any possibility of the
scheme for her rescue succeeding; as to that she felt no more hopeful
than before, but it seemed to take away the sense of utter loneliness
that she before felt that someone should be interesting himself in her
fate. Perhaps there would be more than a mere verbal message next time;
how long would it be before she heard again? How long a respite had she
before that wretch came to see her? Doubtless he had heard that she was
ill. She would remain so. She would starve herself. Her weakness seemed
to her her best protection.

As she lay apparently helpless upon the couch she watched the women move
about the room. The girl who had spoken to her was not among them. The
women were not unkind; they brought her cooling drinks, and tried to
tempt her to eat something; but she shook her head as if utterly unable
to do so, and after a time feigned to be asleep.

Darkness came on gradually; some lamps were lighted in the room. Not for
a moment had she been left alone since she was brought in--never less
than two females remaining with her.

Presently the woman who was evidently the chief of the establishment
came in accompanied by a girl, whom Isobel recognized at once as the
juggler's daughter. The latter brought with her a tray, on which were
some cakes and a silver goblet. These she set down on an oak table by
the couch. The girl then handed her the goblet, which, keeping up the
appearance of extreme feebleness, she took languidly. She placed it to
her lips, but at once took it away. It was not cool and refreshing like
those she had tasted before, it had but little flavor, but had a faint
odor, which struck her as not unfamiliar. It was a drug of some sort
they wished her to drink.

She looked up in the girl's face. Rabda made a reassuring gesture, and
said in a low whisper, as she bent forward, "Bathurst Sahib."

This was sufficient; whatever it was it would do her no harm, and she
raised the cup to her lips and emptied it. Then the elder woman said
something to the other two, and they all left the room together, leaving
her alone with Rabda.

The latter went to the door quietly and drew the hangings across it,
then she returned to the couch, and from the folds of her dress produced
two vials and a tiny note. Then, noiselessly, she placed a lamp on the
table, and withdrew to a short distance while Isobel opened and read the
note.

Twice she read it through, and then, laying it down, burst into tear