The petition was then read, and
purported to be from the whole of the Abyssinians, claiming justice
from the State for the murder of Elias Khan, and charging Abbas Khan
with rebellion and cowardice in having acted on behalf of the rebel
forces.
"Let Abbas Khan reply," was the Queen's answer. "Let him come before
the throne and speak freely and truly;" and the young man came forward,
with the same easy, graceful step which all knew, and not least his
noble mistress.
We know what he told the assembly, addressing them as his friends and
fellow-soldiers, praying them not to spare him if he were guilty. "The
headsmen are near," he said, "and if God wills it I am ready to meet
my fate. What matter how I die for my Queen!" and he said this with
so smiling a face and so frank a manner that a murmur of applause
ran through the assembly. But the Abyssinians rose to their feet as
one man, and their swords, as if by one action, flashed from their
scabbards.
"He hath a cunning tongue!" cried one. "We will cut it out of his
mouth!" shouted Yacoot.
"Your Majesty had better quit the hall," said Hyat Khan, the Kotwal,
joining his hands, "and leave these brawlers to me. Whatever happens,
Yacoot must be arrested for last night's work, and I have force enough."
"Ah! Khan," returned the Queen, "that would be the sure way to begin
bloodshed. No, I will remain as I am; I have no fear."
Meanwhile Abbas Khan stood where he had taken post as he addressed the
assembly. He was exactly in front of the Abyssinians; but their action
had no effect on him. Calm and unmoved, he felt secure though a hundred
flashing swords were threatening his instant annihilation; but no one
struck at him.
"Listen, all of ye, friends and brother soldiers," he cried in his
manly voice, which echoed through the hall. "I am accused of murder, of
which I am innocent; and of cowardice, which is worse. With my honour
I can live, but without it I must die under your contempt. I appeal,
therefore, to our time-honoured custom of ordeal, to be decided before
our noble mother and Queen. Who of my enemies will meet me now? Even
now, in the field yonder, and let Him who knows all hearts decide
between my enemies and me. Behold, I am ready!"
Then arose from all parts of the hall cries of "We believe thee, noble
Khan; thou hast no enemies among us."
"But I have enemies, nevertheless," he continued; "and, but for an
accident, I had not been alive before ye to-day; and even in the
precincts of the Palace I was not safe last night from attempted
assassination. I see the man before me who struck the blow; he is the
champion of the Abyssinians, and it is he I would meet in fair combat
unto the death."
"I will not fight him," said Yacoot to his friends; "he bears a charmed
life, else----"
"Thou art named Yacoot; and he means that thou wert the would-be
assassin. Behold!" cried Hyat Khan, taking the remarkable Abyssinian
dagger from his waistband. "Ye all know to whom this belonged; and,
look, the point is broken, yet Abbas Khan is safe!"
"He is a coward; I will not fight with him," murmured the Abyssinian.
"Thou art accused of attempt at murder, Yacoot," said one of his
companions; "'tis thou who art the coward, if thou refuse to fight
Abbas Khan. Either to him and to God or to us thou must answer, for we
tolerate no assassins."
"Come!" cried the young Khan. "Come, Yacoot! art thou afraid? Come,
like a brave man as thou hast been. Nay, if thou dalliest, will this
rouse thee?" and drawing his sword he slightly touched his antagonist
on the shoulder, and escorted by a body of his friends turned to
depart.
CHAPTER VI.
THE COMBAT.
