Tell him also that he must be present to-night, he, his friend and his daughters.

It is of vital importance." Pundita, who was staring out of the window, turned and asked her lord what he was sending the Colonel Sahib that he could not give him at the banquet.
"A surprise, an agreeable surprise." The majordomo cocked his ears; but Ramabai said nothing more.
At the colonel's bungalow there was rejoicing.

Ramabai had written that, since the king could not be found he would head the provisional government as regent, search for and arrest Umballa, and at any time the Colonel Sahib signified would furnish him with a trusty escort to the railway, three days' journey away.

He added, however, that he hoped the Colonel Sahib would be good enough to remain till order was established.
The majordomo contrived to tarry long enough to overhear as much of the conversation as needed for he understood English--and then returned to the city to carry the news to Umballa.

To him Umballa gave a white powder.
"To-night, you say, Ramabai gives a banquet ?" "Yes, Huzoor." "Well, put this in his cup and your obligation to me is paid." The majordomo stared a long time at that little packet of powder.