human
Your Highness will believe that I appreciate to the full the confidence you are prepared to repose in me, but I must remind you that outside Granthistan I am merely a junior officer in the Company's army. If it should unfortunately happen that the guardianship of Kharrak Singh and of the state devolved upon Colonel Antony by your arrangement, it is almost certain that he would make choice of an older man to represent him and act as regent.
gpt
So that the army might rise against him in a week, and having slain him and Kharrak Singh and his mother, invade British territory and bring about a second Granthi war? asked Partab Singh drily.
human
I have made my choice of a regent, O my friend, and by reason of the power I shall put into his hands, he will be the only man that Antni Sahib can choose.
gpt
Colonel Antony will choose the man he thinks best fitted for the post, as in the sight of God, Maharaj-ji, and it will be my duty to acquiesce in his decision.
human
So be it, said the Rajah, with resignation.
gpt
Only swear to me that you will not betray the secret I am about to disclose to you to any living being, man or woman, priest or ruler, save to my son Kharrak Singh when he is of age and seated on the _gaddi_.
human
Does it concern the state, Maharaj-ji?
gpt
The state might continue to endure were the secret lost, but on it depends the safety of Kharrak Singh and the existence of my house. At present I alone know it.
human
But if any evil should befall your Highness and myself, the secret will be lost. Suffer me to reveal it to Colonel Antony, who will hold it sacred, and not permit the knowledge of it to influence his action.
gpt
Nay, that were beyond the power of mortal man! cried Partab Singh.
human
To Antni Sahib least of all must the secret be revealed. But this it is permitted you to do. Choose out an honourable man, lower than yourself in rank--or at least not likely to be preferred before you by your masters--and confide the secret to him under the conditions on which I reveal it to you. Let him be one that you can trust as yourself.
gpt
Bob, of course! said Gerrard in his own mind, with humorous dismay.
human
It is well, Maharaj-ji. I choose my friend the officer in charge of Darwan,
gpt
And he is near at hand? It is well. Reveal the secret to him as soon as may be. I have your promise?
human
To keep your Highness's secret? Yes. But anything further must depend upon the will of my superiors.
gpt
That I understand. Come, my friend.