Thereafter I stuffed a few billets of wood into the empty casing of the
harp, and when my servant returned I bade him carry forth the package,
and secure it across my saddle-bow, just as I had been wont to travel
heretofore. Even though it was yet dark, we rode forth on our way.
"'Next day I noticed that my servant kept watching me in a furtive
manner, and I congratulated myself on the precaution I had taken, and
inwardly resolved to be more than ever on my guard not to be caught
unawares. But, alas! I was still weak, and exhausted nature overcame
vigilance, so that one night I slept soundly. I remember nothing of what
took place. But when I came to myself some woodcutters were bathing my
head. They said I had been beaten and wounded, and had bled profusely. I
tried to stand up, but was seized with a great faintness, and would have
fallen had not my succourers steadied me. With tender care I was carried
to Punderpur, happily not far distant, where I was yet once again kindly
bidden to the home of strangers.
"'A munshi named Khyraz was the name of my new benefactor. He was most
wishful that I should hunt down my faithless servant, who, I need not
say, after leaving me for dead, had disappeared with my horse and the
package which was supposed to contain the precious harp.
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