Atmâ | Page 8

Khalsa caused

amazement deeper than consternation. The overthrow of the Sikh
power seemed a thing incredible until the recent confiscation and
plunder of the treasuries, when it became certain to other vigilant
onlookers as well as to myself that the Sapphire of Fate was not in the
possession of the true rulers of the Punjaub at the time of their downfall.
Contrast the victorious progress of the Lion of the Punjaub with the
fallen fortunes of his family, when robbed of what we now believe to
be the talisman of his fortunes. Not only does the Ranee believe that the
recovery of this gem will ensure the prosperity of the descendants of
Runjeet Singh, but I do firmly believe that its re-possession will rally
the Sikh forces to form again a conquering faith. Son of Raee, have you
the courage to serve the Ranee, to regain this, your inheritance, and in
obedience to your father's dying words, to devote it and your own life
to a fallen house, whose foes are the foes of the Khalsa?"
Atmâ remained silent during some minutes, plunged in thought, and
unconscious of the anxious scrutiny of his companions, who, bending
forward, awaited his reply in breathless suspense. It was a shock to
know that the heritage which was certainly his had passed from the
guardianship of the kinsman to whom it had been entrusted, and
indignation mingled with gentler reflections. He had not known the
story of the Sapphire, and his thoughts reverted to his father, the
meaning of whose reticence on a subject, which must have been full of
humiliation and pain, his son sadly divined, and recalling his dying
words, indelibly printed on his memory, he felt his high commission to
be again renewed and vivified. Perhaps the gentle image of Moti, ever
present to fond imagination, dispelled the rising clouds of distrust and
resentment, and bade him meet her father's demand with response of
like spirit. So now recalling the ingenuous emotion which had glowed
in his face during Lehna's tragic account of the recent career of Junda
Kowr, he asked where the Sapphire of Fate was to be found.
"At the Court of Golab Singh," replied his uncle, dramatically. "Golab
Singh, once a horseman in the employ of Runjeet Singh, now by British
machinations usurper of the crown of Kashmir. If you, Atmâ, are a true
and faithful adherent of the Khalsa, you will thither repair as an envoy
of the Maharanee, and will count her reward lightly won by danger

encountered for the faith."
"Inform her highness of my instant readiness to perform her request,"
replied Atmâ.
Happiness overspread the countenance of Lehna. With a gentle sigh of
relief, he abandoned the heroic and magnanimous strain in which his
speech had flown, and which to so acute and wary a man of affairs was
perhaps unfamiliar. He exchanged a glance of satisfaction with the
Rajah, who leaned back among his silken cushions in an attitude of
greater comfort than he had allowed to himself during the preceding
anxious half-hour.
It only remained to instruct the young Sikh as to the course and manner
of his journey, which was to be first to Ferazpore to receive the
commands of Junda Kowr, thence to Jummoo, where Golab Singh, the
recently appointed ruler of Kashmir, held his brilliant court.
These matters satisfactorily arranged, Rajah Lal with stately ceremony
took his leave, and Atmâ found himself alone with his kinsman, who
proceeded to matters of not less interest.
"I am honoured," he said, "by your proposed alliance with my house,"
for Atmâ had disclosed to her father his love for Moti. "I am honoured
and deeply moved; but I defer this consummation of my cherished wish
until all may know that among many suitors, I chose, to be the husband
of my only child, a leal soldier of the Khalsa. But your high nature will,
I perceive, count this prize lightly won by peril endured for the Khalsa.
You go to-morrow to Ferazpore, where you will meet again Rajah Lal,
who has perhaps more influence with our clever Ranee than many a
better man. He repairs thither this evening, and will no doubt prepare
for you a favourable reception, and you will," he added, laughing, "in
all probability be received with the overflowing kindness and unveiled
confidence which our British friends deprecate!"
This covert allusion was not understood by the young Sikh, in whose
thoughts all men were valiant and all women fair and good. But he
experienced a shade of annoyance on learning that he must owe

anything to the good offices of Lal Singh. An echo seemed to sound
faint and far as in a dream; "Rajah Lal," it seemed to say, "means to
pluck the Rose of Lehna Singh's garden."
CHAPTER VI.
A