Still it had to be done, and at once.
For Kumran's promise of safety to the Heir-to-Empire was only _during
her absence_, and who knew whether his craft might not claim freedom to
do as he chose ere she started!
So she made her arrangements for that very evening, and she had much to
do. To begin with she must see the Heir-to-Empire the very last thing,
and make certain that he was well cared for. Then she had to arrange for
the safety and comfort of Head-nurse, Foster-mother and little Bija, for
it was unlikely they would be allowed to be with the little Prince. He
must, however, have some one with him to whom the child was accustomed,
and Roy, being still quite a lad, might not be considered dangerous.
Then his gift of story-telling might make the ladies in the women's
apartments more inclined to have him. Anyhow she must try her best to
secure his stopping with his young master, and to this end she ordered
him some fine clothes and gave him a finely bedizened lute; for since he
came to Kabul they had found out that he could play the _vina_
beautifully.
Thus just before sunsetting, leaving poor Head-nurse and Foster-mother
in floods of tears, while poor little Bija was sobbing her very heart
out, and good dog Tumbu was slowly wagging his tail as his eyes asked
sorrowfully if he might not come, too, she started on her journey, going
round by the Chief Palace on her way.
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