Who was there who could help?
No one of much use, truly, though every one was brimful of devotion and ready to give his or her life for the Heir-to-Empire.
"I will kill the first man who dares--" began Old Faithful.
"Aye! The first! But how about the last, old man ?" interrupted Head-nurse.

"Force will be of no avail.

Askurry hath half an army with him." "Harm shall only come to the child through my body," wept Foster-mother, whereat Head-nurse laughed scornfully.
"Woman's flesh is a poor shield, fool! God send we find better protection than thy carcass." "Boo! hoo!" blubbered Meroo the cook-boy.

"Lo! Head-nurse! I could kill a whole army by poisoning their suppers." Head-nurse nodded faint approval.

"Now, there is some sense in that, scullion, but what about that they may do supperless?
If they should dare----" "They will not dare," said a clear, sharp voice, and Roy the Rajput lad stepped forward, a light in his great eyes.