ll him
also of the discovery which he had made, that he was the rajah's
grandson.

"Praise be to Him who governs the world that you are so, for we may then
hope to have a Christian prince to reign over us who will help the
oppressed and suffering, and will see justice done to all men," was the
answer. "I do not so much congratulate you, khan, as I do myself and
all those beneath you, for your post will be one of difficulty and
danger. You little think of the dark deeds often done in the palaces of
our nobles and rulers. I would not throw a shade over your path, yet I
warn you to beware of secret as well as of open foes, for many of the
former will surround your throne and smile most blandly when they are
most actively plotting to destroy you."

"I will remember your warning, should I ever become Rajah of Allahapoor;
but I hope the day may be far distant when my grandfather shall cease to
rule the country. But of the matter on which I came to see you: I have
to ask that one of your sons will accompany me, for I know that I can
trust them all. Had Wuzeer Singh been sufficiently recovered, I would
have engaged his services; but as he is not yet able to travel, I must
depend on the assistance of one of them."

"They are all at your service, sahib; but I would recommend Buxsoo, my
second son, as he has travelled much about the country, and has
intelligence and ready wit."

The old man forthwith summoned the son he named, and he, without
hesitation, agreed to accompany Reginald. He begged, however, that he
might take a faithful servant--Sambro, a black slave, who was powerful
and brave, and thoroughly to be depended on. Reginald accepted his
offer; and in a few minutes both were ready to accompany him to the
palace, where Dick Thuddichum and Faithful were waiting for them.
Buxsoo and Sambro were there introduced to Faithful, who showed at once
that she understood she was to treat them as friends.

They waited till the shades of evening settled down over the city, that
they might take their departure without exciting observation, when they
quickly traversed the numerous deserted streets till they reached the
northern gate. It was instantly opened on Reginald's showing an order
from the rajah. No one recognised them, or inquired where they were
going; indeed, the inhabitants of Allahapoor were not addicted to
troubling themselves about affairs that did not concern them.

The travellers had got a mile or two from