ana had never been conspicuous for personal courage, though his
moral courage, and his ability to meet any storm were unbounded. He
was now an old man, and dreaded the shock of battle, when the
chances appeared to be so much against him. He could not depend
upon the support of Bajee, who had already shown himself willing to
side with the strongest, and to make terms for himself, without the
slightest regard for those who had befriended him.

"But if your excellency does not think of fighting, what course
will you pursue?"

"I shall leave the country, at once," he said. "If I stop here, I
know that Balloba, who is my personal enemy, will have me put to
death. I only need time to recover from this sudden misfortune, and
it would be madness for me to wait here, and to fall into the power
of my enemies.

"Purseram Bhow is greatly offended, because I will not allow him to
fight; but I, who have for so many years done my best to prevent
civil war in this country--a war which, however it ended, would
break up the Mahratta power--would not bring its horrors upon
Poona. It is against me that Balloba is marching and, if I retire,
bloodshed will be altogether averted.

"Will you accompany me, Puntojee?" he asked almost wistfully.

"Assuredly I will do so, sir; and I think that I can answer for
Sufder, who has, I know, a great regard for your excellency. As to
myself, I have little hope that I should escape unharmed, if
Balloba arrive here before I leave. He detected me, even in my
disguise in his camp; and I had a narrow escape, for a party of his
cavalry pursued me, and would probably have caught me had not
Sufder, with his band, met me, and defeated them with a loss of
half their number. You may be sure that Balloba will learn who was
in command, and Sufder's life would be no safer than my own.

"May I ask when your excellency is going to leave Poona?"

"Scouts were sent out yesterday, as soon as your letter was read
and, directly Scindia's army gets in motion, I shall receive news.
When I do, I shall leave. The horses will be saddled in readiness,
and I shall be at the edge of the Ghauts by the time Scindia
arrives here. You can tell Sufder to come, at once. He knows the
disposition of the captains of the various troops, and will be able
to tell me who can be depended upon."

Sufder was indeed outside the palace, having told Harry that he
would wait, until he had learned the result of his interview with
Nana. Harry b