human
I will take it upon me to speak, worthless as I am, in the presence of these great ones, he murmured.
gpt
Surely there is wrong in speaking of murder, since no sign of any such horror has been found. But if our lord Partab Singh Rajah died in the course of nature, then Kunwar Sher Singh has been unjustly accused by Jirad Sahib, and Jirad Sahib by Sher Singh. Is this a moment to bandy accusations that cannot be maintained, when our lord's body lies unburnt, and all our minds should be devoted to mourning him and paying fitting reverence to his obsequies?
human
Truly do they call thee wise, old man! said Sher Singh heartily.
gpt
My sorrow comes upon me as a flood at thy words, and I desire only to mourn my beloved father.
human
But wait, said Gerrard.
gpt
The Prince knows as well as I do, and you also, Diwan-ji, how much depends upon the funeral ceremony. It was the will of Partab Singh Rajah that his son Kharrak Singh should set light to the pyre as chief mourner, and as his successor on the _gaddi_.
human
Dust is on my head, that an evil chance has come between me and my desire! he said in a broken voice.
gpt
What is the _gaddi_ to me, if I am deprived of my father's forgiveness? The right of deciding upon his successor was his, and he has exercised it in favour of Kharrak Singh. The child's mother is of royal blood, mine was not, and I bow to the decree. But I will not consent to be robbed of my right to walk beside my brother in the procession, and to guide his hand when he fires the pile. The pyre of Partab Singh Rajah and his Rani shall not be left to the care of a Feringhee and a Christian.
human
There will be no suttee,
gpt
The matter is not in your hands, Jirad Sahib, said Sher Singh, as a murmur broke from the councillors.
human
When the meanest of the Ranjitgarh Maharajas died, two Ranis and eleven women-slaves bore him company to the tomb, and shall Partab Singh lack the tribute of respect? I think more highly of the dwellers behind the curtain than you do, if you dream that they will permit themselves to be prevented from performing this glorious duty.
gpt
Not the meanest slave-girl shall ascend the pyre, repeated Gerrard.
human
The Rani Gulab Kur is bound by an oath imposed upon her by your father to live and watch over her son, and I shall prevent the sacrifice of any other woman.
gpt
You! and by what authority?
human
By the authority of the Rani, who is regent of Agpur by the will of Rajah Partab Singh.
gpt
You hear this low-born one, how he denies me my natural rights, and would deprive my father of the customary honours? Am not I rightfully regent during my brother's minority? If I advance no claim to the _gaddi_, do you think that I am to be set aside altogether? Let this man Jirad know that I have the promise of Antni Sahib's support.
human
When Colonel Antony's instructions reach me, I will hasten to acknowledge you as co-regent, said Gerrard.
gpt
Until then, I take my orders from the Rani alone, and exercise the powers she has conferred upon me.
human
Come aside with me and let us speak together, said Sher Singh imperiously.
gpt
See, I am unarmed,
human
I do not desire your death, sahib, said Sher Singh eagerly.
gpt
You can see for yourself that it would prejudice me with Antni Sahib, whose favour I desire to retain. But the army is with me, and will acclaim me as regent, and that place I will not give up. It might be very greatly to your advantage if you could make it convenient to recollect my father's desiring you to admit me to a third share of power with yourself and the Rani Gulab Kur.
human
It is impossible for me to recollect what did not happen,
gpt
Then until we start the way will be open for you to return to Darwan with your own troops if you desire it. After that, if you still insist on accompanying me to the city--by the Guru, you shall see more of it than you care for!
human
Bid Badan Hazari parade the troop in mourning order, ready to ride to Agpur at the appointed time,
gpt
In an evil day for yourself were you born, O youth of little wisdom!