"The holy ones speak the truth, Sahib. The Swami said that because of
having been beautiful I had caused deaths through jealousy."
"Oh, the crazy fool!" Barlow declared in English; "and it's all rot!
This is the reason you spoke of, Gulab--good deeds; is it the only
other reason?"
The girl turned her face away, and Barlow saw her shoulders quiver.
He rose from the chair, and lifting the girl to her feet held her in
his arms, saying: "Look me in the eyes, Gulab, and tell me if you are
going through this devilish thing because of me."
"Bootea is going to the camp of Amir Khan because Hunsa and the others
have been told to kill the Sahib; and she will see that this is not
accomplished."
Barlow clasped the girl to his breast and smothered her face in kisses;
"You are the sweetest little woman that ever lived," he said; "and I am
a sinner, for this can only bring you misery."
"Sahib--it can't be, but it is not misery. The sweet pain has been put
in the heart of Bootea by the Sahib's eyes, and she is happy. But do
not go as a Sahib."
Barlow cursed softly to himself, muttering, "India! Even dreams are
not unheard!" Then, "What made you say that?" he queried.
Pages:
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186