rak Singh
conferred his _khilats_ and received his _nazars_ in the most angelic
manner, and it was zealously whispered about that Sher Singh had left the
city under a complete misconception of the love and affection entertained
for him by his brother, which would be proved by the honourable embassy
sent to command his return, and the gifts that it would carry. One of
these was to be the store of gold hidden by Charteris in the Residency
precincts, which Gerrard had to disinter and pack for transport when he
was left alone at night, so that a very small amount of sleep was all
that he enjoyed before it was time to start in the morning. Kharrak
Singh appeared on the chief state elephant to ride with him out of the
city, and insisted on his coming up into the howdah. Late hours, early
rising, grief at parting from Gerrard, and remorse for his own share in
bringing this about, had combined to make the boy's frame of mind very
far from ideal, and he alternated between threatening to behead Gerrard
if he went, and hanging round his neck entreating to be taken with him.
When the moment of parting came, his hands had to be forcibly unclasped,
and he subsided on his cushions a limp and sobbing little bundle, only
restrained from screams of passion by receiving leave to open the
wrappers of any illustrated papers if Gerrard's mail came in during his
absence.

The journey to Adamkot was not eventful. The two highly ornamented guns
which accompanied the troops stuck once or twice in crossing rivers, and
had to be hauled out by the elephants, and there was continuous murmuring
among the soldiers against the speed of the march and the prohibition of
plundering, but Gerrard did not trouble himself. Sher Singh was
travelling light and fast, and it was natural that he should gain upon
them, as inquiries at the various villages on the route assured them he
was doing, but if the troops could do in three days what the fugitive had
accomplished in two, it would be proof positive that no time had been
lost in repairing the injury done him. When they camped on the second
night, it was certain that this would be achieved, and Gerrard went to
bed in good spirits after making the round of his outposts. The next day
would see, he hoped, a grave difficulty settled by prompt grappling with
it, and would bring him the breezy company of Charteris, and possibly the
promise of good sport. His sleep was dreamless until an overmastering
impressio