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—"