As we have already mentioned above, at Madhavi's court there were three chief men—namely, Diwan Agnidatt, Kuber Singh the commander, and Dharm Singh the kotwal—and together, the three enjoyed the pleasures of Madhavi's realm.

Of these three, Agnidatt's days passed most pleasantly. For one, he held the post of Diwan, and for another, he had won the favor of Madhavi, such a beautiful woman. Kuber Singh and Dharm Singh were his close friends, but at times, when thoughts of Madhavi crossed their minds, their hearts would change, and they would think to themselves, "Alas, Madhavi was not destined for me."

At first, neither of the two had any idea what Madhavi was truly like. After much persuasion, one day the Diwan sahib gave them the opportunity to see Madhavi. From that day on, her image was etched into their hearts, and they often found themselves lost in thoughts of her.

Tonight, at midnight, we find Diwan Agnidatt lying alone on his bed in his solitary chamber, lost in deep thought. Who knows what he is pondering, or what worries trouble him? Yet, at one point, these words escaped his lips—

"I cannot make sense of it! There is no doubt that she has found some means to please herself there. So why do I sit here unconcerned? Well, first I should consult my friends." With this, he sat up from his bed and began pacing slowly about the room. At last, he took his sword, which hung from a peg, and descended from his house.

At the door, many soldiers stood guard. Seeing the Diwan sahib ready to go somewhere, they too prepared to accompany him, but at his refusal, they had no choice but to remain at their posts, alert and watchful.

The Diwan sahib set out alone and soon arrived at the house of Kuber Singh, the commander, who lived not far away in a beautifully decorated mansion, enjoying great luxury.

The Diwan sahib was certain that at this hour, the commander would be sleeping soundly in his pleasure palace, and he would have to summon him. But no—as soon as he reached the door, the guards...

Upon inquiry, it was learned that the Senapati Sahib was still in his room, and in fact, the Kotwal Sahib was also with him at that very moment.

Agnidutt, pondering over why the Kotwal had come here at this hour of midnight and what counsel or deliberation these two might be engaged in, ascended the stairs. Upon entering the room, he saw that only the two of them were there, reclining against cushions on a mattress, engaged in conversation. As soon as Diwan Sahib set foot inside, both of them rose to their feet and, after offering their salutations, Senapati Sahib asked in surprise—

"What brings you out of your house at this hour of midnight?"

Diwan: "Such is the circumstance that has arisen, I was compelled to seek your counsel and thus needed to meet you both."

Kotwal: "Please, come and sit. I hope all is well?"

Diwan: "Yes, all is well, but several doubts have left my mind restless."

Senapati: "Is that so? Pray, tell us what troubles you!"

Diwan: "Yes, I shall tell you, that is why I have come. But first—" (glancing at the Kotwal) "—tell me, how is it that you are here at this hour?"

Kotwal: "I have been here for quite some time. Senapati Sahib's strange tale had so entangled me that I cannot describe it. But please, tell us your own story, for my heart is anxious."

Diwan: "There is nothing new with me, I have only come to think and discuss something regarding Madhavi."

Senapati: "What new worry now besets you about Madhavi? Has it come to the point of a quarrel?"

Diwan: "It has not yet come to a quarrel, but it threatens to."

Senapati: "Why so?"

Diwan: "Her behavior has seemed odd of late. Just see, I am here at this hour—otherwise, who could have seen my face past midnight?"

Kotwal: "How does she pass her time there?"

Diwan: "That is precisely the wonder. I suspect there must be some man there, for she is never one to stay alone."

Diwan: "We must find out."

Diwan: "I have been trying for several days to discover the truth, but have achieved nothing. I even had a key made for the door through which she comes and goes, hoping to reach there by stealth. But it was of no use, for when she leaves, she does something to the lock from inside so that the key will not work."

Kotwal: "Then you must try to reach there by some other means."

Diwan: "Doing so would cause a great commotion."

Kotwal: What can anyone do by causing trouble? The kingdom is in the grip of the three of us!

Just then, the sound of footsteps was heard outside. The three of them kept looking in that direction for a long time, but no one appeared. The Kotwal, saying, "Perhaps someone is hiding and listening to our conversation," got up and went outside the room to look around, but found no trace of anyone. Helpless, he returned to the room and said, "There's no one—just a false alarm."

There is no need to describe in detail what conversations took place among these three or what plans they finalized; suffice it to say that, talking thus, the three of them passed the night, and at dawn, each took the road to his own home.

The next night, just before dawn, a strange incident occurred at the Kotwal's house. He was sitting in his room, examining some important court documents, when suddenly the sound of commotion reached his ears. Listening carefully, he realized that a fight was taking place at the outer gate. Near the wax candelabrum burning before the Kotwal, there was a bell; as soon as he picked it up and rang it, a servant came running in and stood before him with folded