thought that out, sir; but I have no doubt that I
shall, in some way, be able to manage it, and intend to act upon
his fears as well as upon his avarice."

"But you say that Ghatgay is all powerful, and he would never
permit an interview to take place between a stranger and Scindia."

"From what I hear, sir, Scindia is becoming jealous of Ghatgay's
power, and disgusted both by his imperious manner and by his
atrocities in Poona--against which he has several times protested,
but in vain. If I am to obtain an audience with Scindia, it must be
a secret one."

"But there will surely be great danger in such a step?"

"Doubtless it will not be without danger," Harry said, "but that I
must risk. I have not yet determined upon my plan, as it would have
been useless to think of that, until I had seen you but, as that
has been managed so easily, I fancy that I shall have no great
difficulty in getting at him. Once I do so, I feel certain that I
shall be able to convince him that his best policy is to free you,
and place you in your old position as the Peishwa's minister as, in
that case, you would be a check upon Bajee Rao, and would be able
to prevent him from entering into alliances hostile to Scindia."

"Well, Mr. Lindsay, you have given me such proofs, both of your
intelligence and courage, that I feel sure that, if anyone can
carry this through, you will be able to do so; and I need hardly
say how deeply grateful I shall be, to you, for rescuing me from an
imprisonment which seemed likely to terminate only with my life."

"And now I had better go, sir," Harry said. "It is as well that our
conference should not be too long a one."

"Well, goodbye, Mr. Lindsay! Even if nothing comes of all this, it
will be pleasant for me to know that, at least, I have one faithful
friend who was true to me, in my deepest adversity."

Harry went to the door, and knocked. It was immediately opened by
the officer who had conducted him there, and who had taken up his
post a short distance from the door. He led Harry back to the
governor, who pressed him to stay with him; but he replied that his
orders were to return to Poona, instantly.

After this interview, he went direct to the tavern where the
soldiers had put up, ate a hasty meal, and then mounted and rode
out of the town. When ten miles away, he halted in a grove for some
hours, and then rode on to Poona. Arrived within a mile of the
town, he paid each of the men the amount prom