dversary.

But Akbar would none of that. Whether, watching real wrestling, he had
noticed the method of attack he employed, or whether Roy had taught him,
or whether he got it out of his own head, does not matter; but the
little fellow rushed forward furiously and charging like a butting ram,
caught his cousin full in the stomach, then making a snatch at his ankle
tripped him up. So there in a second was Yakoob on his back, and Akbar,
breathless but triumphant, on top of him.

"Now _you've_ tumbled down," remarked the Heir-to-Empire suavely, as,
astride his cousin's prostrate body, he paused for breath ere getting
up.

Of course, some people said it wasn't fair; but others admitted that
though not the _polite_ style of wrestling, such a method was strictly
within the rules. All, however, admired the big, bold, strong little
Heir-to-Empire; all but his aunt and uncle; and the former bid
Head-nurse take away her young savage at once, while the latter's crafty
face, uneasy before, settled into a scowl.

But Head-nurse could hardly contain her joy, even when Foster-father
shook his wise old head and said he would not have had it happen for all
the wealth of the world, for of late, if he were not much mistaken,
things had been shaping ill for his young master, and that very morning
a secret messenger had come in from Kabul. What it might portend who
could say; but it was bad fortune the child should lose favour at Court
to such slight purpose.

"Slight, indeed!" sniffed Head-nurse. "Is it not something to have shown
that woman that her brat cannot stand up before true Kingship?"

"I would it were so, woman," replied Foster-father, "but a child under
three with but two old men and two boys for protection cannot show much
fight."

Head-nurse tossed her head. "So we women are not to count--" she began;
but Baby Akbar had been listening seriously and now put in with his deep
childish voice, and a wise little shake of the head:

"And there's Tumbu and Down, too; they can bite and scratch beautifully
for me when they like."

Whereupon Foster-mother caught him up, and wept, and swore that Heaven
must and would protect such a heart's darling.

Perhaps it was this conversation which put the idea of getting help into
the children's heads, but after a time it was evident they had some plan
between them, for after watching the women light hundreds of little
lamps, and set out a quantity of tiny platters full of sweets, they