hat Cunningham's little plan was useless even before
it had been quite expounded. She felt herself trembling for the
consequences.

"Sahiba, there is only one condition that would make me ride to the
British aid with all my men."

"Name it!"

"Thou art it!"

"I don't understand you, Jaimihr-sahib," she whispered, understanding
all too well.

"Follow me. Come to me in Howrah. Then whatever these fool Rangars
choose to do, I swear by Siva and the Rites of Siva that I will hurry to
the Company's aid!"

Rosemary McClean shuddered, and he knew it. But that fact rather added
to his pleasure. The wolf prefers a cowering, frightened prey even
though he dare fight on occasion. She was thinking against time. Through
that one small, overburdened head, besides a splitting headache, there
was flashing the ghastly thought of what was happening to her countrymen
and women--of what would happen unless she hurried to do something for
their aid. All the burden of all warring India seemed to be resting on
her shoulders, in a stifling cell; and Jaimihr seemed to be the only
help in sight.

"How many men could you summon to the Company's aid?" she asked him.

He laughed. "Ten thousand!" he boasted.

"Armed and drilled men--soldiers fit to fight?"

"Surely."

"I think that is a lie, Jaimihr-sahib. There is not time enough to waste
on lies. Tell me the exact truth, please."

He contrived to save his face, or, rather, he contrived to make himself
believe he did.

"I would need some to guard my rear," he answered. "I could lead five
thousand to the British aid."

"Is that the truth?"

"On my honor, sahiba."

"And you wish to marry me?"

"Sahiba--I--I have no other wish!"

"I agree to marry you provided you will lead five thousand men to the
Company's aid, but not until you have done so."

"You will come to Howrah?"

She could feel his excitement. The cell walls seemed to throb.

"Yes; but I shall come accompanied by my father, and Mr. Cunningham, and
all the Rangars he can raise. And I shall hold you to your bargain. You
must help the Company first. FIRST--d'you understand?"

"I understand."

It was Jaimihr's turn now to lay the law down. She had let him see her
eagerness to gain his aid for the Company, and he saw the weakness of
her case in an instant. He knew very well, too, that no woman of her
breed would have thought of consenting to marry him unless her hand was
forced. He decided immediately to force it