aiting since he had left Poona. He had ample funds,
having carried away with him an immense treasure, accumulated
during his long years of government. There was no time to be lost
and, as soon as he received the letter of warning, he left the town
of Waee and made for the Concan.

As soon as he reached the Ghauts, he set the whole of his force to
block the passes, by rolling great stones down into the roads. In
addition, strong barricades were constructed, and a force of two
hundred men left, at each point, to defend them. The infantry he
had recruited he threw into the fort of Raygurh, and added strongly
to its defences.

Balloba had proposed that Nana should be followed without delay,
and offered some of Scindia's best troops for the purpose; but
Purseram, acting in accordance with the advice of some of Nana's
friends, raised an objection. He had now, however, resolved to
break altogether with the minister, whose timidity at the critical
moment was considered, by him, as a proof that he could never again
be formidable; and he accordingly gave up Nana's estates to
Scindia, and took possession of his houses and property in Poona,
for his own use. After remaining for a few days, waiting events and
sending off many messengers, Nana sent for Harry.

"I have a mission for you," he said. "It is one that requires
daring and great intelligence, and I know no one to whom it could
be better committed than to you. You see that, owing to the turn
events have taken, Bajee Rao and myself are natural allies. We have
both suffered at the hands of Balloba. He is a prisoner in
Scindia's camp; though, as I understand, free to move about in it.
I privately received a hint that Bajee, himself, recognizes this;
but doubtless he believes that I am powerless to help either myself
or him.

"In this he is mistaken. I have been in communication with Holkar,
who is alarmed at the ever-increasing power of Scindia; and he will
throw his whole power into the scale, to aid me. The Rajahs of
Berar and Kolapoore have engaged to aid me, for the same reason;
and the Nizam will sign the treaty that was agreed upon between us,
some time since. Rao Phurkay has engaged to bring the Peishwa's
household troops over, when the signal is given.

"More than that I have, through Ryajee, a patal, who is an enemy of
Balloba, opened negotiations with Scindia himself; offering him the
estates of Purseram Bhow, and the fort of Surrenuggar, with
territory yieldin