m that the authority of the Peishwa has not been entirely
overthrown by Scindia and Holkar. He is a reader of men's minds,
and has always surrounded himself with friends of discernment and
courage; and I think you would be likely, if you remained in the
Peishwa's service, to rise to a very much higher rank than I should
ever do, being myself but a rough soldier with a heavy hand.

"Holkar, at present, is fast becoming altogether imbecile. He is
worn out both in mind and body, and I should not advise anybody to
join him. Therefore the choice rests between Doulut Rao Scindia and
the Peishwa; as far as I can see, there is an equal chance of your
seeing service with either."

"I can choose without hesitation," Harry said. "Had you still been
in the army of Scindia, I would have joined it, too; but as you
have now entered that of the Peishwa, who is the lawful ruler of
the Mahrattas, though overshadowed by Scindia and Holkar, I should
certainly choose his service.

"In any case, I would rather be with you. You have taught me the
use of arms, and to you I owe it that I was not killed, when an
infant; therefore I would assuredly rather fight under your orders,
than take service with Holkar or Scindia.

"As to their quarrels, I know nothing. Ramdass has often told me as
much as he knew of these matters, but it all seemed to me to be
confusion; and the only thing I could understand was that they were
always intriguing against each other, instead of putting all their
forces in the field, and fighting it out fairly, and so deciding
who was to be the chief lord of the Mahrattas."

"Although but a soldier, Puntojee, I cannot but see that this
constant antagonism, between the three principal leaders of the
Mahrattas, is unfortunate in the last degree. We are wasting the
strength that, if properly employed, might bring all India into
subjection and, when trouble really comes, we shall be a divided
people, instead of acting under one head and with one mind.
However, it is not for us soldiers to meddle with these things; but
to do our duty to the chief under whom we serve.

"Well, if such be your choice, I will present you to Nana
Furnuwees. I am glad that you have chosen that service for, in the
first place, being young, he may take a liking to you, and you may
obtain rapid promotion; and still more, because I should prefer to
have you with me."

Hitherto, Harry had worn only the scanty clothing in use by the
peasantry, and t