Then for the first time Baby Akbar, who had been silent in his nurses'
arms, watching with the rest, lifted up his deep-toned baby voice:

"Daddy, Amma," he said contentedly, "gone up in a 'ky."

Whereupon Foster-mother wept loudly and prayed that good angels might
protect her darling.

But Head-nurse was more practical, and set about considering how best
that safety might be secured. Who was there who could help? No one of
much use, truly, though every one was brimful of devotion and ready to
give his or her life for the Heir-to-Empire.

"I will kill the first man who dares--" began Old Faithful.

"Aye! The first! But how about the last, old man?" interrupted
Head-nurse. "Force will be of no avail. Askurry hath half an army with
him."

"Harm shall only come to the child through my body," wept Foster-mother,
whereat Head-nurse laughed scornfully.

"Woman's flesh is a poor shield, fool! God send we find better
protection than thy carcass."

"Boo! hoo!" blubbered Meroo the cook-boy. "Lo! Head-nurse! I could kill
a whole army by poisoning their suppers."

Head-nurse nodded faint approval. "Now, there is some sense in that,