e.

"Scindia was the sort of man to rule us. He was strong in every
way, was troubled with no scruples, would strike down without mercy
any who opposed him. He took great care of his troops, and they
were always ready to follow him. That is the man we want on the
musnud; not a young prince, of whom we can only say that he was
kindly.

"And why did Nana choose you?"

"I am a second string to his bow. He sent off a messenger as soon
as he heard of Mahdoo Rao's accident but, fearing he might be
intercepted on the way, he has chosen me as being a person no one
would be likely to suspect of being his messenger, on so important
a matter."

"It is important, indeed, Puntojee. There is no saying what may be
the result of the Peishwa's death. There is no doubt that Scindia
and Holkar will, for once, be in complete accord with Nana
Furnuwees, and will combine in any plan to keep Rugoba's son from
succeeding; still, there are many of the friends of Rugoba who will
be ready to declare for his son and, moreover, there are the
stories that have been so widely circulated as to Bajee's personal
appearance, and his many accomplishments--these will gain for him a
great number of partisans."

The journey was performed without interruption. At one time, a body
of some fifty horsemen made their appearance on rising ground near
the road, but drew off when they saw how strong was the party and,
after a ride of sixty miles, they arrived at Purseram Bhow's camp.
Harry dismounted in front of the general's tent and, entering,
handed him the letter.

"What is your news?" the latter asked, before opening it.

"There is none, General, beyond what the letter, sent to you three
hours before I left, will have prepared you to hear. I only bear a
copy of that letter, in case the first should not have reached
you."

"It is well that the precaution was taken for, in truth, the
messenger has not arrived."

"It is possible that he may have been murdered on the way, sir; for
we saw a party of fifty horsemen on the road, whose intentions
seemed to be hostile, but as I had Sufder's troop of a hundred men
with me, they drew off."

"But what is the news, then, that is so important that steps are
taken to stop messengers that bear it?"

Harry related what had taken place, the old officer giving many
ejaculations of regret, and horror, at the news of Mahdoo Rao's
death.

"'Tis a terrible misfortune, indeed," he said, "and is like to
throw the wh