r no. These Indian princes are adepts in the art of prolonging
a negotiation. If you see that he has any disposition to do so, say
at once that I have told you that the terms I offer are final, and
must be accepted or rejected."

"Very well, sir. I hope to return with the answer tomorrow, early."

And, followed by his escort, Harry rode for the city. The rajah's
guard mounted, as soon as they saw him coming, and escorted him to
the palace. The street leading to it was now thronged with people,
and it was evident to Harry that, among the great majority, there
was a feeling of hope that he was the bearer of acceptable terms;
for among the poorer class the pressure of want was already severe.

Chapter 20: Home.

Harry, on arriving at the palace, at once went to the rajah's room.

"Well, sahib, what terms does your general offer me?"

"Terms which I think, sir, you will have no hesitation in
accepting. Here is a draft of the treaty that he proposes."

The rajah glanced at the document, which was written in English and
in Mahratti, for none of the general's staff understood the Jat
language. Harry saw, at once, that the terms were far less onerous
than the rajah had expected; for his face brightened, and the air
of despondency that it had for some days expressed passed away.

"It is better than I had looked for," he said. "As a rule, the
English have not been merciful to those they have subdued. That the
territory they gave me would be taken away was a matter of course.
The sum to be paid is heavy but, as they have given me time, I can
manage to collect it without much difficulty. This is all that is
demanded; and that they should hold Deeg and my son as a hostage,
until the money is paid, is fair and just."

"I thought that the conditions would meet with your acceptance,
Rajah; and I may say that your kindly treatment of myself and my
escort has gone some way in mitigating the terms that would
otherwise have been demanded. But the general said that you must
understand that he can make no further diminution of his demands;
and that tomorrow he expects an answer, yes or no."

"I reply yes, at once, Major Lindsay. A load has been lifted from
my mind. I shall still have my liberty, my capital, and my people;
and am grateful, indeed, for the clemency that has been shown me. I
had relied somewhat upon your good offices; but had small hopes
that, after what has taken place, I should be offered such terms."

The