h I would accept the word of honour of
a British officer in Scindia's service, I would not take that of a
Neapolitan. However, he said, and said truly, that it was incumbent
on him to return Scindia's visit; and that if he did not do so it
would be treated as a slight and insult, and would serve as a
pretext for open war against him; and that, as he could but muster
three or four thousand men, the city must yield without resistance.

"I believe that this is the work of Bajee Rao, and of Ghatgay--two
scoundrels, of whom I prefer Ghatgay who, although a ruffian, is at
least a fearless one, while Bajee Rao is a monster of deceit. I
know that there have, of late, been several interviews between him
and Ghatgay; and I have not the least doubt that the whole affair
has been arranged between them with the hope, on Bajee's part, of
getting rid of Nana; and on Ghatgay's, of removing a sturdy
opponent of his future son-in-law, and of acquiring a large
quantity of loot by the plunder of Nana's adherents.

"You did well to come here for, if the work of plunder is once
begun, there is no saying how far it will spread. I shall ride, at
once, to see the Peishwa, and request an explanation of what has
occurred. There is that trooper's dress still lying ready for you,
if you would like to put it on. There is a spare horse in my
stable."

"Thank you, sir; I should like it very much;" and, rapidly changing
his dress, he was ready by the time the horses were brought round.

He then took his place among the troopers of the escort, and rode
to Bajee Rao's country palace, which was some three miles from the
town.

After seeing everything in train, the Peishwa had left Scindia's
camp before Nana's arrival there; and had summoned a dozen of the
latter's adherents, under the pretence that he desired to see them
on a matter of business. Wholly unsuspicious of treachery, they
rode out at once; and each, on his arrival, was seized and thrown
into a place of confinement.

The Resident learned this from a retainer of one of these nobles.
He had made his escape when his master was seized, and was riding
to carry the news to the British official; whose influence, he
thought, might suffice to save the captives' lives.

On arriving at the palace four of the troopers were ordered to
dismount--Harry being one of those selected--and, on demanding to
see the Peishwa the Resident was, after some little delay, ushered
into the audience chamber, where