ered the presents which he and Reginald had brought. They were
graciously accepted, the rajah placing them on a cushion by his side.
Bowing low they withdrew, the captain taking another glance at the
rajah's grand-daughter as he did so.

Andre Cochut accompanied them home, and by the questions he put it was
evident that he wished to ascertain their real object in coming to
Allahapoor. Captain Burnett replied cautiously, and took an opportunity
of whispering to Reginald to be on his guard as to what he said. "I do
not trust that individual," he observed as soon as the khan had taken
his departure. "He fears that we may remain and supplant him in the
good graces of the old rajah. If we can win him over, he may assist us;
but the attempt to do so would excite his suspicion." Reginald promised
to follow his friend's advice, and they agreed that they would simply be
civil to Cochut, and appear to be only desirous of visiting the scenes
of interest in the neighbourhood.

The following day they received another summons to visit the rajah in
his usual hall of audience in the palace. He had a few guards and
courtiers in attendance. Burnett looked round in vain in the hope of
catching a glimpse of the beautiful Nuna, but she was nowhere to be
seen; indeed, her appearance on the previous occasion had been contrary
to the usual custom, as no Mohammedan or Hindoo women of high rank ever
exhibit themselves in public. The rajah appeared more than ever pleased
with them, and asked numerous questions, which they answered apparently
to his satisfaction.

"I must not let you Englishmen live so far off," he said at length. "I
should like to see you at all times of the day. You must come and live
in the palace, where rooms shall be prepared for you. I must have no
refusal. The matter is settled."

Burnett and Reginald expressed their gratitude at the favour shown them,
and said they gladly accepted his highness's offer. Before they left,
Khan Cochut overtook them; and though he contrived to conceal his
feelings, it was clear that he was more than ever jealous and annoyed at
the thought of their being about the person of his master. On returning
with their attendants and luggage, they found, as had been promised, a
handsome suite of rooms prepared for their reception. They quickly made
themselves at home, Burnett observing that they had fallen into pleasant
quarters. Before long, Khan Cochut came with a message from the r