"Her name is mine!"

The money-lender stood irresolutely, shifting his balance from foot
to foot. It was his experience that when people with high-born names
came to him by night mysteriously there was always profit in it for himself.
And then, there was that title-deed. He had bought the house cheap,
but its present value was five times what he gave for it. Its loss would
mean more to him than the loss of a wife to some men--as Yasmini
knew, and counted on.

"Open the door and let me in, Mukhum Dass! The terms are these--"

"Nay, we can talk with the door between us."

"Very well, then, lose thy title-deed! Dhulap Singh, thine enemy, shall
have it within the hour!"

She took her foot out from the door and turned away briskly. Promptly
he opened the door wide, and called after her.

"Nay, come, we will discuss it."

"I discuss nothing!" she answered with a laugh. "I dictate terms!"

"Name them, then."

"I have here five women. They must stay in safety in your house until
an hour before dawn."

"God forbid!"