ition; sometimes one troop
occupies them, sometimes another. When we go on an expedition, we
leave them; when we come back, if they are still unoccupied, we
again take possession. If they have been allotted to another troop,
a vacant one is found for us.

"Only one regiment of horse and two of foot are in the city, where
they have lines of huts. We differ from the rest of the army, being
always on service; the others are only called out when there is
occasion for them, each under its own chief and, in case of
necessity, the Peishwa can put thirty thousand horsemen in the
field, besides those of the rajahs in alliance with him."

The next morning Sufder, in his best attire, went with Harry into
the city; the latter for the first time carrying a sword, dagger
and pistols in his cummerbund, or sash. Without being questioned,
they entered the chamber were Nana was giving audience to all who
waited upon him on business.

Sufder took his place at the lower end of the chamber, moving
forward as one after another applicant was disposed of until, at
length, his turn arrived. The minister, who knew that he was a
brave soldier, who had enjoyed the confidence of the late Scindia,
acknowledged his deep salutation with a friendly nod.

"What can I do for you, Sufder?"

"I desire nothing, your excellency, save that I may be permitted to
present to you one of my family: the son of a relation of mine who,
although still young, I may venture to recommend to you as one
possessing great courage and intelligence. I have myself given him
lessons in the use of his arms; and he has had other instructors,
and done credit to them. For the past year he has been working with
a famous shikaree, and has killed many tigers that were a scourge
to the villages near the Ghauts, together with many bears and
leopards; and his master reported that his fearlessness was great,
and that as a marksman his skill was equal to his own. He was most
unwilling that he should leave him, but I considered it was time
for him to enter the army; in which, I believe, he will soon
distinguish himself."

"How old is he?" the minister asked.

"He is as yet but sixteen but, as your highness may see, he is as
strong as most men, having devoted himself to exercises of all
sorts, since he was a child."

"He is indeed cast in a strong mould, and his face pleases me.

"And so, you would enter the service of His Highness, the Peishwa?"

"That is my desire, your excell