human
I place my life in your hands, sahib. I am Sher Singh.
gpt
There are many of that name,
human
Not many who are also princes of Agpur.
gpt
You are a relation of the Rajah's, then?
human
Merely his eldest son, sahib.
gpt
What! the son who was sentenced----?
human
The discernment of the Sahib is wonderful. Yes, these are the eyes that were to be presented on a golden plate for my father to gloat over.
gpt
But why are you here? You must know that your life-----
human
Is in danger? True, but I seek for justice from the Protector of the Poor.
gpt
If you have a claim against your father, you must lay it before Colonel Antony and the Ranjitgarh Durbar.
human
And be stabbed or poisoned by emissaries from Agpur? Nay, sahib, I want nothing for the present--merely a promise of justice in future. Who is to sit upon the _gaddi_ when the pyre has been built for Rajah Partab Singh?
gpt
I understand that the Rajah has the right to nominate his own successor. It is no affair of mine,
human
Not though he nominates the young upstart he has raised up to the prejudice of me, his rightful heir?
gpt
Ah, by the bye, why were you sentenced to death and cut out of the succession?
human
What father does not hate his heir?
gpt
And the hatred was groundless?
human
What heir does not consider his father's life unduly prolonged? Say that he is tempted to anticipate the enjoyment of what will be all his one day----
gpt
Enough! said Gerrard sharply.
human
You wish me to intercede with the Rajah for you?
gpt
Nay, sahib, since then my life would end before his. But you are high in the favour of the great Antni Sahib, the fountain of justice, who is all-powerful in Granthistan, save in this little corner. Does he desire to add to his present cares another infant-ruled kingdom, with another shameless Rani and more headstrong Sirdars to tear it in pieces? Partab Singh's days cannot now be long. Were it not well that he should be succeeded by a man of full age, who has travelled among the English and seen their power, and can be trusted to act towards them as a loyal ally?