CHAPTER XXI. 

While Bathurst was busying himself completing his preparations for the attempt, Rabda came in with her father. 

"My lord," she said, "I tremble at the thought of your venturing your life. My life is of no importance, and it belongs to you. What I would propose is this. My father will go to Bithoor, and will obtain an order from one of the Nana's officers for a lady of the zenana to visit the prisoners. I will go in veiled, as I was on the day I went there. I will change garments with the lady, and she can come out veiled, and meet you outside." 

"I would not dream of such a thing, Rabda. You would be killed to a certainty when they discovered the trick. Even if I would consent to the sacrifice, Miss Hannay would not do so. I am deeply grateful to you for proposing it, but it is impossible. You will see that, with the aid of your father, I shall succeed." 

"I told her that would be your answer, sahib," Rujub said, "but she insisted on making the offer." 

It was arranged that they were to start at nine o'clock, as it was safer to make the attempt before everything became quiet. Before starting, Rabda was again placed in a trance. In reply to her father's questions she said that Mary Hunter was dead, and that Isobel was lying down. She was told to tell her that in an hour she was to be at the window next to the door.  QUESTIONS:

Q1:
1. Could Rabda be described as a boy or a girl?
2. Would you say that Rabda is a boy or a girl?
3. Tell us whether Rabda is a boy or a girl.
