that I can depend upon you."

"You can certainly depend upon me, sahib. You have been a kind
master, and I would do anything for you."

"What part of the country do you come from, Abdool?"

"From Rajapoor, in the Concan, sahib. I had no fancy for working in
the fields, so I left and took service with the Company. I have
never regretted it. I have been a great deal better off than if I
had enlisted in the army of one of the great chiefs. The pay is
higher, and we are very much better treated."

"Well, Abdool, when this business which I am now starting on is
over, I shall recommend you for promotion and, in any case, will
make you a present of three months' pay."

The next morning they started at daybreak. When a few miles out of
town, they took off their uniforms; and Harry put on the dress of a
trader. There was no occasion for any disguise for Abdool who, like
all the native troops, was accustomed, after drill was over for the
day, to put on native garments. The uniforms were then folded up,
and stowed in the wallets behind the saddles.

They had brought with them a good supply of grain for their horses,
and provisions for themselves; so that they might not have to stop
at any village. They rode at a steady pace, and mounted the Ghauts
by eleven o'clock. Then they waited three hours, to feed and rest
the animals and, just as the sun was setting, entered Poona, having
accomplished a journey of fifty miles. Knowing the place so well,
Harry rode to a quiet street near the bazaar and, seeing an old man
at one of the doors, asked him if he knew of anyone who could
afford accommodation for him and his servant.

"I can do that, myself," the man said. "I am alone in the house.
Two merchants who have been staying here left me, yesterday; and I
can let you have all the house, except one room for myself."

"You have no stables, I suppose?"

"No, sahib, but there is an outhouse which would hold the two
horses."

[Illustration: There was a little haggling over the terms.]

There was a little haggling over the terms; for it would have been
altogether contrary, to Indian usages, to have agreed to any price
without demur. Finally the matter was arranged, at a price halfway
between that which the man demanded, and that offered by Harry and,
in a short time, they were settled in the two rooms of the second
floor. Harry then went out and bought two thick quilted cushions,
used as mattresses, and two native blankets.

The