s of Nana; and might not only drive the minister into exile,
but dethrone Mahdoo Rao. Such being the case, no one can blame Nana
for keeping them in confinement--at any rate, until Mahdoo Rao has
been master for some years, and has proved that he is able to
maintain his position.

"Now, lad, I will go into the town with you, and purchase dresses
fit for an official of the palace."

"I quite see that I have been most fortunate in obtaining such a
position, Sufder; but I own I should have preferred to remain with
you, and learn to do service as a soldier."

"That you may learn later on," Sufder said. "Having the confidence
of the Peishwa, you may soon obtain military rank, as well as civil
and, if war breaks out, may hold a position vastly better than you
could hope to attain to as the mere chief of a troop."

"It seems very ridiculous, Sufder, that I should be thus put
forward, without any merit of my own; while you, who have fought in
many battles, are still only commander of your troop."

"I have no desire for more," Sufder replied. "I am a soldier, and
can do my duty as ordered, but I have no head for intrigues; and I
consider the risks of a battle are quite sufficient, without those
of being put out of the way for mixing myself up in plots.

"Again, your rise is not altogether undeserved. You have, by your
exercises, attained the strength of manhood early; and your
experience as a tiger hunter has fitted you for the post for which
you are appointed, just as your diligence in exercise in arms will
be of good service to you, if you come to hold military command.
But you must be circumspect and, above all things, do not forget to
use the dye with which Soyera has furnished you. Hitherto your
white skin has done you no harm but, were it discovered here that
you are English, it would at once be imagined that you were a spy,
and little time would be given you to explain how matters stand."

"I will certainly be careful as to that and, now that I am to have
a private apartment, I shall be able to apply the dye without the
fear of being interrupted, as might have been the case in camp."

On the following day, Harry, having obtained clothes suitable to
his position, betook himself to the palace, where one of the
officers of the chamberlain conducted him to his apartment, and
assigned to him two men appointed to his service.

Chapter 3: A Change In Affairs.

Harry Lindsay's duties were little more than nomina