The girl turned her face away, and Barlow saw her shoulders quiver.

He rose from the chair, and lifting the girl to her feet held her in
his arms, saying: "Look me in the eyes, Gulab, and tell me if you are
going through this devilish thing because of me."

"Bootea is going to the camp of Amir Khan because Hunsa and the others
have been told to kill the Sahib; and she will see that this is not
accomplished."

Barlow clasped the girl to his breast and smothered her face in kisses;
"You are the sweetest little woman that ever lived," he said; "and I am
a sinner, for this can only bring you misery."

"Sahib--it can't be, but it is not misery. The sweet pain has been put
in the heart of Bootea by the Sahib's eyes, and she is happy. But do
not go as a Sahib."

Barlow cursed softly to himself, muttering, "India! Even dreams are
not unheard!" Then, "What made you say that?" he queried.

"It is known because that is the way of the Sahib. He knows that where
he sleeps or eats, or plays games with the little balls, that there are
always servants, and it is known that Captain Barrle is called the
Patan by his friends."

"St. George and the Cross!" he ejaculated. "If I were thus would they
know me?" he asked. "There would be danger, but the Sahib knowing of
this, could take more care in the way of deceit. But Bootea will
know--the eyes will not be hidden."