“On the other hand,” interrupted Rajah Lal, “remember that if we are betrayed, from that moment you are surrounded by countless and powerful foes, whose revenge you shall not elude.”

The lion-heart of Atma beat high at this threat, to which he deigned no reply.

“My reward has been named, Maharanee,” he said, “than which the world can hold no dearer.  I will fulfil your embassy and return to you, but the prize for which I labour needs no enhancement to make it worthy.”

The Maharanee sought the eye of her companion with a glance of satisfaction, but the Rajah’s gaze was rivetted on Atma, whilst his features were distorted as if by a moment’s uncontrollable rage.  The transport passed as quickly as it had come, and he sank back to his former negligent posture.  But the Ranee had seen, and a look of startled and angry intelligence lighted her eyes.

Her instructions bound Atma to convey to Golab Singh the letter before her, which Rajah Lal placed as she spoke in a casket.  It was an expedition of some peril, as the country was occupied by the British and their native allies, to whom a messenger on his way to any court must be an object of suspicion.  In addition to this the friendly reception at the Court of Jummoo of an envoy of Junda Kowr was altogether a matter of conjecture.

Further directions regarding his movements in Kashmir would, the Ranee informed him, be conveyed to him from time to time by trusted servants.

“A female servant,” she said, “by name Nama, has frequently been employed by me on missions requiring great tact and caution.  Her I will shortly send to the borders of Kashmir, and if you repair in fitting season to the Sacred Well of Purity you will there receive from her any communication I may have to make.”  The subject of the fateful sapphire she lightly dismissed.  “If we receive through this slave a good report of the demeanour of this new-made Rajah, this horse-boy in my husband’s service, Rajah Lal Singh will join you at the court of Kashmir, and the recovery of the missing jewel, which I am told forms a prominent ornament in Golab Singh’s attire, will then no doubt engage the attention of you both.”

At present it was evident that the introduction of an emissary of Junda Kowr into the councils of Golab Singh was the chief end in view.  No thought of danger entered the heart of Atma as he went out from the presence of the Maharanee to enter upon an enterprise which was to be in its course and issue as unlike the anticipations of his ardent heart as is the solemn pilgrimage of life unknown to the dreams of childhood.

The affront of a threat and the alluring promises of riches were alike forgotten, and the star that led his exultant steps shone with the twofold radiance of love and loyalty.

CHAPTER VII.

Atma directed his steps on the morning following his interview with Junda Kowr northward towards the confines of Kashmir.  It was a lovely morning.  A humid mist veiled the distant mountains, towards which his steps tended.  Seen through its tender swaying folds, how vague and beautiful their savage slopes appeared.  Light and shade, ominous gloom and shining crag were hid from view.  How often thus the morn of life,