human
The papers, whatever they are, Meah, remain with you, said the Meerza.
gpt
Shall we examine them here privately?
human
They will be shown to the King only, said Fazil, dryly,
gpt
Then I will leave ye, noble sirs, returned the other;
human
O for a moment's speech of the King! cried the Khan, as they were alone.
gpt
Now it is too late, and Khan Mahomed is lost. Nay, son, 'tis a pretty court, and not unlike our own Khilwut; but I cannot breathe freely. Canst thou, Fazil? it chokes me.
human
Fear not, father; all will be well, I trust, replied his son.
gpt
Unobserved, I gave a message to the lad Ashruf, who seems faithful, to be delivered to Kowas Khan. If he comes, all will be well, for he can warn his father. No harm can happen to us except from the Wuzeer, and he may----
human
He dare not, cried Afzool Khan--
gpt
exclaimed the old man bitterly,
human
Ameen, father! we can only do what is possible to save----
gpt
I tell thee, boy, resumed the Khan, interrupting him,
human
I doubt whether it would be meet in us to interfere with God's designs, and to help treachery to escape its deserts. The danger is too great to the King, and, next to God and the Prophet, he is to us dear and honoured. I tell thee, son, we had better not interfere; it may not be good for us.
gpt
Nay, father, said Fazil,
human
Thou wilt see to that door with thy life, Nasir, whispered the Kótwal to one of his chief attendants, a burly Abyssinian slave.
gpt
See that no one passes out or in without my orders. If violence is attempted, strike,--dost thou hear?--to the death! Proud as Afzool Khan is, he may yet lower his head, perhaps with his life. And they have papers, which we must take, Nasir--forcibly, if we cannot otherwise get them:--ere the sun sets, too, or he passes hence.
human
Are we strong enough to keep the Khan, my lord?
gpt
Ay, true; we need be stronger; send this ring, and he took off his signet,
human
On my head and eyes be it, replied the slave;