weapon, he smiled, and drew it nearly from the sheath, when I could see
the beautifully damascened and inlaid blade, upon which there was an
inscription in Sanscrit characters.

"There is no better nor truer steel," he said, turning it over, so that
I could see the other side of the blade. "Get strength back in your
arm, and you could kill an enemy with that at a blow. You like it?"

"It is magnificent."

He quickly unfastened the splendid belt, twisted it round the weapon,
and held it to me.

"It is yours, then," he said. "You are weak from your wound, but you
are still a soldier at heart. I give it gladly to my dear friend."

"No, no," I cried excitedly, surprised now at the strength of my voice,
as startled by the richness of the gift, and ashamed that he should
think I wanted it, I thrust it back, and he frowned.

"You refuse it?" he said. "Is it not enough?"

"You do not understand me," I said. "I could not take such a rich
present."

"Not from your friend?" he cried, interrupting me.

"Well, yes, if he had thought of giving it to me," I said; "but you
fancied I wanted it, and I did not. It was not that; it was something
else."

"Ah," he cried eagerly, "something else. Well, ask. I am very rich; I
am a prince now, not your brother-officer's syce. Tell me, and it is
yours."

I was silent, and after a few moments' thought, he continued--

"I know; it is my horse. Well, I love him, but I give him gladly. He
is yours. Get well quickly, and you shall ride."

"No, no, rajah," I cried, unable to repress a feeling of emotion at his
generosity, which was indeed princely; "indeed it was not that."

He looked at me gently, and said slowly--

"Name what you wish;" and he passed his hand over the great emeralds and
diamonds sparkling about his throat, breast, and turban.

I involuntarily followed his hand as it played about the gems, conscious
the while that, in spite of his gentle smile, he was watching me very
keenly.

"Is it any or all of these?" he said. "I will give them freely to my
friend."

"No," I cried eagerly; "it is something greater to me than all you have
offered."

"And what is that?" he said, with his eyes half-closed.

"Give me my liberty, and let me go to my friends."

He took my extended hand and held it, as he said softly--

"I have been told that some of you English are great and good. Men who
cannot be tempted by riches; who would not take from another any gift