how it was that he has been able, all
these years, to pass as a Mahratta among Mahrattas."

There was a general expression of agreement. Cheroots were lighted,
and Harry told his story, with some detail. When he had finished,
the colonel said:

"I am sure we are all obliged to you, Lindsay. You have had a
remarkable experience; and few of us have, in the course of our
lives, gone through anything like the same amount of adventures. To
have been, at your age, a peasant boy, an English school boy, a
shikaree, an officer in the Peishwa's court, a confidential agent
of Nana Furnuwees, and now a British officer, is indeed wonderful.
It speaks volumes for your intelligence and discretion."

"I cannot take the whole credit to myself, sir. I had two good
friends. My nurse, not content with saving my life, taught me
English, instructed me in the ways of our people, and even in their
religion, and continually urged me to exercise myself in every way;
so that when, some day, I left her, I should in bodily strength and
activity not be inferior to others; and, aided by her brother,
expended all her savings, of years, in having me educated here.
Next to her I owe much to Sufder, who first taught me the use of
arms, and then presented me to Nana. Without such an introduction I
must, had I entered the Mahratta service at all, have gone as a
private soldier, instead of obtaining at once a post at court.

"To Mrs. Sankey I owe very much for the kindness she showed me, and
the pains she took with me; and I owe much, too, to Mr. Jeemajee,
the Parsee merchant."

"Yes, you owe much to both of them," the colonel said; "but their
teaching and advice would not have gone for much, had it not been
for your own energy, and for the confidence you inspired in the
Peishwa's minister.

"What are you going to do about your nurse?"

"We have not quite arranged, as yet, sir; but she will, at any
rate, remain here for a time. She loves me as a mother; and I think
that, so long as I am quartered here, she will remain. She has
already found a lodging, at the house of a woman of the same caste
as herself; and tells me that she is sure she will be comfortable
with her. If we move, and all goes on quietly in the Deccan, she
will return to her brother's, where she is thoroughly at home and
happy."

"And Sufder?"

"He will return, in the course of a week or so. He is greatly
interested in what he sees here, especially in the shipping, never
having