ked upon as synonymous terms in Nepaul, we
felt that it was hardly fair to our kind host to place him in such an
awkward position; and as, moreover, the effect of his being so
compromised in Katmandu would have probably entailed upon us a precisely
similar fate, we considered it hardly fair to the guests either. But
while thus hanging back from his promise on the score of compromising
himself, I am fully persuaded that personal considerations had but little
to do in the matter. He is looking out for means of usefulness, and it
was more the fear of retarding his schemes of improvement by thus
increasing the popular discontent that induced him to change his mind,
than any hope of retaining his head upon his shoulders. The difficulty
of doing this can be but very slightly increased; and it must be admitted
that he esteems life as lightly in his own case as he formerly did when
others were concerned.

It cannot but be regretted that with so pure an object he should be
totally without co-operation from any quarter. The young King, capable
only of aiding in nefarious schemes, such as those already recounted, can
in no way comprehend the new-fangled philanthropic views of the prime
minister: He cares little about the welfare of his country; his amusement
seems to consist in concocting and executing bloody designs, and his mind
must be so accustomed to this species of excitement that it can scarce do
without it. It is unfortunate that the Rajah's hobby should lie in this
peculiar direction, more unfortunate still that the contemplated victim
should be Jung; for I presume that there is little doubt that the King's
brother, who was engaged in the last conspiracy against the minister's
life--which took place a few days after my visit--must have acted with
the knowledge, and most probably at the instigation, of his Majesty.

Nor can Jung look to his brothers for support as in times of old: one of
them, whom he esteemed amongst the most faithful, was, as before
mentioned, deeply implicated in the same attempt on his life; and there
is no one now on whom he can confidently depend in the hour of need
except the two youngest of the family, who accompanied him to England,
and whom I consider thoroughly devoted to his interests. Deserted by his
King, who owes his throne to him, his life conspired against by one of
his own brothers, bound to him by the yet stronger ties of blood, he
stands alone a mark for the dagger of any one who