That at any rate was secure until she returned--and she might never return! The thought made her smile.
"Forward, slaves!" she cried cheerfully, and Kabul, the city she loved so well, was left behind without one regret.
And she was right.

She had saved the Heir-to-Empire's life; for at that very minute the door of little Prince Akbar's room opened wide, and Roy starting up found himself face to face with cruel Uncle Kumran followed by two men with drawn swords.

And, alas for Roy! he had no sword to draw, for Old Faithful's sabre did not fit the disguise of a Rajput bard.

Despite that, he stepped forward boldly, though his heart beat to suffocation.

For Kumran's face was cruel indeed.
Still, for one second, the latter's attention was distracted.