house on the hillside. Yasmini gave directions from Tess's bedroom,
where Tess hid her from prying servants, she electing to change clothes
once more--this time into her hostess' riding breeches, boots and helmet.
But she insisted on Tess retaining the Rajput costume, only allowing
a hand-bag to be packed with woman's things, skirt, blouse and so on.

"If I am seen there must be no mistake about me. They must swear
that I am you! It doesn't matter who they believe that you are. Above all,
Chamu the butler must not see me. When he is dismissed in the
morning he will tell tales for very spite, and take his chance of my
accusing him of theft; so be sure that he sees Tom Tripe search the cellar.
Then he will confirm to the maharajah afterward that Tripe did search--
and did see something--and that Blaine sahib did lock the cellar door
afterward in anger, and put weights on it. That is the important thing.
Blaine sahib must drive the carriage again to the house of Mukhum Dass;
and be sure that I am not kept waiting there--we must start before the
dawn breaks! Now give me paper and a pen to write the chit (letter) for
Mukhum Dass."

There was no ink in the bedroom; Dick took her into the place he called
his study, and locked the door, glad of the excuse. He was minded
to know more of the intrigue before letting his wife go off again that
night on any wild adventure, second thoughts having stirred his caution.
He began by offering to lend her money, suspecting that a fugitive
princess would need that more than anything. But she replied by drawing
out from her bosom a packet containing thousands of rupees in Bank
of India notes, and gave him money instead--not much, but she forced
it on him.

"For the three beggars. Ten rupees each. Pay it them in silver in the