ter for their own consciences, sir. They may be
rewards for services rendered, just as I did not hesitate to accept
the sum that you so generously bestowed upon me. It is not for me
to judge other men, but I cannot but think that the custom of
officials accepting presents is a bad one."

"Where can I find you," Nana said, changing the subject, "if I
should need to communicate with you, before you call again?"

Harry gave his address.

"Your messenger must enquire for Bhaskur, a trader from Ahmedabad,
who is lodging there."

He chatted for some time longer with Nana, and then took his leave
and returned to his lodging.

Chapter 7: An Act Of Treachery.

Some months passed quietly. Scindia more openly assumed supreme
power, imprisoned several leading men, and transferred their
jagheers to his own relations. Colonel Palmer had gone down to
Bombay on leave, his place being filled temporarily by Mr. Uhtoff.

Bajee was, as usual, playing a deep game. He desired to become
independent both of Scindia and Nana Furnuwees. The former, he
believed, must sooner or later return to his own dominions, and he
desired his aid to get rid of Nana; therefore it was against the
latter that his intrigues were, at present, directed. The minister
was still an object of affection to his people; who believed, as
before, in his goodness of character, and who put down every act of
oppression as being the work of Scindia.

Harry saw Nana frequently. There being no change in the position,
there was little talk of politics; and the minister generally
turned the conversation upon England, its power relatively to that
of France, the extent of its resources, the modes of life among the
population, and its methods of government.

"It all differs widely from ours," Nana said, after one of these
conversations, "and in most respects is better. The changes there
are made not by force, but by the will of the representatives of
the people, in their assembly. A minister defeated there retires at
once, and his chief opponent succeeds him. The army has no
determining voice in the conduct of affairs, but is wholly under
the orders of the minister who may happen to be in power. All this
seems strange to us but, undoubtedly, the system is far better for
the population. There is no bloodshed, no burning of villages, no
plundering, no confiscation of estates. It is a change in the
personnel of the government, but no change in the general course of
aff