Now, let us return to the court of that Maharani, from where Nanak had been taken and transported to the banks of the Ganga.

After pushing Nanak into the chamber, Babaji did not return to the Maharani, but instead went off in another direction and arrived at a barahdari (a pavilion with twelve doors). There, several men were seated.

Some people were busy with their work. As soon as they saw Babaji, they stood up. Babaji looked at them and said, "I have sent Nanak to his place. He turned out to be a most formidable ayyār; we could do nothing to him. Anyway, take him to the same spot on the banks of the Ganga where he had disembarked from the barge, and leave some food for him there as well." Saying this, Babaji returned and went to the Maharani.

At this time, the Maharani's court was not in its usual state, nor was there any crowd. There was no sign of the throne or chairs; only a carpet was spread on which the Maharani, Rambholi, and the woman who had ridden away on horseback with Rambholi to escape from Nanak, were sitting and conversing among themselves.

As soon as Babaji arrived, he said, "I did not expect Nanak to be such a cunning and shrewd man. Dhanpati had said he was very simple, that the task would be accomplished easily, but all this trouble was for nothing!"

Readers should remember, Dhanpati is the name of the same woman who, mounted on her horse, had escaped with Rambholi from Nanak. It is not surprising if some keen-minded readers are startled by the name Dhanpati and wonder why such a woman is called Dhanpati! It is indeed something to ponder, and as the story progresses, this name will play a significant role.

Dhanpati: "Well, what had to happen has happened. At least we have learned that we have fallen into Nanak's clutches. Now we must devise some way to save ourselves and escape from Nanak's grasp."

Babaji: "I would still advise you not to get entangled in this affair. Kunwar Indrajit Singh and Anand Singh are men of great power; to bring them under your control and snatch away what belongs to them is very difficult, not at all easy. See, you were deceived at the very first step. God forbid, if Nanak dies or someone kills him and the book remains in his possession and cannot be found, is there any way you could be saved?"

Rambholi: "Certainly not, we would surely meet a terrible end."

Babaji: "I would insist, and never allow such a thing to happen, but apart from giving advice, I can do nothing more."

Maharani (looking at Babaji): "I will make one more attempt; if it does not succeed, then whatever you say shall be done."

Babaji: "As you wish, I cannot say anything more."

Maharani (looking at Dhanpati and Rambholi): "Besides you two, there is no one else fit for this task."

Dhanpati: "When have I ever shrunk from risking my life?"

Rambholi: "Whatever the command, I shall obey."

Maharani: "Both of you go, and do whatever you can!"

Rambholi: "Divide the work between us."

Maharani (looking towards Dhanpati): "It is your task to retrieve the book from Nanak's possession, and (turning to Rambholi) it is your task to capture Kishori and bring her here."

Babaji: "But remember two things, or you will not escape with your life!"

Both: "What are they?"

Babaji: "First, do not lay a hand on Kunwar Indrajit Singh or Anand Singh. Second, act in such a way that Nanak does not discover your involvement; otherwise, he will never let you go without knowing the truth, and all your efforts will be in vain. (Looking at Rambholi) Do not think that he will show you any leniency; now that he knows the real situation, he will do everything in his power to uproot and destroy us."

Maharani: "That is certain, there is no doubt about it. But these two are clever; they will protect themselves. (Looking at both) Well, go now, let us see what fate has in store. Be very careful and look after yourselves."

Both: "As you command!"