Abbas Khan walked slowly out of the hall to the steps where his horse
awaited him. There he removed his court drawers and pulled on his
boots, which had been fastened to his saddle. "Thou must be steady
and sure, good Sooltan, to-day," he said, stroking the head of his
beautiful charger, who rubbed his nose against his master's breast, and
answered by a low, loving whinny; and the young man, vaulting lightly
into the saddle, loosed his shield from the saddle-bow, drew his sword,
and paced gently round the front of the vast assembly, welcomed by
shouts of generous greeting, and cries of "God keep thee safe!" His
adversary did not delay to follow. He had replaced his turban with a
steel morion, which flashed in the sun, but otherwise nothing relieved
the dull black of the heavy chain mail by which he was protected. Many
remarked that he looked livid as he mounted his horse, and that he
impatiently jerked the bit of his fine Kattywar charger till it became
violent and unmanageable; and he rode at full speed, as if it were his
intention to overwhelm his antagonist. But Abbas Khan was too good
a horseman to be suddenly surprised, and he evaded the charge by a
dexterous turn of his horse, which required that the Abyssinian should
follow him into the centre of the field, where now the combat commenced
in earnest. The Abyssinian had armed himself with a short, very heavy,
and much curved sabre, his favourite weapon, which was known by the
epithet of "Kussab," the butcher, from the deadly wounds it inflicted;
and he had also a large shield, which nearly covered his person, and
with his armour rendered him almost impenetrable. But Abbas Khan now
felt the advantage of his longer weapon, by which and his skilful
horsemanship he was able to keep his enemy at bay.
Who can describe the changing nature of the combat? Each now charging,
now retreating, wheeling round, again closing, while blows enough to
have beaten down the guard of a stronger man than Abbas Khan were
showered upon his shield. The Queen saw the whole from her seat,
and her lips were moving in silent prayer as she looked towards the
whirling figures, and clasped her hands; and the faint shrieks and
cries from the balcony above proved that excitement existed there
also. But the combat was of no long duration. Abbas Khan had tried
his antagonist again and again, and almost despaired of finding a
vulnerable point, when in a fierce charge by the Abyssinian he saw that
a portion of his helmet at the side under his ear was open, and as the
encounter continued he drove his long narrow sword through it with all
his force. There was a gush of blood; and after reeling in his saddle,
the huge champion fell to the ground heavily, and did not rise.
"He falls! he falls!" cried hundreds in the hall. "Look, noble lady,"
said Hyat Khan to the Queen, "he has fallen!"
"Who has fallen?" asked the Queen, faintly. She had been unable to
look on to the end, for to her perception Abbas Khan seemed to have no
chance before his enemy.
"Yacoot, the Abyssinian," replied the Kotwal. "Such is the wisdom and
justice of the Lord. Ameen! Ameen!" and he hastened away to the spot.
Yacoot was not dead, and was trying to speak; but he was too weak to
rise.
"Some of ye tie a bandage round his neck," said Abbas Khan, "else he
will die."
"Let him die," returned Hyat Khan. "Wouldst thou interfere with the
sentence of the All Just and Powerful, Abbas Khan? Leave him in His
hands. He hath met a soldier's fate, and that is more than he deserved.
But what is that he is trying to get at behind, and clutches at though
his fingers are stiffening? Take off his mail, some of ye, and untie
his waistband. See, he is dead even now, noble Khan, and this is no
indignity."
The searchers were well skilled in their work, and soon produced two
humeeanas, or long narrow bags of soft leather, which appeared heavy
with gold and silver coins, and which Hyat Khan himself took charge of;
but there was another, broader bag, which appeared to contain a great
number of papers and letters, some of which seemed to be in Portuguese
writing and some in Persian.
"Give them to our Lady Mother yourself, Abbas Khan; they may be Elias
Khan's, and, if so, we need no more," said the Kotwal, who handed the
bag to Abbas Khan. "Come, we delay; and, by Alla! 'twas well we found
them. Take that away," he continued to his men; "lay it on the grass
without the gate; some of his people will get it buried."
The shouts, the cries of joy and congratulation, the peculiar yells
of his friends the Beydurs, had been overpowering; and as Abbas Khan
rode past, making his horse caracole and prance at every step, and
giving his graceful salutations to all, the enthusiasm was unbounded.
