d praiseworthy, inasmuch as he
had good grounds of complaint against the British Government.

With the ladies he was an especial favorite; he was always ready to show
them courtesy. His carriages were at their service. He was ready to
give his aid and assistance to every gathering. His private band played
frequently on the promenade, and handsome presents of shawls and jewelry
were often made to those whom he held in highest favor. At present he
was talking to General Wheeler and some other officers.

"I warn you that I mean to win the cup at the races," he said; "I have
just bought the horse that swept the board on the Bombay side; I have
set my heart on winning the cup, and so secured this horse. I am ready
to back it if any of you gentlemen are disposed to wager against it."

"All in good time, Rajah," one of the officers laughed; "we don't know
what will be entered against it yet, and we must wait to see what the
betting is, but I doubt whether we have anything that will beat the
Bombay crack on this side; I fancy you will have to lay odds on."

"We shall see," the Rajah said; "I have always been unlucky, but I mean
to win this time."

"I don't think you take your losses much to heart, Rajah," General
Wheeler said; "yet there is no doubt that your bets are generally
somewhat rash ones."

"I mean to make a coup this time. That is your word for a big thing,
I think. The Government has treated me so badly I must try to take
something out of the pockets of its officers."

"You do pretty well still," the General laughed; "after this splendid
entertainment you have given us this evening you can hardly call
yourself a poor man."

"I know I am rich. I have enough for my little pleasures--I do not know
that I could wish for more--still no one is ever quite content."

By this time the party was breaking up, and for the next half hour the
Rajah was occupied in bidding goodby to his guests. When the last had
gone he turned and entered the palace, passed through the great halls,
and, pushing aside a curtain, entered a small room. The walls and the
columns were of white marble, inlaid with arabesque work of colored
stones. Four golden lamps hung from the ceiling, the floor was covered
with costly carpets, and at one end ran a raised platform a foot in
height, piled with soft cushions. He took a turn or two up and down the
room, and then struck a silver bell. An attendant entered.

"Send Khoosheal and Imambux here."