e might
have been cause for anger. What is this? you cannot pardon my not
trusting you untried? Know then that I had reason for my hesitation,
for I design to admit you wholly to my confidence. You, O my friend,
are the man I intend to appoint as regent, together with the mother of
Kharrak Singh, should I die while he is still a child."

"I am grateful for the honour, Maharaj-ji, but I could not accept it
without leave from my superiors."

"That leave will undoubtedly be given when they know that you alone
have power to keep the troops in good humour. With them on your side
you can laugh at the notables and the common people alike. I am about
to show you what no living eyes but mine have seen, the secret store I
have laid up to safeguard my son. And I will do more than that, for
the mother of Kharrak Singh shall be bidden to look to you for help and
guidance in all things. At my command she has already sworn not to
become suttee on my decease, but to live and shield her son from the
plots laid against him within the palace, as you will from those
without. Here are turban, robe and slippers of mine. Put them on,
lest the guardians of the treasure should refuse to let you pass, and
come."

[1] Readers of the classics will perceive that Mr Charteris's memory
played him false here.

CHAPTER VI.

THE CROWNING PROOF.

To put on the Rajah's robe over his clothes, and don the turban and
slippers, was the work of a moment for Gerrard, and he was ready before
Partab Singh had even raised himself from his cushions. The spirit of
adventure had laid hold of the young man, and the hint of peril
suggested by his host's last words was thrilling his blood, but he was
sufficiently master of himself to insist upon uttering one more warning.

"Your Highness will believe that I appreciate to the full the
confidence you are prepared to repose in me, but I must remind you that
outside Granthistan I am merely a junior officer in the Company's army.
If it should unfortunately happen that the guardianship of Kharrak
Singh and of the state devolved upon Colonel Antony by your
arrangement, it is almost certain that he would make choice of an older
man to represent him and act as regent."

"So that the army might rise against him in a week, and having slain
him and Kharrak Singh and his mother, invade British territory and
bring about a second Granthi war?" asked Partab Singh drily. "I have
made my choice of a regent