"So the commissioner sahib and the maharajah sahib had a conference--"

The Rajput nodded again. It was common knowledge, too that the
commissioner and Gungadhura had had a rather stormy interview the
day before; and it was none of the corporal's privilege to know that
all they had argued about was the ill-treatment of prisoners in the Sialpore jail.

"--It was agreed at the conference that if the princess can be proved
mad, then the maharajah sahib may do as he's minded about sending
her away into the hills. If she's not mad, then he's to give her her liberty.
Do you understand, you dunderhead?"

"Hah! I understand. But why at night? Why not the maharajah sahib's
signature in his own writing?"

"Son of incomprehension! Does the maharajah sahib wish still more
scandal than already has been by permitting such a visit in the daytime?
Strike me everlasting dumb if he hasn't had more than enough already!
Does he want the responsibility? Does he wish the British to say
afterward that it was all the maharajah's doing? No, you ass! At the
conference be agreed solely on condition that the commissioner sahib
should sign the letter and relieve his highness of all blame in case of
a verdict of madness. And it was decided to send an American, lest
there be too much talk among the British themselves. Now, do
you understand?"

"Hah! I understand. If all this is true the matter is easy. I will send
one of the guard with that letter to the maharajah sahib. He will write
his name on it and send it back, and all is well."