He must bring news, friend, for sure!" [Illustration: "_I stay my hand while I count ten--no more._"] "News!" echoed Sumbal contemptuously; "we have half a hundred such runaways coming in every day.

It is no news that King Humayon is better liked than Kumran.

Lo! hast thou it at last ?" He snatched the portfire from the sergeant and went toward the gun.
"Stay one moment, friend!" said the grave and silent man with sudden command in his voice.

"A moment's hastiness may bring disaster.
Discretion is better than valour.

Yonder boy brings news--he waves his arms--he shouts! Stay at least till we can hear what he says." Sumbal laughed.