"After a period of waiting there came into sight the huge black moorman, in his hand a white wand of office, and, following close behind him, a brilliantly decorated palankeen suspended between a pair of mules and attended by two grooms, leading the animals. The throng had parted before this little procession, averting their eyes from the covered palankeen, as was beseeming.
"But suddenly, at the intersection of the two bazaars, a group of loiterers sprang forward, and with cries assailed the moorman and the grooms, turning the mules into the quieter thoroughfare. There I had now posted myself, and, while the shopkeepers ran up the street to see what had befallen, the cavalcade under my directions, and with my attendants at the animals' heads, hurried along, and as we threaded our way through the maze of streets the tumult of voices soon died away behind us.
"After a little time I ventured to approach the curtained palankin.
"I spoke just loud enough to be heard by its occupant:
"'May your day, O queen, be peaceful! Your servant, most humble and devoted, awaits your orders.'
"'Peace be to thee, O thou trustful and brave hakeem. Take me to the protection of thy wife and home.'
"It was a soft, melodious woman's voice that had spoken, tremblingly, imploringly, and yet withal in a tone of authority.
"'As thou hast commanded, so shall it be done,' was my brief reply.
"After a little time the cavalcade, without any undue attention being attracted, had passed through the gateway of my home, and the doors had been barred behind us.
"To my surprise a gallant youth, some twelve years of age, sprang through the momentarily parted curtains of the palankeen.
"'I salute thee, O hakeem, our deliverer,' he exclaimed, kissing the hem of my robe. 'My royal mother is in the palankeen, and craves for sanctuary in your zenana.'
"'Let her pass,' I replied, and I urged the docile mules toward the second archway that led to the women's courtyard.
"At my bidding the inner gates opened, and they closed again when the palankeen had entered.
"'Within is sanctuary for your royal mother, and here is sanctuary for yourself, O prince,' I continued, with a profound obeisance, for, despite the modest garments he wore, I had recognized the eldest royal son of the maharajah, whom I had seen several times in his father's presence, and on one occasion at an affair of state clad in a robe of honour of silk and gold brocade, festoons of jewels around his neck, and a tiny sword with scabbard of gold girt at his side.