"The Chief of the Pindaris, after the habit of Moslems, is one whose
heart softens toward a woman who is beautiful and is pleasing to his
eye."
"Ancient history," Nana Sahib commented in English, "and not confined
to Musselmen."
"Speak on," the Dewan commanded curtly.
"When I rode with Amir Khan," Hunsa resumed, "in loot there fell to the
Chief's share a dancing girl, and Amir Khan, perhaps out of respect to
his two wives, would visit her at night quietly in the tent that was
given her as a place of residing."
"Amir Khan seems to be less a Pindari and more a human than I thought
him," Nana Sahib commented drily.
"The world is a very small place, Prince," Baptiste added.
"But why has Hunsa brought this tale to men of affairs?" Sewlal queried.
Hunsa cast a furtive look over his shoulder toward the verandah, and
his coarse voice dropped a full octave. "The Presence has observed
Bootea, the one called Gulab Begum, who is with Ajeet Singh?"
"Ah-ha!" It was Nana Sahib's exclamation.
"Yes," the Dewan answered drily.
"If a party of Bagrees were to go to the Pindari camp disguised as
players and wrestlers, and the Gulab as a _nautchni_, Amir Khan might
be enticed to her tent for she causes men to become drunk when she
dances.
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