es," said Howrah shifting in his seat uneasily.

"Is there anything else?"

"One other thing. I am outmaneuvered, and I have surrendered with the
best grace possible. That agreement stands in my name, and no other
man's?"

"Certainly."

"The priests of Siva are not parties to it?"

"I've had nothing whatever to do with them," said Cunningham.

"That is all, then, sahib. I am satisfied."

"While we're about it, Maharajah-sahib, let's scotch those priests
altogether! McClean-sahib has told me that suttee has been practised
here as a regular thing. That's got to stop, and we may as well stop it
now. Of course, I shall keep my word about the treasure, and you'll get
it back if you live up to the bargain you have made; but my government
will know now where it is, and they'll be likely to impose a quite
considerable fine on you when the rebellion's over unless this suttee's
put an end to. Besides, you couldn't think of a better way of scoring
off the priests than by enforcing the law and abolishing the practice.
Think that over, Maharajah-sahib."

Howrah swore into his beard, as any ruling potentate might well do at
being dictated to by a boy of twenty-two.

"I will do my best, sahib," he answered. "I am with the British--not
against them."

"Good for you!--er, I mean, that's right!" He turned to Alwa, and looked
straight into his eyes. "Are you satisfied with the guarantee?" he
asked.

"Sahib, I am more than satisfied!"

"Good! Oh, and--Maharajah-sahib--since we've fought your battle for
you--and lost a few men--and are going to guard your treasure for you,
and be your friends, and all that kind of thing--don't you think you'd
like to do something for us--not much, but just a little thing?"

"I am in your power. You have but to command."

"Oh, no. I don't want to force anything. We're friends--talking as
friends. I ask a favor."

"It is granted, sahib."

"A horse or two, that's all."

"How many horses, sahib?"

"Oh, not more than one each."

The Maharajah pulled a wry face, but bowed assent. It would empty
his stables very nearly, but he knew when he could not help himself.
Mahommed Gunga clapped a hand to his mouth and left the vault hurriedly.

"You understand this is not a demand, Maharajah-sahib. I take it that
you offer me these horses as an act of royal courtesy and as additional
proof of friendliness?"

"Surely, sahib."

"My men will be very grateful to you. This will enable them to reach