that now worn by the French zouaves, and differing but
little from that of the Indian cavalry. In this, with the addition
of a long and warmly-lined cloak, Abdool professed his readiness to
encounter any degree of cold.

As soon as his own clothes had arrived, Harry went to Leadenhall
Street and, sending in his card, was shown into a large room, where
two or three of the governors of the Company were seated,
considering the reports that had been brought from India in the
ship in which Harry had arrived.

"Your name is familiar to us, Major Lindsay," the gentleman at the
head of the table said cordially. "You have been mentioned in
numerous despatches, and always in terms of the highest
commendation. First, by the Governor of Bombay; then by the Marquis
of Wellesley, for the manner in which you secured the neutrality of
Berar, during the Mysore war; then again, if I remember rightly,
for obtaining concessions for our occupation of the island of
Singapore, when we are in a position to undertake it. He also sent
us your report of that business, by which it appeared that you had
some extremely perilous adventures, entailed by your zeal to obtain
the Rajah of Johore's consent to the cession. Sir Arthur Wellesley
mentioned your name in his despatch after Assaye, and Lord Lake's
despatches make numerous mention of your service with him.
Altogether, I do not think that any officer has received such warm
and general commendation as you have done."

"Thank you, sir. I have always done my best, and been exceptionally
fortunate in being engaged in services that gave me an opportunity
of, in some degree, distinguishing myself."

"Pray sit down, Major. My colleagues and myself will be glad to
know a little more about you. When the Governor of Bombay informed
us that he most strongly recommended you for a commission, he
mentioned that you were a son of Major Lindsay who, with his wife,
was killed in the Concan, at the time of that most unfortunate and
ill-managed expedition to Poona. We had never heard of your
existence before. Had it been brought before our notice we should,
of course, have assigned a pension for your bringing up and
education."

Harry, at his request, gave a very brief outline of the manner in
which he had been saved by his nurse, who had taught him English,
and prepared him for entering the service when he came of age.

"I have returned to England," he said, "partly to find out, if
possible, any of my rela