at a long table. Mr. Malet rose and said:

"This is Mr. Lindsay, gentlemen."

"Truly, sir, it would be difficult to recognize you as a fellow
countryman, in that garb," the Governor said; "though your colour
is somewhat less dark than that of a Mahratta."

"Since I left Poona I have ceased to dye, sir; as to my dress, this
will be the last time I shall wear it, unless I should be called
upon to go to Poona again."

"Your story is a most singular one," the Governor said, "but Mr.
Malet assures us that you are the son of Major Lindsay, and has
been telling us how you escaped the massacre at the camp, and how
your ayah has brought you up."

"She has come down with me, sir. I thought that her testimony would
be necessary; and I have also brought down her cousin, who was
present at the foray in which my father and mother were killed. My
account will be confirmed by their statements."

"You do credit to Mahratta food and training, Mr. Lindsay; but Mr.
Malet has mentioned to me that, at one time, you were employed as a
shikaree, to keep down the tigers which were doing havoc among the
villagers near the top of the Ghauts. He has also informed us of
the very valuable service you rendered, by informing him of Nana
Furnuwees' measures for regaining power, and replacing Bajee Rao on
the musnud--intelligence which saved us a great expenditure of
money in preparing to support him; with the certainty that, by
doing so, we might excite the enmity of Scindia. He tells us, also,
why you continued so long in the Deccan, instead of coming down
here; and I think you acted very wisely.

"We have mentioned your services, in that matter, in our reports to
the Board of Directors; and have said that, partly as a recognition
of this, and partly because you are the son of an English officer,
who was killed in their service, we should at once give you an
appointment, subject to their approval.

"Now, sir, which would you prefer, the civil or military branch?"

"I should much prefer the military," Harry answered, without
hesitation; "unless indeed, sir, you think my services would be
more useful in the civil."

"If we were at Calcutta or Madras, there would be more scope for
you in the civil service; but as we hold, at present, little
territory beyond this island, there are therefore but few
appointments affording an opportunity for the display of the
intelligence which you certainly possess; but, should circumstances
alter, you might