e able to withstand
him. In that case he, as our ally, would share in our misfortunes.
His territories would be ravaged; and he himself killed or taken
back, as a prisoner, to the Deccan. He was probably hesitating,
when the news came of Monson's disastrous retreat. This doubtless
confirmed his opinion of Holkar's invincibility; and he determined,
as the only way of saving himself, to declare for him."

The attendant now entered, with four men bearing cushions for the
divans and carpets for the floor, large ewers and basins, with
soft, embroidered towels, and a pile of rugs for beds. After he had
retired, Harry went to the window and looked out. Below was the
courtyard, and the room was on the first story.

"Well, if we are to be prisoners, Abdool, we could hardly wish to
be better suited. A fortnight's rest will do us no harm, for we
have been riding hard almost ever since we left Agra with Monson's
force."

"It is well, sahib, that you were with us when we were captured.
Had we been alone, we should have had no mercy. It is because the
rajah regards you as such a valuable prisoner that we have been
spared.

"If you had not given your promise, I think we might have made our
escape."

"We might have done so, Abdool; but if I had not given my promise,
you may be sure that we should not have been lodged so comfortably."

Chapter 19: Bhurtpoor.

Half an hour later the attendant entered with two servants,
carrying a large tray with a variety of dishes. After they had
eaten the meal, Harry proposed that they should go up to the top of
one of the central towers of the palace, to obtain a general view
of the country.

"It would be better to do that than to venture down into the
courtyard, at present, Abdool. The sight of our uniforms might give
offence, as it would not be understood that we have the rajah's
permission to move about the palace. We must wait till the man
comes in with the tray. It is possible that he may understand
enough Mahratti to make out what we want, and will show us the way
up.

"It would never do for us to try to ascend alone. We might
accidentally open the door of the rajah's zenana, and then I doubt
if even his desire to hold me as a hostage would suffice to save
our lives."

The attendant understood enough of Mahratti to make out their
request, and offered at once to accompany them. They ascended
numerous staircases until, at last, they reached the flat roof of
the palace; above w