f, whether to renew your connection with Nana Furnuwees. It
appears to me that he is the only honest man in the Deccan, and the
only man who takes the patriotic view that there should be peace
and rest throughout the country. He is, however, no more willing
than others that we should, in any way, interfere in the affairs of
the Deccan."

"That certainly is so, sir; but I know that it is his most earnest
desire to possess the friendship of the authorities of Bombay. He
has frequently told me that he is a great admirer of the English,
of their methods of government, and of the straightforwardness and
sincerity with which they conduct their business. But he is afraid
of them. He sees that, where they once make an advance, they never
retire; and is convinced that, if they obtained a footing above the
Ghauts, there would be no turning them out, and that their
influence would be supreme."

"Very well, Mr. Lindsay; you showed such discretion and judgment,
during your residence at Poona, that I am well content to leave the
matter in your hands. The appointment as assistant to Colonel
Palmer will carry with it a civil allowance of three hundred rupees
a month. Of course, all necessary expenses will be paid and, should
you find it expedient to use a certain amount of bribery, to obtain
the news we require in other quarters besides that of the minister,
you will refer the matter to the Resident.

"You will, of course, give your reports to Colonel Palmer, and will
be under his orders, generally. He will be requested to further
your special mission in every way in his power."

"When shall I start, sir?"

"As soon as you like, Mr. Lindsay."

"I shall be ready, sir, as soon as the clothes are made for me. I
must have one or two disguises, of various kinds, to use as most
desirable. Some of these I can, no doubt, buy ready made--perhaps
all of them. If so, I will start at daylight, tomorrow."

"Very well, Mr. Lindsay. I shall be sending up a despatch to
Colonel Palmer, and it will be left at your tent, this evening."

On leaving the Government House, Harry went to see Soyera. Scarcely
a day had passed, since he came to Bombay, without his paying her a
visit.

"I am off again to Poona," he said. "I do not know how long I shall
be away. It must depend upon what is going on up there. Of course,
I should be glad to have you with me; but that would hamper my
movements. I shall, naturally, see Sufder as soon as I get there."

"