"Say before them all, 'By the memory of my dear father no harm shall come to the child ere you return.'" Half unwillingly Kumran repeated the words and Dearest-Lady gave a sigh of relief.

She had gained her point.

But now that she had to face the consequences of her offer to go forth and meet Humayon her heart sank within her; for she was very old and not over strong.

The journey was long; winter was coming on fast.

Still it had to be done, and at once.
For Kumran's promise of safety to the Heir-to-Empire was only _during her absence_, and who knew whether his craft might not claim freedom to do as he chose ere she started! So she made her arrangements for that very evening, and she had much to do.