As he was preparing to dismount at the steps of the corridor, his old
retainer, Runga Naik, rushed through the crowd to embrace his feet. "I
saw him die! I saw him die, Meeah!" he cried, "and I have brought in
the rest. Do as thou wilt with them, for thou art safe, O my lord, and
my prayers have been accepted."
"All of them, Runga? All of whom?"
"The men that were with us at Kórla. One by one I have tracked them
down, even to Belgaum. Look!"
As a space was cleared, loud cries of "Amán! Amán! Mercy! mercy!" broke
from a crowd of captives tied together; and one of them, who had been
Abbas Khan's duffadar, cried out piteously "Let me speak; let me speak
before the assembly. I am a traitor and a rebel, and deserve death, but
not before I have spoken, O my lord."
"Let me and my people take charge from thee, Runga Naik," said the
Kotwal. "Thy men are weary and footsore."
"I thought to have been here yesterday, noble Khan, but it could not be
done. Yet I am not too late, and the duffadar should speak before the
Queen."
"Let him follow me," said Abbas Khan; "this alone was needful to
complete all." And as he advanced into the hall, hundreds poured
forward to greet him. Nor was the Abyssinian party less demonstrative
than any of the others. Then the duffadar, humbly prostrating himself
before the throne, gave a clear account of the skirmish at the first
onset by Elias Khan. He, and his men whom he had gained over, deserted
to the rebels, and, but for the confusion which followed Elias Khan's
death, Abbas Khan could not have escaped. Yacoot had followed them for
some miles, but eventually lost them in the dust storm.
"God has judged the right," said a venerable officer of the Abyssinian
party, making a low obeisance to the Queen with tears in his eyes as he
presented the hilt of his sword to Abbas Khan; "and we pray the Queen's
and your own forgiveness, noble soldier, that you were falsely accused,
and some day in battle we may prove our devotion to you."
But who can describe the thankful joy of the noble Queen, who,
impatient to greet her adopted son, and with her eyes streaming with
tears, and in a broken voice, blessed him as he advanced, kissed the
step of the Royal dais, and bowed his head before her. "Again I bless
thee, O true and faithful," she said; "and the Lord hath done justice
openly and before all men. My son, may thy years be long and honoured."
"Ameen! Ameen!" said the chief priest, devoutly; "he is worthy."
"Let no one leave," cried the Queen, in her clear, sweet voice, which
all heard. "Keep silence till your lord the King's letter is read."
It was very brief, but he wrote that all the army of Ahmednugger,
headed by the violent young King who had just ascended the throne, was
advancing upon him; that his own troops were suffering from sickness;
and that all the men available in Beejapoor, that could be spared,
should be sent under any leader selected by herself; and, at its
conclusion, the Queen Regent rose, her slight figure appearing almost
visionary among the crowds of warriors who rose with her.
"Nobles and warriors," she said gracefully, "when I name Abbas Khan
for this service, can I choose better? Bismilla! let it be so." And as
Abbas Khan took the leaf of pán which was handed to him, and turned to
the groups behind him, and cried, "O friends, will ye accept me?" a
shout arose through the vast building, and was taken up by the masses
without with an enthusiasm beyond description. But what is there in
life so fickle as the breath of popular favour?
"I must ask permission to return home for a while, mother," said the
young man in a low voice as he stood by the throne; "but take this
packet of papers which were found on him who died. My wound is uneasy,
and needs my good physician's care. And as I saw there were Portuguese
letters among them, I will bring the good Padré with me to the evening
council. Do not allow them to go out of your own possession, they may
be important."
"I will not," she replied. "Go, refresh yourself; I shall expect you
and the Padré at the evening council."
END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.
LONDON: PRINTED BY
SPOTTISWOODE AND CO., NEW-STREET SQUARE
AND PARLIAMENT STREET
Transcriber's Notes
Obvious errors of punctuation and diacritics repaired.
Hyphen removed: match[-]lock (p. 196), Syud[-]Dervish (p. 142).
P. 149: "loose" changed to "lose" (she might lose her reputation).