been
desirous of possessing it, for the fame of the instrument, its beauty
and value, was widespread. By a fortunate chance I became acquainted
with the man who was hiding it in the city of Poona. I promised, in the
name of my lord and master, the mighty Akbar, a lac of rupees, and
undertook to carry the instrument safely to the Emperor at
Fathpur-Sikri. On account of its extreme value we decided to conceal it
in a rough packing, and, with a view to avoid attracting attention, that
I should be attended on the road by no more than one body servant, a man
who had been long in my employment and in whom I placed implicit
confidence.

"'Well, all went right until, just as we neared this village I fell
sick--as I now believe, through the agency of my faithless attendant,
who would have poisoned me so that he might possess himself of the
precious harp. Fortunately I was succoured by our good friend, Baji Lal,
and nursed back to health by him and his devoted wife Devaka. I had sent
my servant on to Punderpur, there to await a summons when I again felt
well enough to travel. But one night he returned of his own accord,
bringing the news that the Padishah himself was approaching Punderpur,
and now would be the time for me to complete my mission.

"'But there was something in the fellow's manner that awakened my
distrust. At this time my suspicions were but vague, yet sufficient to
prompt me to caution. Without discovering my inmost thoughts, I
acquiesced in his proposal, and, disregarding the entreaties of my kind
hosts, prepared to take the road without an hour's delay.

"'But first I had to dispose of the bejewelled harp in a place of
safety, for I had made up my mind not to carry it any longer with me. At
Punderpur it would be possible to get an escort of Akbar's cavalry, and
then I could return with them for the treasure. So meanwhile I had to
find some sure hiding-place, this in preference to burdening anyone here
with my secret.

"'The walls of my room in Baji Lal's house were covered with a thick
tent-cloth. While my servant was feeding the horses, I loosened one edge
of this, and to my joy found the space between the inner and the outer
covering sufficient to take the harp. I stripped off the bulky wrappings
in which the harp had been carried up to this time, leaving only a
swathing of fine silk. Then I carefully bestowed the instrument in its
place of hiding, tying it securely to a beam high up toward the ceiling,
a