the two waggon loads of grain. Harry
then put off the peasant's dress, and resumed that of a trooper,
and rode back to Raygurh, where he reported to Nana the success of
his mission.

Chapter 5: Down To Bombay.

Harry's stay with Nana was a short one as, in three days, he was
again sent to Poona. This time he was to take up his abode at a
large house, occupied by two of the leaders of Bajee's party; the
rajah having told him that he would request them to entertain him,
if he should again come to Poona. He was the bearer of fifty
thousand rupees, principally in gold, which he was to give to them
for the use of Bajee. He had no message this time for the prince,
personally, Nana having said to him:

"I want you to let me know how matters are going on. The young man
may do something rash and, if Balloba's suspicions are in any way
excited, he may send him to some distant fortress; which would
seriously upset my plans, for I should have to retain Chimnajee in
power, as representative of his brother.

"We know that he was placed on the musnud greatly in opposition to
his wishes; and he certainly hailed, with pleasure, the prospect of
Bajee's release. Still, it would not be the same thing for me. A
minister of the Peishwa can rule without question by the people
but, acting only as minister to a representative of the Peishwa, he
would be far more severely criticised; and it is certain that, to
raise money for paying Scindia the sum that has been agreed upon,
extra taxation must be put on, the odium resulting from which would
fall upon me."

The two officers received Harry cordially. He had personally known
them both and, as Nana's representative, they would have treated
him with much honour, had it not been pointed out to them that this
might be fatal to their plans for, did Balloba hear that some
strange officer was being so treated by them, he would be sure to
set at once about finding out who he was, and what he was doing
there.

"Matters are going on well," they said. "The old general, Manajee
Phurkay, who was one of Rugoba's devoted adherents, is now staying
in Bajee's camp, and is enlisting men for his service."

"Where are they being assembled?"

"In Bajee's camp. He is not interfered with, there."

"It appears to be a very rash proceeding," Harry said. "It is true
that Bajee has apparent liberty, and can have with him in his camp
many of his friends; but a gathering of armed men can scarcely
escape th