The attendant reached the fort and, upon learning that both were sitting together at that moment, went before Maharaj Surendra Singh and Virendra Singh to report the disappearance of Kunwar Indrajit Singh and the circumstances, just as Kunwar Anand Singh had recounted.

They submitted the report. Upon hearing this news, both of their hearts felt as if struck by a blow. For a while, due to anxiety, they could not think what ought to be done. The night had already passed beyond the first watch. At last, Surendrasingh summoned Jeetsingh, Tejsingh, and Devisingh, and recounted to them what the servant had reported, then asked what should be done now.

Tejsingh: "It is not without reason that so many women gathered in that jungle, singing and playing music, and then deceiving us in this manner."

Surendrasingh: "Ever since I heard of Shivdatt's resurgence, a constant unease has lingered in my heart. I believe this too is one of his devilish schemes."

Virendrasingh: "But both the boys are not so weak that anyone could capture them at will."

Surendrasingh: "That is true, but it is still unfortunate that Anand Singh remained there as well."

Tejsingh: "The poor servant was forced to accompany them; otherwise, we would not even have known where the two had gone. Well, whatever must be decided regarding them, think on it, but grant me leave quickly so that I may take a thousand soldiers and go there at once, surround that small jungle from all sides, and then let us see what comes of it."

Surendrasingh: (to Jeetsingh) "What do you think?"

Jeetsingh: "Tej speaks rightly; he should go at once."

Receiving the order, Tejsingh climbed the turret above the audience hall, where a large kettledrum and a heavy mallet were kept for such emergencies—so that, should the need arise to assemble the army at once, the mallet could be struck upon the drum. Its sound was unique, unlike any other kettledrum, and Tejsingh had also devised several signals for its use.

Tejsingh picked up the mallet and struck the drum forcefully once, its sound echoing throughout the city and even far beyond. Though the townsfolk might not have understood the reason, the commander-in-chief grasped at once that a thousand soldiers were needed immediately, and he arranged for them with great speed.

Tejsingh, fully equipped, left the fort, and, taking a thousand soldiers and many torchbearers, set out toward that small jungle, reaching it very quickly.

He stationed guards at intervals and surrounded the jungle from all sides. Indrajitsingh had already vanished, and many efforts were made to find Anand Singh, but he too could not be found. The night was spent in these endeavors. At dawn, Tejsingh ordered that the jungle be cut down swiftly from one side, so that by day's end the entire forest would be cleared.

At that very moment, Maharaj Surendrasingh and Jeetsingh also arrived there. They approved of cutting down the jungle and said, "It will be very good if we all—"

Let us become completely free from worry about the jungle."

How long could it possibly take to clear this small forest? Due to the king's vigilance, there was not a single person to be seen here who was not engaged in cutting down the trees. By midday, the jungle had been cleared away, but no trace of anyone was found. In fact, just as with Indrajit Singh, it had to be concluded that Anand Singh too had disappeared. However, at the edge of this forest, the body of a young, beautiful woman, adorned with exquisite and priceless jewelry and garments, was found—her head missing.

This corpse was brought before Maharaj Surendra Singh. Now everyone's anxiety increased, and all sorts of thoughts began to arise. Helpless, they returned toward the city, taking the body with them. Jeet Singh said, "We will go and send Tara Singh to summon all the ayyars who had gone in search of Shivdutt, and send them to look for Indrajit Singh and Anand Singh. But you, go at once wherever your heart guides you, in search of them."

Tej Singh was already prepared with his equipment. He saluted and immediately set off in one direction, while the Maharaj, wiping his eyes with a handkerchief, departed for Chunar.

Saddened and grieving the separation from his grandsons, Maharaj Surendra Singh returned home. Chandrakanta too heard the news of both young men's disappearance. Poor girl, she had come to understand the joys and sorrows of the world all too well, so she could only suppress her anguish. She did not wish to weep and wail openly, but by restraining herself, her delicate heart suffered an even greater blow—her appearance changed within moments. How much Chapla and Champa loved Chandrakanta, you all know well; there is no need to write it. The grief of the two young men's disappearance struck these two even more deeply than it did Chandrakanta, and both resolved that, when the opportunity arose, they would try to find out what had happened to Indrajit Singh and Anand Singh.

Hearing of Maharaj Surendra Singh's arrival, Virendra Singh went to meet him. Dev Singh was also present there. In Virendra Singh's presence, the Maharaj recounted everything to Dev Singh and asked, "Now what should be done?"

Dev Singh: "First, I would like to see the body that was found in the forest."

Surendra Singh: "Yes, you must see it."

Jeet Singh (to the attendant): "Tell them to bring here the body that was found in the forest."

"Very well," said the attendant, and went outside, but soon returned and said, "On the way here with the Maharaj, somehow that body disappeared. Several men are searching for it in distress, but it cannot be found!"

Virendra Singh: "Now the time has come for us to be vigilant once again."

When the corpse disappeared from among thousands of people, it became clear that much more trouble was yet to come.

Jeetsingh: "I had thought that whatever little life remains would