rd of
honor was drawn up. Passing through these, they entered a shady
courtyard, on one side of which was a stone pavilion. The flat ceiling
was supported by massive columns, closely covered with intricate
sculpture. The roof was arabesqued with deeply cut patterns, picked
out in bright colours. A fountain played in the middle.

On the farther side the floor, which was of marble, was raised; and
two steps led to a wide recess, with windows of lattice stonework,
giving a view over the town and valley below. In this recess were
piles of cushions and carpets, and here reclined the rajah, a spare
and active-looking man, of some forty years old. He rose, as Charlie
approached, the soldiers and Sepoys remaining beyond the limits of the
pavilion.

"Welcome, brave Nadir Ali," he said courteously; "my heart is glad,
indeed, at the presence of one whose wisdom is said to be far beyond
his years, and who has learned the arts of war of the infidels from
beyond the seas."

Then, inviting Charlie to take a seat on the divan with him, he
questioned him as to his journey, and the events which were taking
place in the plains; until the attendants, having handed round
refreshments, retired at his signal.

"I am glad to see you, Sahib," he said, when they were alone; "though,
in truth, I looked for one older than yourself. The great English
governor of Madras tells me, however, in a letter which I received
four days since, that you are skilled in war; that you fought by the
side of that great Captain Clive at Arcot, Arni, Kavaripak, and at
Trichinopoli; and that the great warrior, himself, chose you to come
to me. Therefore, I doubt neither your valour nor your prudence, and
put myself in your hands, wholly.

"The governor has already told you, doubtless, of the position in
which I am placed here."

"Governor Saunders explained the whole position to me," Charlie said.
"You are, at present, menaced on all sides by powerful neighbours. You
believe that the fortunes of the English are on the increase; and as
you think the time may come, ere long, when they will turn the French
out of the Deccan, and become masters there, as they have already
become masters in the Carnatic, you wish to fight by their side, and
share their fortunes. In the meantime, you desire to be able to defend
yourself against your neighbours; for, at present, the English are too
far away to assist you.

"To enable you to do this, I have been sent to drill and di