New Delhi, Oct. 17 --

Capt Hemming studied his face as he took his seat. He knew the troubles were raging but what exactly the Resident proposed to do, he could not guess.

Meanwhile Khairunnissa gave birth to twins - a boy and girl - bringing a streak of light into the storm-ridden night. Temporarily the troubles ceased or so it appeared and Kirkpatric drifted back to those carefree days spending much of his time at the Rang Mahal. Khairunnissa limped back to her normal life. She regained her colour and with it a glow which only the first flush of motherhood brings.

But, alas, those days were short-lived and the peace and calmness that ruled their hearts and lives did not last long. The walls were closing in and Kirkpatric found no wa...