t is morally
certain that there are relatives of your father and mother still
living, in England. I do not say that you require any assistance
from them; but when you return home, as everyone does, two or three
times, in the course of his Indian service, it would be pleasant to
find friends there; and it would be well that your position should
be established beyond all question."

"I will gladly go down with you," Soyera said, when Harry laid the
matter before her. "I am happy and contented here, but should be glad
to see Bombay again. It was my home for ten years. I am very glad you
have made up your mind to go, for it is time that you should take your
place among your countrymen; and the recommendation of the Resident
at the court of Poona is as good a one as you could wish for.

"I should say that you had better give up, at once, staining your
skin. I can see that you have not used the dye for some days, and
it would be as well to recover your proper colour, before Mr. Malet
introduces you to the Council at Bombay."

"I will ride down to the town," Harry said, "and engage a gharry [a
native carriage] to carry you to Poona. When we get there, I shall
learn what route Mr. Malet will take, and how fast he will travel;
and shall then see which will be the best for you--to go down in a
gharry, or to be carried in a dhoolie [a palanquin]."

"But all this will cost money, Harry."

"I am well provided with funds," Harry said, "for the Nana and
Bajee Rao have both made me handsome presents for the services I
rendered them. There is, therefore, no reason why we should not
travel in comfort."

They arrived at Poona two days later; and Harry--having ascertained
that the new Resident would not arrive until the next day, and that
he would probably wish Mr. Malet to defer his departure for at
least two days, in order to give him his experience of the factions
and intrigues there, and of the character of all those who were
likely to influence events--rode to see Nana, who had not yet
returned to Poona.

"I have come, your excellency," he said, "to tell you that it is my
wish to retire from the public service."

The minister looked greatly surprised.

"Why, Puntojee," he said, "this sounds like madness. Young as you
are, you have secured powerful protectors, both in the Peishwa and
myself; and you may hope to reach a high office in the state, as
you grow older.

"I do not know, though," he went on, speaking to himself r