“My dear fellow, I am sure you do.  People do not go suddenly into trances at a name that is indifferent to them.  I am sure you love her very honestly and dearly.”

“You and she have come into my life almost together, for it was not until I talked with you last night that I made up my mind.  Will you help me?  I have not a friend in the world.”  The simple, boyish look was in his eyes, and he stood holding my hands and waiting for my answer.  I was so fascinated that I would have then and there gone through fire and water for him, as I would now.

“Yes.  I will help you.  I will be a friend to you.”

“Thank you.  I believe you.”  He dropped my hands, and we turned and went out, silent.

In all my wanderings I had never promised any man my friendship and unconditional support before.  There was something about Isaacs that overcame and utterly swept away preconceived ideas, rules, and prejudices.  It was but the third day of our acquaintance, and here was I swearing eternal friendship like a school-girl; promising to help a man, of whose very existence I knew nothing three days ago, to marry a woman whom I had seen for the first time yesterday.  But I resolved that, having pledged myself, I would do my part with my might, whatever that part might be.  Meanwhile we rode along, and Isaacs began to talk about the visit we were going to make.

“I think,” he said, “that you had better know something about this matter beforehand.  The way is long, and we cannot ride fast over the steep roads, so there is plenty of time.  Do not imagine that I have idly asked you to go with me because I supposed it would amuse you.  Dismiss also from your mind the impression that it is a question of buying and selling jewels.  It is a very serious matter, and if you would prefer to have nothing to do with it, do not hesitate to say so.  I promised the maharajah this morning that I would bring, this afternoon, a reliable person of experience, who could give advice, and who might be induced to give his assistance as well as his counsel.  I have not known you long, but I know you by reputation, and I decided to bring you, if you would come.  From the very nature of the case I can tell you nothing more, unless you consent to go with me.”

“I will go,” I said.

“In that case I will try and explain the situation in as few words as possible.  The maharajah is in a tight place.  You will readily understand that the present difficulties in Kabul cause him endless anxiety, considering the position of his dominions.  The unexpected turn of events, following now so rapidly on each other since the English wantonly sacrificed Cavagnari and his friends to a vainglorious love of bravado, has shaken the confidence of the native princes in the stability of English rule.  They are frightened out of their senses, having the fear of the tribes before them if the English should be worsted; and they dread, on the other hand, lest the English, finding themselves in great straits, should levy heavy contributions on them—­the native princes—­for the consolidation of what they term the ‘Empire.’  They have not much sense, these poor old kings and boy princes, or they would see that the English do not dare to try any of those old-fashioned Clive tactics now.  But old Baithopoor has heard all about the King of Oude, and thinks he may share the same fate.”