a large
square edifice, without any architectural adornments. Trees grew
everywhere in the streets and, in the distance, the town had the
appearance of a forest.

Harry was conducted to one of the largest brick houses in the town.
A host of sweepers had been at work, carpets were laid down, and
furniture placed in the principal rooms. He had no doubt that it
had been requisitioned from its owner by the rajah for him, and the
furniture supplied from the palace. The principal rooms were on the
upper floor, and there was ample accommodation for the escort
below.

Harry requested the officers to ascertain when the rajah would be
ready to receive a visit from him, and they returned with word that
he would receive him, in private audience, at eight o'clock that
evening. Accordingly at that hour, followed by four of his
troopers, he rode to the palace. A guard of honour was drawn up at
the entrance, and saluted as he passed in. The entrance hall and
staircase were lined by attendants, and all bowed profoundly as he
passed. He was conducted to a large audience chamber, where the
rajah, attended by his principal officers, was seated.

The conversation was of the usual ceremonial kind, the prince
expressing his satisfaction that the Governor General should have
sent one of his officers to confer with him, and assuring Harry of
his goodwill and friendship towards the English; while Harry, on
his part, expressed the strong desire of Lord Mornington that the
relations between him and the rajah should be continued unbroken,
and that nothing should ever occur to disturb their amity. The
presents sent by the Governor General were then brought in and
displayed, and appeared to give much satisfaction to the chief.

After the durbar was over, the latter told Harry that he would
receive him, privately, at ten o'clock next morning. On arriving at
that time, he was shown into the prince's private apartment, and
there explained to him the Governor General's desire that he should
join the confederacy between the Nizam and the English.

"I have no quarrel with Tippoo," the rajah said. "At present, none
can say how the affair will end. All say that the Peishwa has
agreed to assist Tippoo. He is a match, and more, for the Nizam;
while we know not whether the English company, or Tippoo, is the
strongest. Should I remain neutral, the Peishwa and Tippoo might
eat me up."

"That is true, Rajah; but you must remember that, in the last war,
t