ses out to meet the officer in command, who
was some way ahead of his men.

"Faith, I am glad to see you all alive!" exclaimed the officer, as he
and Captain Burnett shook hands. "We were given to believe that you
were surrounded by a whole host of rebels, and I expected by this time
to be engaged in cutting them to pieces like mincemeat."

"We have not so much as seen an enemy," answered Burnett; "but
understanding that they were likely to attack us on the road to
Allahapoor, I thought it prudent to halt here, in order to wait till we
could obtain reinforcements from the capital, as we have the young ranee
in our charge."

"So Colonel Ross understood," observed the officer "And now have the
goodness to introduce me to this young prince, sultan, or rajah, or
whatever he is; and just interpret what I say, for I am no great hand at
talking their lingo."

"With all my heart," answered Burnett.

"Then just tell him that Major Molony, of Her Britannic Majesty's 990th
Regiment of Foot, desires to express his delight and satisfaction at
having arrived with a force under his command to defend him against all
the foes, past, present, and future, who may venture to interfere with
him in the execution of the humane and beneficent laws which he has
established for the peace and prosperity of his people. I conclude he
does not cut off more than half-a-dozen heads a day, and only
confiscates the property of those of his nobles who are unable to defend
themselves."

Burnett began to translate what the major had said. Unfortunately
Reginald could not command his countenance, so putting out his hand, he
exclaimed, laughing heartily--

"I assure you, my dear major, you scarcely do me justice. Half-a-dozen
heads a day! That's nothing. How do you think I could keep the country
in order by such simple means? People would look upon me as a mere
milksop. Put it down as a hundred, and you would be quite as near the
mark."

Burnett now joined in the laugh at the major's astonishment and
confusion.

"I beg your highness's pardon," he exclaimed. "I had no idea you could
speak English. Faith, you speak it remarkably well too, I assure you,
on my honour; and I hope your highness is not offended at the remark I
made."

"Not at all," said Reginald, still laughing. "May I ask after Mrs
Molony, and whether she has recovered from her voyage in the _Glamorgan
Castle_?"

"Why, as I am alive," exclaimed the major, "I do believe t