aid Sir Charles. "But I am
trying the _suaviter in modo_, while you want to practise--"

"Yes, I know," said the Major; "the good old way: the _forti_--what's
its name?--What is it, Archie?"

"I forget, sir. _Fortiter_ something."

"Can't you combine the two?" said the Major. "Let them see something of
our strength, Dallas. They certainly are getting more impudent and
independent. Now, there's the question of our rations and supplies.
The simple country-people are all right, and are glad to bring in all we
want, and quite content with what we pay. But this Suleiman's people
interfere with them and frighten them; and it's a bad sign, Dallas.
What do you say to my arresting one of the most interfering of the
Rajah's men and letting my fellow's give him a good flogging?"

"For goodness' sake don't dream of such a thing!"

"Then matters will go from bad to worse. You are too easy."

"And you are too hard, Major."

"All right; you are one side and I am the other.--Here, Maine, you are a
very stupid boy sometimes."

"Yes, sir," said Archie dryly.

"What's that? Now, that's a sneer, sir; but let it pass. I was going
to say, sir, you have got your head screwed on right, and sharp boys can
see what's best sometimes. Now, speak out. I don't know why this
discussion has been going on before you, but you have been taking it all
in ever since we have been talking. Now then, speak out. Who's right--
Sir Charles or I?"

"Oh, nonsense!" said Sir Charles. "I protest! You are his commanding
officer, and he is bound to vote for you."

"He'd better not," cried the Major, with his grey moustache seeming to
bristle. "If he doesn't speak out honestly what he feels I will never
forgive him.--Now, Archie, who's right--your father's old schoolfellow
or the Resident?"

"Both, sir," said the lad sharply.

"What!" roared the Major. "You are hedging, sir, and I didn't expect it
from you. I wanted you to say exactly what you felt."

"Well, I am going to, sir; only you cut me off so short. I think you
are both right, and both wrong."

"Well, don't you call that hedging, sir?" cried the Major, looking
hotter than ever.

"No, sir. I think Sir Charles gives way too much to these people, these
proud followers of the Rajah; but I think it would be disastrous and
unfair if you tried force."

"Humph!" grunted the Major; and the Resident frowned.

"Well, sir," said the Major, "have you any more to say?"

"Yes," rep