ort. You will make a
great soldier, and I hold you in honour for that, as I love you for a
brave, true gentleman--my friend."

"Then you would not wish me to degrade myself by becoming false to my
oaths--to see me, for the sake of promotion, turn from my duty to those
I have sworn to serve--see me become a renegade. You would never
believe in me or trust me again. No, rajah--no, Ny Deen--my friend; you
think so now, but by-and-by, in some time of danger, you would say, `No;
I cannot trust him. He has been false to his people--he will be false
to me.'"

"No," he said, looking at me earnestly, "I shall never doubt you, Gil,
and it is vain to resist. Every word you say, boy--every brave piece of
opposition makes me more determined. You are proving more and more how
worthy you are of the great honours I offer you. Come, you have fought
enough. You are conquered. Give up your English sword, and take the
tulwar I will place in your hands."

"No," I cried passionately. "I am the Company's officer."

"There is no Company," he cried. "You have fought to crush down a
conquered people; now fight to raise them up into a great nation; to
make me into one of the greatest kings who ever ruled in Hindustan. It
will be a great work."

"I cannot," I said passionately.

He turned a furious look upon me, and dashed away my hand.

"Ungrateful!" he cried fiercely.

"No," I retorted. "I must do my duty to my Queen."

"I tell you that you are mine now," he cried furiously. "You must obey
me. I am your maharajah and your king."

"No; you are the great chief who has made me his prisoner, sir. I am
English, and you will have to give account to my people for my life."

"Pish! Your life! What are you among so many? I tell you my purpose
is fixed. You are my officer, and--"

"You will have me killed?"

"Killed!--imprisoned till you grow wiser. I should not kill you yet."

"Very well," I said, trying to speak calmly; but a crowd of faces seemed
to come before my eyes, and I believe my voice shook.

"What?" he raged out.

"I said `Very well,'" I replied. "I am ready."

My words only drove away his anger; and he sat gazing at me for some
moments before bursting out into a merry laugh.

"My dear Gil!" he cried, rising and coming closer to plant his hands
upon my shoulders, giving me such pain that I felt faint, for one was
over my wound, "it is of no use to fight. I tell you that everything
you say makes you