ter had directed Ahubal
to lament the small salaries which the army were allowed: this was a
subject all agreed in, and soon led to more lucrative offers, if they
would embrace the cause of Ahubal. The officers, who were, for the
most part, soldiers for the sake of pay and plunder, rather than duty
and honour, soon came into the sham merchant's proposal; and in ten
days Ahubal found himself in a condition to recover the province of
Orixa.

The young Prince, fired with his success, was about to discover
himself; but the enchanter checked his ardour, and besought him to
consider how many more provinces must be gained before he could make
head against his brother. The advice of Ollomand prevailed with the
Prince; and they sent some of those officers who were strongest in
their interest into the different provinces of the south to corrupt
the minds of the commanders.

As there was no want of money and bribery, so an easier conquest was
made over the loyalty of the troops than could have been made over
their prowess by the sword.

In a few moons all the southern provinces were ripe for a revolt, and
the troops who were sent to overawe them were most desirous of
opening the campaign against their Sultan. Two hundred French
engineers were also invited, by large rewards, to join the armies of
Ahubal; and the troops were supplied by the vigilance of the enchanter
Ollomand.

On a fixed day all the armies of the provinces were in motion, and all
unfurled the standard of Ahubal; the provinces were invited to rebel,
and thousands were daily added to the troops of the Prince. Tidings of
these alterations were sent to Delhi by the few friends of the Sultan
who remained in those parts, and Horam the Vizier laid before his
master the dreadful news of a general revolt both of his troops and
provinces in the south.

"The enemies of Misnar," said the Sultan, as the Vizier Horam ended
his report, "are many, and one only is his friend!"

Horam bowed low at his master's words.

"Faithful Horam," said the Sultan, "I honour and esteem thee; but
think not I prefer my Vizier to my God: no, Horam, Allah alone is the
friend of Misnar; a friend more mighty than the armies of Ahubal, or
the sorceries of the enchanters."

Misnar then assembled his troops; and putting himself at their head,
he marched by easy stages towards the southern frontiers of his
dominions.

The armies of Ahubal continued to increase, and Cambaya acknowledged
him f