But as it turned out Tumbu was only excited by a water-rat! All the same the interruption prevented Dearest-Lady's question from being answered, for the spell was broken.
"Yea! thou wilt be true to the very uttermost, of that I am sure," said Dearest-Lady, half pleased, half amused at the young Rajput's quick leap to arms, "and so long as I have charge of the Heir-to-Empire thou shalt be his esquire.

So go call the litter-men, boy, it is time we returned.
I must remember I am gaoler as well as grand-aunt.".