ands, and also by the great preparations he was making to regain
territory that he had lost. But it cannot be to the interest of the
Company that the Nizam should use his increased power to be a
scourge to his neighbours; and I can promise you that any wanton
aggression, on his part, will be regarded with displeasure, and
probably lead to their interference in your behalf.

"Now, Rajah, I must remind you that I am here as your guest, and I
rely upon you to protect me. As I came through the streets, the
attitude of the Mahommedan soldiers was very threatening; and I
should not be surprised if they attempted to attack the house. I
need not say that any outrage upon the escort of a British agent
would be tremendously avenged; and that you would be more easily
forgiven, had you taken the part of Tippoo, than if you allow me
and my escort to be massacred."

"I will take immediate steps for your safety and, should any
attempt be made, I shall come with my household guards to your
assistance. A squadron of them shall ride back with you, now, to
prevent any insult being offered to you in the streets."

"I will relieve you of my presence, tonight," Harry said. "I do not
wish to be an object of strife between you and your people, and
will therefore take my farewell of you, at once. I shall have
pleasure in informing the Governor General of the steps that you
have taken to provide for my safety."

"And give him the assurance that my disposition is wholly friendly,
and that I rely on nothing so much as to secure his friendship, and
to remain on the most amicable terms with him."

Harry had no doubt that the assurance was given in earnest. The
fall of Seringapatam, and the death of Tippoo, had been a terrible
shock to the rajah; and even the fact that he had missed his
opportunity of allying himself with the English, was as nothing to
the thought of what would have happened had he declared for Tippoo.

The rajah at once gave orders for a squadron of his horse to mount,
and continued his conversation with Harry until they were ready in
the courtyard. Then, bidding adieu to the prince, the latter
mounted, and was escorted through the streets by the cavalry guard.

But although their presence prevented any attack being made on him,
the lower class groaned and yelled, and he had no doubt that, had
it not been for his escort, he would have been murdered on his way
back.

Directly he arrived he called the troopers to arms, and t