Page:Chandra Shekhar.djvu/299

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Chandra Shekhar

A while after, Foster, all on a sudden, put on his hat and remained seated, as before. Amir Hossain knew that this was against the English etiquette. Besides, when Foster was putting on the hat, Amir Hossain's eyes accidentally fell upon a scar on Stalkart's head. Did Stalkart put on his hat to hide that mark? Amir Hossain took leave of Samaru and left his tent. He then went to his own quarters and calling up Kulsam before him, asked her to follow him. Kulsam did so, and Amir Hossan led her to the entrance of Samaru's tent. Leaving her there, he entered into the tent and said to Samaru,

"If you will permit, one of my slave girls will appear before you and pay her respects—she is coming here in the interest of an important business."

Samaru gave permission. Foster's heart began to beat violently—he rose up to go, but Amir Hossain smiled and taking Foster's hand in his, made him sit again. Kulsam was brought in and she was surprised to see Foster there—she stood staring at him, quite motionless.

Amir Hossain asked her,

"Who is this Englishman?"

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