He was put off with the politest of excuses, delivered with every appearance of deep regret.

Now his Highness was unwell and could see no one but his physician.

At another time he was better--so much better, indeed, that he was giving thanks to Allah for the restoration of his health in the Mosque of Shah Jehan.

Linforth could not reach him, nor did he ever see him in the streets of Ajmere.
He stayed for a week, and then coming to the house one morning he found it shuttered.

He knocked upon the door, but no one answered his summons; all the reply he got was the melancholy echo of an empty house.
A Babu from the Customs Office, who was passing at the moment, stopped and volunteered information.
"There is no one there, Mister," he said gravely.