fder's camp, and gave him an account of his interview with the
Resident.

"That is satisfactory, indeed, Puntojee. It shows the wisdom of the
step you took. Now, as to our affairs here, I have mentioned the
names of five captains of troops; all of whom can, I think, be
relied upon. However, I am now going out to see them, and have only
been waiting for your return. Six hundred men is but a small body;
but it is a beginning, and I have no doubt that others will join
Nana, later on. But I am not sufficiently sure of their sentiments
to open the matter to them, and it is essential that no suspicion
of Nana's intention to leave the town should get about. There might
be a riot in the city and, possibly, some of the captains, who have
not received the promotion which they regard as their due, might
try to gain Scindia's favour by arresting him."

On the following day a messenger arrived from Nana, requesting
Sufder to place himself with his troop, and such other captains as
he could rely upon, on the road a mile west of Poona. He himself
would leave the town quietly, with a small body of his friends, and
join them there. Sufder at once sent off five of his men, with
orders to the captains whom he had seen on the previous afternoon
and, within an hour, six hundred men were gathered at the point
indicated. Half an hour later a party of horsemen were seen coming
along, and Furnuwees soon rode up, accompanied by several of his
strongest adherents.

The officers were gathered at the head of their troops. Nana,
drawing rein, said to them:

"Thanks for your fidelity. I shall not forget it; and hope, when
the time comes, to reward it as it deserves."

He motioned to Harry to join him.

"Scindia's army was to march this morning," he said, "and his
horsemen will be here by tomorrow evening, at latest."

They rode to Satara, where Nana had arranged to stop until he
received news, from Purseram Bhow, as to the course of events at
Poona; and two days later a messenger rode in, with news that
Scindia had arrived near Poona, and had had a friendly interview
with Bajee Rao. Balloba had seen Purseram, and had pretended great
friendship for him; but the old soldier was by no means deceived by
his protestations.

"If we had only to do with Scindia," Nana said, "matters could be
easily arranged; but the young rajah is only a puppet in his
minister's hands."

Several days passed, and then another letter came from Purseram. It
said t