he English showed that they were much stronger than Tippoo; and he
was glad to make peace with them, by giving up nearly half his
territories. We are much stronger now. Ships arrive each day with
more and more troops and, believe me, Tippoo will assuredly be
unable to stand against the English power, even if he were backed
up by the whole strength of Poona.

"Of course, we know that messages have been sent to you by Tippoo,
and that he has promised you a large slice of the Nizam's
dominions, if you will invade them, and so prevent him from aiding
the English."

Harry saw, by the change in the prince's countenance, that he was
surprised to find that his negotiations with Tippoo were known to
the English Government. He replied, however:

"It is true that Tippoo has sent to me, but I have given him no
answer. The matter is too important to be settled in a hurry.
Certainly, Tippoo's offers were very advantageous."

"I can understand that they were tempting, Rajah; yet they entailed
a war against the English and the Nizam, when they had finished
with Tippoo. Instead of gaining territory, you would find that much
of yours would be lost.

"But undoubtedly, were you to join us, the Governor General would
show that he was not unthankful for the service, and your
assistance would be handsomely recompensed."

"What does the Governor General offer?"

"He is desirous of knowing what your own views are, Rajah; and he
will assuredly meet them, if possible."

"I have not thought of it, yet," the prince said. "I must talk the
matter over with my councillors. We are good friends with the
Peishwa, also with the Nizam, and with Tippoo. We know that the
English are a great people; but we have had nothing to do with
them, save that complimentary messages have been exchanged.
Therefore it is not a matter upon which one can come to any hasty
decision."

"The Governor General would wish you to think the matter over well,
before deciding, Rajah; and indeed, there is no occasion for undue
haste, seeing that the English army is still lying near Madras, and
is not yet ready to advance. Therefore I will leave the matter for
the present; believing that, in your wisdom, you will be able to
see how matters are likely to go; and whether the English Company,
or Tippoo, are likely to be your best friends."

It was nearly a fortnight before Harry heard again from the rajah.
The latter had returned his visit, and sent over presents of
sweetme