know that it
matters not how much Nana Furnuwees will have to give. What I would
suggest is that you shall seize Ghatgay, and rid yourself of his
domination. He cannot but be as odious to you as he is to Bajee
Rao, and to the people."

Scindia sat for some time, in silence.

"Do I understand," he said, "that if I carry out these suggestions,
your comrades will be satisfied?"

"That I swear solemnly. I do not threaten Your Highness, for my
visit today is one of conciliation. You might, as soon as I leave
this tent, order me to be arrested. In that case I should use this
pistol against myself, and you would seek in vain for the names of
my eleven brethren; but your life would be forfeited--whether in
the midst of your guards or in your tent, whether you ride or walk.
You would be watched, and your servants would be bribed, and your
food poisoned. If the first man fails, he will blow out his brains,
and so will they all; but be assured that the vow will be kept and
that, whether by night or by day, you will never be safe."

"You are a bold man to speak so," Scindia said.

"I speak so, Your Highness, because I am perfectly ready to die for
the good of the country, and to secure for it peace and
contentment."

Scindia rose, and took two or three turns up and down the tent;
Harry keeping his pistol in his hand, in readiness to fire should
he attempt to slip away. At last, Scindia stopped before him.

"I agree to your conditions," he said, "and the more readily
because I shall, as you say, at once free myself from difficulties,
and avenge myself on Bajee Rao; who is, I know, in spite of his
professions of friendship, constantly plotting against me. Tomorrow
at daybreak an officer shall ride, with a troop of cavalry, and
shall bring Nana here."

"You have chosen wisely, Prince. It is, believe me, your only way
of escaping from your present difficulties. I know that, already,
your soldiery are becoming mutinous at being thus kept, for months,
away from their country, and receiving no pay. That feeling will
grow rapidly, unless their demands are conceded. As to Ghatgay, the
soldiers hold him in abhorrence, and his arrest and downfall would
cause the most lively satisfaction among them. Your men are
soldiers and not assassins, and the tortures and executions that
daily take place fill them with horror; so that your order for his
arrest will be executed with joy.

"Now, Your Highness, I will leave you. I believe that y