uch, on that point, sir. I think that he
has, over and over again, shown great courage in extricating
himself from difficulties which appeared to be overwhelming. I
believe him to be a sincere patriot, and that he only desires to be
at the head of the administration of affairs that he may prevent
civil war from breaking out, and to thwart the ambition of the
great princes. His tastes are simple, his house is furnished
plainly, he cares nothing for the pleasures of the table; but he is
honest and, I believe, absolutely truthful--qualities which
certainly are possessed by very few men in the Deccan.

"I grant that he is not disposed to enter into any alliance with
the British. He has frequently told me that he admires them greatly
for their straightforwardness and truthfulness, as well as for
their bravery and their methods of government, both in the great
towns and in the districts in which they are masters; but he fears
that, were they to send an army to Poona on his behalf, or on that
of any of the other parties, it might end by their acquiring
control over the affairs of the country, and make them arbitrators
in all disputes."

"No doubt he is right, there," the Governor said, with a smile.
"However, at present we are certainly not likely to interfere in
the quarrels and intrigues beyond the Ghauts; nor do I see why we
should be brought into collision with the Mahrattas--at any rate,
until they have ceased to quarrel among themselves, and unite under
one master. In that case, they might make another effort to turn us
out.

"And now we will go into the room where the Council must be, by
this time, assembled."

This proved to be the case, and the Governor read to them the note
that he had received from Mr. Uhtoff; and then requested Harry to
repeat the details, as fully as he had already done. There was a
consensus of opinion as to the importance of the news.

"Come round again tomorrow morning, Mr. Lindsay," the Governor
said; "by that time I shall have fully thought the matter out."

"So you have been masquerading as a native again, Mr. Lindsay?" the
colonel said, when Harry called upon him.

"I can hardly consider it masquerading, as I merely resumed the
dress I wore for many years; and I certainly speak Mahratti vastly
better than I speak English for, although I improved a good deal
while I was here, I am conscious that, though my grammar may be
correct, my pronunciation differs a good deal from that of my