Shaibalini could feel that her beautiful face has been of great help to her. It must have, she thought, made the Nawab believe her every word, and show to her so much kindness; or, why should he care to tell her so many things for her satisfaction? This emboldened Shaibalini. She again folded her hands, and said, "If you have been so very kind to this forlorn woman, be pleased to excuse me when I beseech you to listen to another prayer of mine. It is very easy to deliver my husband—he himself is a brave and skilful soldier. If he had weapons in his hand, the Englishmen could not have arrested him, and if he gets arms now, no one will be able to keep him in confinement. If some one can go and give him some weapons, he himself will be able to effect his own release and that of his companions.
The Nawab laughed at this, and said, "You are a mere girl and you do not know what sort of people the Englishmen are; who will venture to go upon their boat to give arms to your husband?"
"If you desire it, and if I get a small boat, I myself will go," replied Shaibalini, in a low but determined voice, with down-cast eyes.
The Nawab laughed aloud. At this, Shaibalini
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