Atma - A Romance

"On the other hand," interrupted Rajah Lal, "remember that if we are

betrayed, from that moment you are surrounded by countless and powerful

foes, whose revenge you shall not elude."

The lion-heart of Atma beat high at this threat, to which he deigned no

reply.

"My reward has been named, Maharanee," he said, "than which the world

can hold no dearer. I will fulfil your embassy and return to you, but

the prize for which I labour needs no enhancement to make it worthy."

The Maharanee sought the eye of her companion with a glance of

satisfaction, but the Rajah's gaze was rivetted on Atma, whilst his

features were distorted as if by a moment's uncontrollable rage. The

transport passed as quickly as it had come, and he sank back to his

former negligent posture. But the Ranee had seen, and a look of startled

and angry intelligence lighted her eyes.

Her instructions bound Atma to convey to Golab Singh the letter before

her, which Rajah Lal placed as she spoke in a casket. It was an

expedition of some peril, as the country was occupied by the British and

their native allies, to whom a messenger on his way to any court must be

an object of suspicion. In addition to this the friendly reception at

the Court of Jummoo of an envoy of Junda Kowr was altogether a matter of

conjecture.

Further directions regarding his movements in Kashmir would, the Ranee

informed him, be conveyed to him from time to time by trusted servants.

"A female servant," she said, "by name Nama, has frequently been

employed by me on missions requiring great tact and caution. Her I will

shortly send to the borders of Kashmir, and if you repair in fitting

season to the Sacred Well of Purity you will there receive from her any

communication I may have to make." The subject of the fateful sapphire

she lightly dismissed. "If we receive through this slave a good report

of the demeanour of this new-made Rajah, this horse-boy in my husband's

service, Rajah Lal Singh will join you at the court of Kashmir, and the

recovery of the missing jewel, which I am told forms a prominent

ornament in Golab Singh's attire, will then no doubt engage the

attention of you both."

At present it was evident that the introduction of an emissary of Junda

Kowr into the councils of Golab Singh was the chief end in view. No

thought of danger entered the heart of Atma as he went out from the

presence of the Maharanee to enter upon an enterprise which was to be in

its course and issue as unlike the anticipations of his ardent heart as

is the solemn pilgrimage of life unknown to the dreams of childhood.