ntly, that the danger was passed, and that
Hossein would recover.

In the meantime, the investigations of the rajah had brought to light
the details of the conspiracy. The wounded men had confessed that they
were employed by three of the principal persons at the rajah's court,
one of them being the rajah's brother. The information, however, was
scarcely needed; as it was found, in the morning, that their
apartments were empty; they having fled with the men who had attacked
the gates of the palace. These consisted partly of soldiers whom they
had bribed, and of desperadoes from the town, who had singly entered
the fort during the day, and had been concealed in the apartments of
the conspirators, until the signal for attack was given.

The intention of the conspirators was not only to kill the Englishman,
but to dethrone the rajah, and install his brother in his place. The
attack had commenced with the attempt upon Charlie's life, because it
was believed that his death would paralyse the troops who were
faithful to the rajah.

At the end of six weeks, Charlie was able to resume his duties, and
his appearance at the parade ground was hailed with enthusiastic
shouts by the soldiers. The rajah was more attached to him than ever,
and had again made him large presents, in token of the regret he felt
at the sufferings he had endured in his cause.

Drilling was now carried on with redoubled energy, and large numbers
of new levies had been summoned to the standard. A storm was gathering
over Ambur. The rajah's brother was raising a force to attack him, and
had, by means of large promises in case of success, persuaded Murari
Reo to take up his cause; and he had, it was said, also sent messages
to the nizam, pointing out that, in case of war with the English, the
Rajah of Ambur would be a thorn in his side. He told of the numbers of
troops who had been drilled, and how formidable such a force would be,
if opposed to him at a critical moment; while if he, the claimant,
gained power, the army of Ambur would be at the disposal of the nizam.

The rajah, on his side, had also sent messengers to Hyderabad, with
assurances to the nizam of his fidelity and friendship. He urged that
the preparations he had made were intended solely for the defence of
his state, against marauding bands of Mahrattas, and especially
against those of Murari Reo, who was a scourge to all his neighbours.

In the meantime, every effort was made to strengthen