There were secret stairways in his house that not even Pundita knew; and at a pinch he had a plan by which he could turn away investigation.

Only in the direst need, though, did he intend to execute this plan.

He wanted his friends out of Allaha without the shedding of any blood.
"Well," said Ahmed, angrily casting aside his disguise; "well, Ramabai, this is the crisis.

Will you strike ?" Lal Singh's wrinkled face lighted up with eagerness.
"We are ready, Ramabai," he said.
"We ?" Ramabai paused in his pacing to gaze keenly into the eyes of this old conspirator.
"Yes, we.

For I, Lal Singh, propose to take my stand at your right hand.