LACHMI BAI
"Tell me, Jamadar," continued the officer. " Was there
any sign of uneasiness about the palace? People gather-
ing, or additions being made to the Rani's bodyguard "?
"My eyes beheld no such gathering of people," re- turned the Jamadar laconically. " The Rani's servants are resting from the heat."
The officer ordered his subordinate to return to the cantonments. As they moved forward he turned a look of satisfaction toward his companion.
"Well Hawksley," said he. " I doubt after all if we shall have the fun yet of cutting our way through a mass of fanatics."
The Commissioner's face maintained a thoughtful ex- pression.
"I did not anticipate that we would," he returned.
"Yes, but you are as full of gloomy forebodings as any old fortune teller," asserted the other.
"Oh ! not at all," exclaimed the Commissioner, " only I think the situation more serious than the rest of us are inclined to regard it."
"What in Jhansi " ?
"Yes, in Jhansi. Now look here, Vane," continued the Commissioner gravely. " Let us see how we stand. There is no doubt something horrible has taken place in Delhi."
"Rumors only," interposed the other, " and even then an isolated case. That old rascal, Bahadur Shah, will soon be brought to his senses, and punished drop for drop of our blood."
