She came in bent and shaking, with her head-covering over her face.

She threw herself at Colonel Starr's feet, and kissed them.
'Captan Sahib!' she quavered, 'Captan Sahib! Mirbani do!'[11] [11] 'Give mercy.' There was absolute silence in the audience hall.

A parrakeet flashed through it screaming.

The shadows were creeping east over the marble floor; a little sun flamed out on the hilt of Maun Rao's sword.

The Colonel stooped over the old woman and raised her up.
His face whitened as he looked at her.
'It's Tooni!' he said, hoarsely.